What this tool is for

Being taken to a police station, or asked to come in for questioning, can leave you feeling stunned and unsure what you are allowed to ask for. This tool sets out your rights in a way that is easy to follow, so you know where you stand before, during, and after time in police custody.

It covers the basics most people want answers to: whether you have to answer questions, how to get a solicitor (including a free duty solicitor), how long the police can hold you without charge, and what your options are if you are released under investigation or on bail.

Who it is for

Use it if you have just been arrested and want to understand what is about to happen, or if you have been released and are trying to work out what the next steps mean. It is also for parents, partners, and friends trying to help someone who has been taken in, and for anyone who has been asked to attend a voluntary interview and is not sure whether to go alone.

It is written for England and Wales. The rules in Scotland and Northern Ireland are different in places, so if your situation is there, treat the guidance as general background rather than specific advice.

How it works

You answer a few short questions about the situation, for example whether the person has been arrested or asked in voluntarily, what they have been told about the allegation, and where things currently stand. You then get a plain English summary of the relevant rights and what usually happens next, along with pointers on when to push for a solicitor and what to do if something does not seem right. Your answers are not saved, and nothing you enter is shared with the police or anyone else. This is general information to help you understand the process, not a substitute for advice from a solicitor about your specific case.