01
What should I do if the police arrest me and what information do I need to disclose?
If you’re arrested, you have the right to remain silent (apart from giving your name and address) and to free legal advice. Request a solicitor immediately. Anything you say can be used as evidence, so wait for your lawyer before answering detailed questions.
02
What rights do I have during a stop and search?
Officers must have reasonable grounds for suspicion. They must identify themselves, state their grounds, and give you a receipt. You can ask for the officer’s name, station, and reason in writing.
03
What’s the difference between summary, either-way, and indictable offences?
Summary only: heard in Magistrates’ Court (e.g. most speeding).
Either-way: can go to Magistrates’ or Crown Court (e.g. theft).
Indictable only: serious crimes in Crown Court (e.g. murder, rape).
04
How do murder and manslaughter offences differ?
Murder: unlawful killing with intent to kill or cause grievous bodily harm.
Manslaughter: killing without that specific intent (e.g. loss of control, diminished responsibility).
Murder carries a mandatory life term; manslaughter sentences vary widely
06
What are common road traffic offences and their penalties?
Speeding: can get a fine, 3–6 penalty points, or disqualification.
Drink-driving: can get a minimum of 12 month disqualification, fine, up to 6 months’ custody.
Driving without insurance: unlimited fine, penalty points, or disqualification.
05
What happens if I’m arrested for drug
offences?
Possession: summons or caution for small amounts, prison for larger quantities.
Supply/production: very serious, with potential life sentences.
Early legal advice is imperative to establish any defences.
07
What is a conspiracy offence and how can it affect me?
Conspiracy requires an agreement between two or more people to commit a criminal offence. You can be guilty even if the intended crime never occurs. Penalties match those of the substantive offence.
08
What is the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), and how can it affect me?
POCA allows authorities to freeze, seize, and recover assets linked to criminal conduct. You may face freezing orders and civil recovery unless you prove a legitimate origin.
09
Can I challenge assets seized under POCA?
Yes. You can apply for return of property if you prove, on the balance of probabilities, that it was lawfully acquired or unconnected to crime.
10
What are my rights to legal advice at the
police station?
Under PACE, you have the right to free, confidential advice immediately after arrest and before any interview. You can delay your interview to see a solicitor.
11
What penalties apply to grooming offences?
Sexual communication with a child (Section 15A): up to 2 years’ imprisonment.
Causing a child to watch a sexual act: up to 10 years’ imprisonment.
Meeting a child following grooming: up to 10 years’ imprisonment.
Causing/inciting a child to engage in sexual activity: up to 14 years’ imprisonment.
12
What constitutes a grooming offence under Section 15 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003?
Under Section 15, a person aged 18 or over commits an offence if they meet or communicate with a child under 16 on more than one occasion and then intentionally meet or travel to meet the child for sexual purposes, without reasonably believing the child is 16 or over.
13
What rights do I have when protesting in the UK?
The right to peaceful protest is protected under Articles 10 and 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights, incorporated into UK law by the Human Rights Act. These rights can, however, be limited to protect public order and the rights of others.
14
What protest powers does the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 introduce?
Broader police stop-and-search powers at protests.
Power to impose noise-related conditions.
Equal treatment of static demos and marches.
Authority to restrict one-person protests.
15
When can officers stop and search vehicles under the Road Traffic Act?
Section 163 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 authorises officers to stop any motor vehicle to check:
- Driver documents (licence, insurance, MOT)
- Roadworthiness of the vehicle
If, during a lawful stop, they develop reasonable grounds to suspect criminal activity (e.g. drugs, weapons), they may then conduct a full PACE Section 1 search.
16
What must be included in a stop and search record?
For every PACE-based search, officers must record:
1. The statutory power used (e.g. Section 1 PACE, Section 60 CJPOA)
2. Grounds for suspicion (unless a “no-grounds” power)
3. Date, time, place, and outcome of the search
4. Officer’s name, rank, and station
5. A copy of this record (stop and search receipt) must be offered to you
17
What should I do if the police execute a search warrant at my home?
Officers should show you the warrant and an inventory of seized items. You have the right to be present, take notes, and photograph the search. If they overstep, you may pursue civil remedies or a police complaint.
18
What is considered terrorism under the UK law?
Under Section 1 of the Terrorism Act 2000, terrorism is defined as the use or threat of action intended to influence the government or intimidate the public, for a political, religious, racial, or ideological cause. This includes serious violence, damage to property, endangering life, or disrupting electronic systems.
19
Is it illegal to support a terrorist organisation even without violence & what is the penalty?
Yes. Under Section 12 of the Terrorism Act 2000, inviting support for a proscribed organisation is a criminal offence, even if the support is non-violent or symbolic (e.g. fundraising, social media posts, or public endorsements).
Penalties vary but can be severe:
- Preparation of terrorist acts: up to life
- Possession of terrorist materials: up to 15 yrs
- Membership of prescribed group: up to 10 yrs
- Terrorist publications: up to 15 yrs
A proscribed organisation is one banned by the UK government for involvement in terrorism. Supporting, joining, or displaying symbols of such groups is illegal. The Home Office maintains an updated list of these organisations.
20
Can I get into trouble for posting material online, such as on social media?
Yes, Various legislation governs this area of law.
Cyberbullying & Online Harassment
Legislation: Protection from Harassment Act 1997
Repeated unwanted communications causing distress or fear.
Incitement to Violence or Hatred
Legislation: Public Order Act 1986
Using social media to stir up racial, religious, or sexual orientation hatred.
False Communications (Online Safety Act 2023)
Legislation: Online Safety Act 2023, Section 179
Sending knowingly false information intending to cause harm