Legal aid
If you鈥檝e been arrested or charged with a crime
If you鈥檝e been arrested
A police custody officer will help you get legal aid if you鈥檝e been arrested and held at a police station.
You鈥檒l either be offered free advice:
- by phone
- from the police station鈥檚 duty solicitor
- from your own legal adviser
If you鈥檙e charged or go to court
A solicitor will check if you qualify for legal aid if you鈥檙e charged with a crime or have to go to court. You can then:
- get advice from the same organisation that helped you at the police station
- ask to speak to the court duty solicitor
You鈥檒l automatically get legal aid for legal representation in court if you鈥檙e any of the following:
- under 16
- under 18 and in full-time education
- on certain benefits