Preliminaries to prosecution - Suspect's rights Flashcards
The rights of a detained person - intro
An arrested person taken to the station or someone attending voluntarily must be told about their continuing rights which may be exercised at any stage during the period in custody (custody officer must make sure).
What are these continuing rights?
- the right to consult privately with a solicitor & that free independent elgal advice is available
- the right to have someone informed of their arrest
- the right to consult the codes of practice
- if needed … right to appropriate adult/interpreter
Will these rights be recorded on the custody record?
Yes, the custody record will record these rights have been given & any responses by the suspect
(for example- name of solicitor or person to be notified).
Can a suspect be delayed from exercising these rights?
Yes - PACE allows for police to delay in certain limited circumstances
The Right to Consult a Solicitor.
What is the fundamental right to a solicitor under S58?
Right to free & independent legal advice (includes consulting with solicitor in person, on phone, or in writing).
The person being detained must be told again of the right to free legal advice immediately before:
- the commencement of an interview
- being asked to provide an intimate sample
- intimate drug search
- identification parade or video identification procedure
Does the option of legal advice need to be noted on the custody record?
Yes, if legal advice is declined it should be noted on the custody record.
If legal advice is sought, it must be given ASAP.
Should police wait for the solicitor to arrive before begining the interview?
Yes
What if a detained person declines legal advice but then changes their mind?
The interview should cease & can recommence once the detainee has exercised their right to seek legal advice.
(nothing should be done to dissuade a suspect from obtaining legal advice)
Power to delay the right.
Why must the decision to delay the right be justified by the police?
Because it can have major implications for any evidence obtained against the suspect.
What is the authority for delaying the right?
Can only be delayed in accordance with S57 & COP C Annex B.
How long can this right be delayed upto?
max 36 hours.
If the grounds to delay are authorised, should they be recorded?
Yes - they should be recorded & suspect must be informed.
What if the suspect is interviewed before consulting with solicitor because the right is delayed?
There are restrictions on the drawing of adverse inferences at court.
Criteria to delay the right under S58 & COP C Annex B.
What type of offence must the person be in detention for?
Indictable.