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What To Do If You Are Arrested
- Do not struggle with, or swear at, the police – even if the police made a mistake
- Give the police your name and address – otherwise keep quiet. You must also show your identity book if they ask for it. Do not discuss your case with anyone and do not sign any statements about your case. If the police officers insist that you sign a statement, ask them to let you read it, if it is written in a different language, ask them to interpret it for you. Ask them for a copy of the statement.
- As soon as possible after you arrive at the police station, say that you would like to see an attorney. If you do not know an attorney, then ask to see your family. Ask them to get you an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, ask your family to apply for legal aid for you. (See: Applying for legal aid)
- If you are released on police bail, ask for your bail receipt and find out when you are due in court. Never be late for, or miss, a court hearing. If you do not arrive in time, a warrant for your arrest may be issued. You may also lose your bail money if you do not go to court on the day of the court hearing.
- Do not talk about your case to anyone except your attorney – if you have one. Ask for your attorney to be present if you are questioned or told to attend an identity parade. An identity parade is when you and some other people are called to parade in front of a witness, who is asked to identify the person who committed the crime against them.
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