The Police Detention Legal Assistance (PDLA) Scheme
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If you don’t have your own lawyer and the Police have arrested or are holding you, you can talk to a lawyer for free under the Police Detention Legal Assistance (or “PDLA”) scheme. You can also talk to a PDLA lawyer sometimes when the Police are just questioning you.
The Police have a list of the names and phone numbers of lawyers who are available to be contacted day or night, free of charge. The Police must show you the list.
You can talk to a PDLA lawyer when –
- you’ve been arrested
- you’re being held ("detained") without being arrested (for example, if you’re being searched for illegal drugs or weapons)
- the Police are questioning you about an offence they suspect you’ve committed and they’ve told you that you have the right to talk to a lawyer.
- This might be happening at the Police station, in your home, on the street, or anywhere else.
Do I have to show that I can’t afford a lawyer?
How do I get in touch with a PDLA lawyer?
Will I get to talk to the PDLA lawyer in person?
Young people and the Police
Do I have to show that I can’t afford a lawyer?
No, the PDLA scheme is not means-tested. It’s available to anyone who doesn’t have a lawyer, whether or not they can afford one.
How do I get in touch with a PDLA lawyer?
The Police must show you the list of PDLA lawyers. You can then phone a lawyer from the list.
Will I get to talk to the PDLA lawyer in person?
Usually the lawyer will talk to you over the phone. In some more complicated cases, the lawyer may come to you. You have the right to talk to the lawyer in private, either over the phone or face-to-face.
Young people and the Police
Young people can use the PDLA scheme: there is no minimum age. If you’re under 17, and the Police want to question you about an offence they suspect you’ve committed, they must first explain that you have –
- the right to talk to a lawyer, and
- the right to see a "nominated adult" – either a parent or another adult of your choice.
You have the right to talk privately with the lawyer and with the nominated adult. The Police must also contact your parents or caregivers to tell them that you’re being questioned or have been arrested.
Remember!
- Before you answer any Police questions about an offence they suspect you of, always talk to a lawyer.
- Ask to see the list of PDLA lawyers.
- Phone a lawyer from the list for advice.
