What Happens After Arrest
What happens after arrest can directly affect the outcome of your case. You will be taken into custody, interviewed, and a decision will be made about what happens next. What you say, and how you handle this stage, matters.
You are entitled to legal advice before answering any questions. Use it.
Get Immediate HelpWhat happens after arrest
You are taken into custody and booked in at the police station. Your details are recorded, and you may be held in a custody cell while police investigate the allegation.
You may be held while police investigate. Police can hold you for up to 24 hours without charge in most cases, or longer with a court order. During this time, you have the right to legal advice and to speak to a solicitor before any interview takes place.
You will be interviewed under caution. A police officer will question you about the allegation. This interview is recorded, and what you say can be used as evidence in court. You do not have to answer questions — your solicitor will advise you on the best approach for your case.
A decision will be made: release, bail, or charge. After the interview, police decide whether to release you, release you on bail with conditions, or refer the case to the Crown Prosecution Service for a charging decision.
Before You Answer Questions
The interview is where most cases are shaped. Trying to explain without advice often makes things worse.
Get Immediate HelpYour rights at the police station
- You have the right to free legal advice
- You can ask for a solicitor before any interview
- You do not have to answer questions without advice
- You are entitled to know why you have been arrested
Why early legal advice matters
Early advice can affect what happens next, including whether you are charged, released, or placed under investigation. Speaking to a solicitor before interview protects your position.
The decisions you make at the police station — what you say, what questions you answer, what you don't say — create a record that will be used throughout your case. The difference between how your case is handled can determine whether it proceeds or not.
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Start AssessmentFurther Guidance
What Happens After Arrest
The process after arrest, from custody to the next decision
Police Interview – Your Rights
What you need to know before you answer questions
Do I Need a Solicitor?
When legal advice becomes critical
Released Under Investigation
What it means when the case is still open
Bail Conditions Explained
What restrictions mean and why they matter
Legal Aid vs Private Defence
How your case may be handled differently
Get advice before you make it worse
If you have been arrested or are under investigation, speaking to a solicitor before taking action can change what happens next.
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