𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐯𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝—𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐍𝐨𝐰? 𝐀 𝐒𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
𝐁𝐲 𝐌𝐞𝐡𝐠𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐚 𝐑𝐚𝐣𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐧 – 𝟗𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

Being arrested is frightening. In that moment, panic sets in, whether it happens to you, a family member, or someone you know, knowing what to say, what not to say, and when to call a lawyer can make all the difference. Here’s what you need to know if you ever find yourself in that situation.

What Does “Arrest” Really Mean?
Arrest means you are not free to leave. Your movement is restricted and you are officially in police custody. It is more than just being questioned, it is a deprivation of liberty. Below are some common examples of being arrested:

An investigation occurs when the police question someone or record their statement about a suspected offence, and the person is generally free to go afterward. An arrest happens when the police formally take someone into custody with or without a warrant because they reasonably suspect an offence has been committed.

Knowing when you’re under investigation versus under arrest ensures you exercise your rights at the right time. Next, let’s look at your key rights during an arrest.

Your Basic Rights When You Are Arrested

Your Right to Remain Silent – Why it matters
Your right to remain silent protects you from saying anything that could be used against you. During questioning, it’s natural to want to explain yourself or defend your actions, but doing so can often make things worse. Don’t try to guess ,explain or justify, simply state that you wish to remain silent and that you want to speak to a lawyer.

Your Right to a Lawyer
You might think, “Aiyaaa, I just got arrested, no need for a lawyer,” but these are crucial steps almost everyone overlooks. Knowing when to call a lawyer, why you shouldn’t give statements without one, and how legal representation protects you can make all the
difference.

You might worry about the cost, but having a lawyer is worth every penny. A lawyer advises you on what to say, ensures your rights are respected, and guides you through the process without mistakes that could harm your case. With legal representation, even in a
stressful situation, you are informed, protected, and in control.

Stay tuned: We’ll discuss remand and what happens after arrest in the next article.

Note: This article does not constitute legal advice to any specific case. The facts and circumstances of each and every case will differ and therefore will require specific legal advice. Feel free to contact us for legal consultation.