Explains when you may have contact with the police, what happens if you are arrested and what your rights are if you are taken to the police station.
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To find advocacy services and groups in your area, you could call Mind's Legal Line or contact your local Mind.
If you're in hospital, you can also contact:
In some circumstances, you may be legally entitled to get the support of an advocate. See our page on your legal rights to advocacy for more information.
gov.uk/civil-legal-advice
Can tell you if you're eligible for legal aid, and give you free and confidential legal advice if so.
policeconduct.gov.uk
Oversees police complaints in England and Wales.
lawsociety.org.uk
Professional association for solicitors in England and Wales. Includes a searchable directory of solicitors.
gov.uk/check-legal-aid
Tells you whether you are entitled to free legal advice, and where you can find legal advisors that specialise in criminal law (England and Wales).
020 7407 0747
revolving-doors.org.uk
Supports people with mental health problems who have had contact with the criminal justice system.
This information was published in November 2017. We will revise it in 2019.
References are available on request. If you would like to reproduce any of this information, see our page on permissions and licensing.