False Imprisonment
It often follows, if your arrest was unlawful, that your subsequent detention is also unlawful (false imprisonment).
Other examples could be-
- If you are detained for longer than a certain timeframe your detention becomes unlawful.
- If you are detained under a warrant which later proves to be invalid or unlawful.
- If the various obligations of the police towards a suspect whilst in custody are not met then an, initially lawful, arrest can mean any subsequent detention becomes unlawful.
In practice the longer the period of imprisonment the larger sum of damages to be awarded if successfully claimed. However, being confined for even a short period can be serious. For example, a person wrongly arrested in a public place, even if released after a few minutes, may suffer distress and damage to his or her reputation.
False imprisonment can happen on the street, in your home, in a police vehicle and of course at the police station – in fact any place where the police control your freedom.
We are here to help
Our civil team are experts; not only in bringing actions against police but can also assist you in bringing claims against other officials such as store security staff, prison officers, Court security staff and any other organisation exercising police like powers that restrict your liberty.
Call us for a confidential consultation with a specialist solicitor today on 01642 247656 or on our 24/7 Emergency Helpline 01642 917175
