IYSS

Being In Trouble With The Police

If you find yourself on the "wrong side of the law" you should know a little bit about your rights. 

• If you get stopped by the police they should tell you their name, which police station they are from and why they've stopped you - this may be because they suspect you have broken the law (or are about to)
• Try to stay calm - getting angry or offensive will increase your chances of getting arrested
• If you have been arrested or are suspected of carrying stolen property, any weapons, illegal drugs or anything else that may be used to commit a crime, you may be searched
• In public they can only check your outer clothing.  An officer of the same sex must carry out the search if it involves removing more than your outer clothing
• If you are under 17 years of age you cannot be questioned at a police station without a parent or carer being present
• Young people aged 10 to 17 are taken to Youth Courts whilst those aged over 18 go to Magistrates Courts

What happens next?
After questioning you the police will do one of the following:

• release you
• caution you (if you are under 18 they will reprimand you or give you a final warning)
• charge you

Very often the first offence you commit will result in either a reprimand, final warning or being charged, depending on the seriousness of the crime.  If you get a final warning you will be referred to the Youth Offending Team who will work with you to prevent you re-offending.

If you are charged you could then be kept overnight at the police station and appear in court the next day, or be given a date to appear in court.  If you fail to attend then you could find yourself in even more trouble.

In court you will either be found guilty or not guilty, or the case could be dropped.  If you are found guilty then you will be sentenced with one of a number of possible orders/fines.  If you are found not guilty then you are free to leave the court.