How will I know what I am accused of?

In many countries the police will inform you of the allegations against you when you are arrested. If you are unsure of the reason for your arrest you should:

• Ask the police what the allegations are against you and ask for them to be given to you in writing, in a language you understand. Keep in mind that not all countries provide you with a written notice of charges. In some countries you will only be informed of the allegations against you after a certain period of time.
   
• If the police have not decided to formally charge you, make sure you ask how long the police are allowed to hold you while they decide whether to continue the case.

This is not a substitute for legal advice and, because every case is different and legal systems around the world vary so much, we cannot guarantee that the answers will be applicable to your own case. For advice about your own situation, you should talk to a lawyer qualified in the jurisdiction where you are being prosecuted.

The information contained in this document is provided for information purposes only and is not intended as legal advice, nor does it constitute legal advice. Whilst we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, Fair Trials International makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or applicability to individual cases of the information contained in this leaflet. Any reliance you place on such material is therefore strictly at your own risk. Fair Trials International disclaims any liability to the fullest extent permissible by law for any loss or damage of any kind arising from the use of the information provided.

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