What happens if I am charged with an offence?

The police MUST

• tell you what you are charged with in a way that you understand;
• tell you that you have a right to call, retain, and give instructions to a lawyer;
• tell you that you have the right to talk to your parents or other adult;
• tell you about the availability of legal aid, free preliminary legal advice or the availability of duty counsel to help you;
• tell you that you have the right to change your mind, so that if you have given a statement to the police without a lawyer, parent, or other adult present, you may decide that you would now like to have one of these people present;
• give you a reasonable opportunity to exercise these rights.

At the police station, the police will ask you for your name, address, and birth date. You are required to give them this information. They may also take your picture and fingerprints.

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WARNING: The contents of these FAQs are intended as general legal information only.
If you have a personal problem, please consult a lawyer.