What are your rights when being interrogated?

You have the constitutional right to remain silent. In general, you do not have to talk to law enforcement officers (or anyone else), even if you do not feel free to walk away from the officer, you are arrested, or you are in jail. You cannot be punished for refusing to answer a question.

Can you be charged without being interviewed?

Can I be charged without being interviewed? A police interview takes place because the police need evidence in order to be able to charge a suspect. Therefore, unless you have been directly caught committing a crime, no charges can be brought without going through the process of an interview.

How long can you be under investigation by police UK?

There is no general time limit for how long a police investigation can stay open in England and Wales. For summary only offences, which are heard in the Magistrates’ Court, the case must be heard within six months of the crime.

Can police interrogate you without lawyer?

Once I Am Told My Rights, Can I Be Questioned? You can be questioned, without a lawyer present, only if you voluntarily give up your rights and if you understand what you are giving up. If you agree to the questioning, then change your mind, questioning must stop as soon as you say that you want a lawyer.

What happens after police questioning?

You are released on bail. This means you may have to return to the police station at a later date. If not you must be released without bail. You can only be kept on bail for 28 days after arrest without being charged, but this can be extended to three months in complex cases.

How long do police keep Statements UK?

How long is information retained by the police? Since 2006, police retain details of all recordable offences until the individual reaches 100 years of age. Before 2006, the police could delete eligible records under the old ‘weeding’ guidelines.

Can I withdraw my statement to the police?

How to change or withdraw your statement. Tell the police officer in charge of the case as soon as possible. The police will probably want you to give evidence in court to help settle the case. If you want to withdraw your statement because you’re worried about giving evidence, you should tell the police how you feel.

What happens if I dont give a statement?

Without a statement, an officer will arrest you because they do not know both sides of the story. Officers get angry if you do not give a statement and are more likely to arrest you. If they haven’t arrested you, you might be able to talk your way out of it.

What to say when being brought to the police station?

For those who have been suspected of committing an offense, make sure that before you start writing a statement, you ask the officer the offense for which you have been brought to the station. If he tells you that there is no offense, that they just want you to tell them all you know, you can politely say: No, Sir.

When do the police ask you to write a statement?

If the police ask you to write a statement, which they normally do when they stop you on the road and take you to their station or when they invite you to their station, you should know how to write a good statement that will not implicate you.

Can I withdraw a statement I made to the police?

Anyone who has made a statement to the police, as a witness to a crime or as the victim of a crime may have a reason for wanting to withdraw that statement. For example, you may see a robbery being committed at a local liquor store. You tell police officers what you saw.

What can I ask the police officer to do for me?

You can ask the police officer to read your statement to you. You will be asked to sign the statement to say that it is an accurate account of what you think happened. If something is not right, tell the police officer so that they can change it.