ABV Solicitors
When you are arrested by the police, you will likely be a little
bit concerned, especially if you have been arrested on
charges related to serious criminal activity, such as burglary,
assault or manslaughter. While the police are legally obligated
to advise you about your situation and how long you will be
held, you may need a bit of a more thorough guide, such as
one that a criminal solicitor can offer you.
Remember, the following guide will differ slightly depending on
what you are arrested for and, of course, is only applicable to
police stations within the United Kingdom.
When you are arrested for a criminal act, the first thing that
you need to do is contact a criminal solicitor to come to the
station and advise you. The police can legally hold you for up
to 24 hours before they are required to charge you with a
criminal act or release you.
If you are being held or arrested due to more serious actions,
such as terrorism, you can be held without a charge for up to
14 days at the police station's discretion. Similarly, a police
station can hold you for up to 36 or 96 hours if you have been
arrested and are suspected of committing a serious crime
such as murder.
Initial detainment at the police station
You may have heard of the phrase “released on bail”, and this
is, in essence, when the police release you because they do
not have enough evidence to charge you at that time. Unlike in
the movies, you don't have to pay to be released on bail, but
you will have to return to the station for questioning and
interviews when you are asked.
Conditional bail usually applies if the police charge you and
have concerns that you may intimidate any witnesses, fail to
attend court, commit another criminal act or obstruct their
investigations. So, in this instance, your freedom will be
restricted, and you may have a curfew imposed on you via a
tag on your ankle. Any criminal solicitor will state that you
need to comply with the conditions of conditional bail if you do
not want to be arrested.
Released on bail
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