Outside the Law

Police and Crime

Whether you have or haven’t committed a crime you could find yourself coming into contact with the police – these are some of your rights in this situation.

Being Stopped in the Street

The police can stop you if they suspect that you have drugs, stolen property, a weapon or something that you could use to commit a crime. If you are stopped, you can ask:

The officer’s name
The police station where they work
Why you have been stopped.

Police Questioning

If the police want to question you, you can:

See a solicitor. Ask for a duty solicitor if you don’t have your own solicitor
Have someone told where you are
Read the Codes of Practice, which explains police procedures
Have an ‘appropriate adult’ present while you are being interviewed – if you are under 17.

Reprimands and Final Warnings

If you are under 18 and you accept that you have committed a crime, you may be given a Reprimand (for a minor first offence). If you have already had a Reprimand or it is a serious first offence you may get a Final Warning. If you do not accept that you are guilty or if you have already had a final warning, you may have to appear at the youth court and could receive one of a range of sentences or ‘orders’ depending on the seriousness of the crime. Reprimands and Final Warnings are listed on your criminal record.

Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO)

An ASBO can be made against anyone aged 10 or over, who has been involved in anti-social behaviour more than once. The order lasts for at least two years and at the most 5 years. This is an order made by the Magistrates' Court to stop you from disrupting the lives of individuals, families or communities

Disobeying an ASBO is an offence. If you carry on with your anti-social behaviour during the time it remains in force you can be brought before the court and sentenced to up to 6 months imprisonment in the Magistrates Court. In the Crown Court, you can get up to 5 years imprisonment.

Young people aged 16 and over can be given on-the-spot fines for certain types of anti-social behaviour, such as throwing fireworks, or making hoax 999 calls. This sort of fine is sometimes called a fixed penalty notice.

Youth Offending Teams (YOTs)

Youth Offending Teams exist to try to stop young people from breaking the law. If you receive a Final Warning or have to attend court, you will be given a YOT officer who will support you, make sure that you attend court and comply with any sentence or order and help you to avoid getting into trouble with the police again.

Victims of Crime

If you are the victim of a crime you may have a whole range of feelings from fear to anger, stress, anxiety and even guilt. Whatever your situation – there are organisations and people who can help you to get through it.

Leicestershire and Rutland Victim Support: 0116 255 6628

Call the Victim Support Helpline for free and confidential help and advice for anyone affected by crime on 0845 30 30 900.

Hate incidents

What is a hate incident?

…any incident where you or someone else has been targeted because they or you are believed to be different, or any incident you believe was motivated by: age, disability, gender identity, race, religion / belief or sexual orientation.

What can I do if I have been the victim of or witnessed a hate incident?

Report it confidentially online and then if you wish a council officer will contact you to help you take further action.

Last updated: October 6, 2009