Legal aid
If you’ve been arrested or charged with a crime
If you’ve been arrested
A police custody officer will help you get legal aid if you’ve been arrested and held at a police station.
You’ll either be offered free advice:
- by phone
- from the police station’s duty solicitor
- from your own legal adviser
If you’re charged or go to court
A solicitor will check if you qualify for legal aid if you’re 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
- find your own criminal legal aid solicitor
You’ll automatically get legal aid for legal representation in court if you’re any of the following:
- under 16
- under 18 and in full-time education
- on certain benefits