Facing arrest or a police complaint?
You're Not Alone.
Here's What to Do.
Whether you've been arrested, called by the police, or a complaint has been filed against you — we'll help you understand what's happening and what to do next, in plain language.
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What's Your Situation?
Click the option that best matches what's happening. You don't need to know the legal terms.
Police have contacted me
I've been called, questioned or asked to come to the station.
I'm worried I may be arrested
There's a complaint, FIR or I think police action may be coming.
Someone has already been arrested
I need to know what my family or I should do now.
I'm not sure what's happening
I just know there's a police or criminal complaint and I need help.
First: Don't Panic. Focus on These 3 Things.
These simple steps can protect your rights and help you stay in control.
- 1
Stay calm.
Don't run, argue, resist, or sign anything you don't understand.
- 2
Find out what is happening.
Ask why you've been called, questioned, detained or arrested.
- 3
Speak to a lawyer early.
You don't have to work everything out yourself before asking for legal help.
What Happens Next?
Here's the general process in plain English, one step at a time.
- 01
Stay calm. Don't resist.
Panic or resisting can be used against you later.
- 02
Ask why — clearly.
The police must tell you the reason you are being questioned or arrested.
- 03
You can call a lawyer immediately.
You have the right to speak to a lawyer even before answering questions.
- 04
Be careful what you say or sign.
You are not required to explain or justify the incident before you understand the paper in front of you.
- 05
You must be produced before a magistrate.
This is generally within 24 hours.
- 06
You can ask for a medical check.
If you've been injured, you have the right to request a medical examination.
- 07
Bail can often be applied for.
A lawyer can start the bail process immediately in many cases.
You Probably Have Questions. Start with the One Worrying You Most.
Will I be arrested?Understand what may happen next.
Not every complaint or police call ends in an arrest. A lawyer can help you understand how serious the allegation is, whether arrest is likely, and what usually happens next in a situation like yours.
The police called me. Do I have to go?Know your rights before deciding.
A phone call and a formal written notice are not the same thing. Do not ignore a written notice, and do not walk in before you understand why they want you. Speak to a lawyer first so you know whether you are required to appear and what to take with you.
An FIR has been filed against me. What now?See what an FIR means.
An FIR means the police have recorded a complaint and may investigate. It does not by itself mean you will be arrested, or that a court has decided anything. The useful next step is to understand the allegation and decide how to respond with a lawyer.
My family member has been arrested.What the family can do right now.
Ask which police station they are in, the reason they were given, and whether they have been taken before a magistrate. A lawyer can ask to meet them, check the paperwork, and look at bail. Try to note the time, the station, and the names of the officers if you have them.
Can I get bail?Understand the options available.
In many cases a lawyer can apply for bail quickly. Whether bail is available, and on what terms, depends on the allegation and the stage of the matter. The first conversation is about which option actually applies to you.
What should I tell the police?Know what to say and what not to say.
You can give your name and address. You do not have to explain the incident, or sign a statement you have not read and understood. Ask to speak to a lawyer before you answer questions about what happened.
I can't afford a lawyer. What can I do?Learn about your options.
Free legal aid is available through the District Legal Services Authority in your district. A private advocate can often move faster in the first hours, which is when bail and procedure matter most. Tell us what happened and we will explain the practical options.
I don't know what to do.Tell us what happened. We'll guide you.
You do not need the legal words. Tell us who called, what was said, and what papers you have. We will help you understand what is happening and what the next step is.
Not Sure What You Should Do Next?
You don't need to know the legal terminology or explain everything perfectly. Just tell us what happened. We'll help you understand the next step.