If you’ve been arrested or charged by the police, it’s a stressful and overwhelming experience. Knowing what to do next is crucial to protect your rights and ensure the best possible outcome. Here’s what I, Ross Yuill, Managing Partner at The Glasgow Law Practice, suggest you do:
Contact a Solicitor Immediately
The first and most important step is to contact a solicitor. Ideally, this should happen even before the police interview you. The police may ask you to attend an interview—what’s often referred to as a voluntary interview—and having legal advice beforehand can make a significant difference.
Our role as solicitors is to:
- Liaise with the police on your behalf.
- Arrange and attend the interview with you at the police station.
- Provide crucial advice about your rights, including the right to remain silent.
Remember, you don’t have to answer police questions. You have the right to say nothing, or you can choose to explain your position regarding the incident. The key is to make these decisions with expert legal advice by your side.
Most importantly, almost all police interviews in Scotland are covered by funding from the Scottish Legal Aid Board. This means there’s no cost for you to have a solicitor from our firm attend the interview with you.
After You’ve Been Arrested
Once you’ve been arrested, the police typically deal with you in one of two ways:
1. You’re Kept in Custody
In this scenario, you’ll remain in custody and appear before a court the next day. If you’re arrested on a Friday or before a holiday, your court appearance may be delayed until Monday or the next business day.
If you’re in custody, you have the right to ask for your solicitor to be notified. Once we receive the call from the police, we’ll arrange to meet you at court the next day. We regularly represent clients in custody across Scotland, including areas like Glasgow, Kilmarnock, Paisley, Falkirk, and Hamilton. Wherever you are, we’ll ensure you have legal representation in court.
2. You’re Released on Bail Undertaking
In many cases, the police now release individuals on a bail undertaking. This is a document you sign agreeing to attend a future court hearing, usually scheduled about a month after your initial involvement with the police.
Upon your release, we strongly advise contacting a solicitor immediately—even the same day. Our team is available to take your call, even during evenings or weekends. We’ll discuss your situation and arrange for you to visit our office within a few days. One of our experienced solicitors will guide you through the bail undertaking process and prepare for your court hearing.
Why Early Legal Advice Matters
Whether you’re kept in custody or released on bail, obtaining legal advice as early as possible is critical. Our solicitors have extensive experience in handling these situations, ensuring you’re well-informed and supported at every step of the process.
Need Help? Contact Us Today
If you’ve been arrested or need legal advice, don’t wait. The Glasgow Law Practice has offices throughout Glasgow and advises clients across the city. Call us today to speak with one of our solicitors and get the support you need.
Call us directly on 0141 248 2999 to schedule an appointment. We’re here to help.
