The Key Rule
Stay silent. Ask for a solicitor. Don't sign anything. The duty solicitor is free 24/7, available to anyone regardless of immigration status.
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Stop and Search — stopped on the street
Your rights during a search
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- Police can stop and search you if they have "reasonable grounds"
- The officer MUST give: their name, station, and reason for the search
- You can ask: "What is the reason for the search?"
- Note the officer's number (collar number / shoulder number)
- You can refuse a strip search on the street — ask for it to be done at the station
- Do not resist physically — this is a separate offence
- Afterwards — request a receipt of search
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You have been arrested
Stay silent. "No comment". Ask for a solicitor.
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- Rule #1: stay silent. Do not explain, do not justify, do not tell your story
- Say ONLY: "I want a solicitor" and "No comment" to ALL questions
- Duty solicitor is free 24/7. Available to anyone regardless of status
- They must inform you of the reason for arrest
- You have the right to one phone call
- You have the right to an interpreter — say "I need an interpreter"
- Do NOT sign anything until you have spoken with a solicitor
- Police can hold you for up to 24 hours (36 for serious offences)
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You have been charged
A charge is not a conviction. There is defence available.
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- Don't panic. A charge is not a conviction
- The duty solicitor is free EVEN for undocumented people
- At court — apply for Legal Aid (free legal representation at court)
- Magistrates' Court (minor cases) or Crown Court (serious cases)
- Bail (released until trial) — your solicitor will request it
- If bail is refused — your solicitor can appeal
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False accusation
Do not contact the accuser. Everything through your solicitor.
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- Do NOT contact the accuser — everything through your solicitor
- Gather evidence: messages, screenshots, witnesses
- Ask your solicitor to request CCTV (cameras store footage for 30 days)
- False accusation is a serious offence — the accuser can be prosecuted
- If the accusation is linked to your asylum case — tell your immigration lawyer
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Immigration status and the police
Victims are helped regardless of status
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- During a routine stop the police are NOT required to check your visa
- However: if they find you have no legal status — they MAY refer you to the Home Office
- This does NOT mean "don't call the police". Crime victims are helped regardless of status
- If you are a victim — the police have a duty to help you, not to punish you
- If referred to the Home Office — immediately ask for an immigration solicitor