You and the police

If the police want to speak to you about an allegation you have a number of rights you MUST remember:

If the police take you to the station they are arresting you. You have the right to remain silent. Scottish law is different to English law and the only information you need to give the police is your name, address and date of birth.
You have the right to a consultation with a lawyer by phone or in person at the police station. This is where Central Court Lawyers come in. Tell the police you want to speak to us if you are at the police station and they MUST call us. We will then speak to you by phone or if necessary, attend at the police station with you.
The police will then interview you about the allegation. Again, you do not need to say anything.
The police can keep you in custody without charging you for up to 12 hours. That period can be extended in exceptional circumstances. At the end of the investigative period you will either be charged or released without charge depending on if the police have enough evidence to charge you.
If you are charged by the police you may be taken to court the next court day; released on an undertaking to attend at court on a date given to you; or released with a police report being sent to the procurator fiscal:

If you have not already asked that central court lawyers be contacted then you should make contact with us. If you are kept in custody to appear in court ask the police to contact us.

If you are released with a court date or for a report to the Procurator Fiscal contact us immediately and we will give you the advice that you need.