For Criminal Defendants
Understand your rights if you have been arrested, charged or are facing trial, including bail rights and the criminal court process.
Common Problems
Your Rights
Your Rights When Arrested
What the police can and cannot do when they arrest you, your right to a solicitor, and how to protect yourself at the police station.
Your Rights as a Prisoner
Your rights while in prison, including visits, complaints, healthcare, parole, and ECHR protections.
Your Rights Under PACE (Police Detention)
Your legal rights when stopped, searched, arrested, or held in police custody under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.
Your Rights When Stopped by Police
What you need to know if the police stop you in the street, ask you questions, or want to search you.
Key Legal Topics
Criminal Law
Offences against persons and property, defences, sentencing, and criminal procedure.
Sentencing Law
How criminal courts in England & Wales decide the punishment for a convicted offender: the statutory purposes of sentencing, the duty to follow Sentencing Council guidelines, the range of sentences from discharges to custody, and the factors that increase or reduce the final term.
Police Powers (PACE)
Powers of stop and search, arrest, detention, and investigation under PACE 1984 and its Codes of Practice.
Evidence & Procedure
Rules of evidence, burden of proof, civil and criminal procedure, and court hierarchy.
Useful Guides
Preparing for a Criminal Trial
How to prepare for a criminal trial — evidence, witnesses, legal representation, and what to expect.
Applying for Bail in Criminal Proceedings
How bail is granted or refused at different stages of criminal proceedings and what to do if your bail application is refused.
Appealing a Criminal Conviction
How to appeal against a criminal conviction or sentence from the Magistrates' Court or Crown Court.
Understanding the Crown Court Trial Process
A step-by-step guide to what happens at a Crown Court trial, from arraignment through to verdict and sentencing.
Applying for Legal Aid
How to check eligibility and apply for legal aid funding in civil and criminal cases in England & Wales.
Letter Templates
Legal Tools & Calculators
Common Scenarios
What Happens If You Are Arrested for the First Time?
Being arrested can be frightening, especially for the first time. Knowing what to expect — and your legal rights — can make a significant difference to the outcome.
What Happens If You Are Charged With Assault?
An assault charge can range from common assault to grievous bodily harm. The type of charge determines which court deals with it and the potential sentences involved.
What Happens at a Magistrates Court Hearing?
The magistrates' court deals with the vast majority of criminal cases in England and Wales. Understanding what to expect can help you prepare and reduce anxiety.
What Is a Police Caution and Should I Accept One?
A police caution is a formal warning that can be given instead of prosecution. It is not a conviction, but it is recorded and can have significant long-term consequences.
What Happens If Police Seize Your Phone?
Police have powers to seize electronic devices as evidence. Knowing your rights can help you protect privileged and personal information.
What Happens If You Miss a Criminal Court Date?
Failing to attend a criminal court hearing without good reason is a serious matter. A warrant for your arrest is likely to be issued and you may face additional charges.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I get legal aid for my criminal case?
- Legal aid is available for Crown Court proceedings and for many Magistrates Court cases. However, eligibility depends on your means and the seriousness of the charge. You should check your specific circumstances to determine if you qualify for this financial support during your criminal proceedings.
- What topics are covered for people facing criminal charges?
- The page covers the rights of individuals who have been arrested, charged, or are facing trial. It includes information on bail rights, the criminal court process, and specific scenarios such as being charged with assault, receiving a police caution, or having a phone seized by police. It also explains what happens at a Crown Court trial and how to apply for bail.
- Who is this information intended for?
- The content is specifically relevant to individuals in England and Wales who are navigating the criminal justice system. It provides information on rights under police powers, prisoner rights, and the procedures for preparing for a criminal trial or appealing a conviction within this jurisdiction.
When to Get Legal Advice
If you have been arrested or charged with any criminal offence, you have the right to free and independent legal advice at the police station — always exercise this right before answering questions. Instructing a criminal solicitor as early as possible can make a significant difference to the outcome of your case. Legal aid is available for Crown Court proceedings and for many Magistrates Court cases depending on your means and the seriousness of the charge.