What should I do next?

• It is vital that you start preparing your defence as soon as possible after arrest. Do not rely on the police to correct misunderstandings themselves or to conduct a thorough investigation. You should use everything at your disposal to prepare your defence as soon as possible.
   
• Take measures to preserve any evidence which may be lost. If you are in custody, ask your lawyer or your family members to do this.
   
• Discuss next steps with your lawyer.
   
• Consider what other kinds of support you might need, such as: assistance from a charitable organisation involved in fair trial rights or prisoner welfare, or help from your political representative.

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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