Being arrested and detained is an exercise of state power and a frightening experience. When you have done nothing to justify it, it can also be shocking, humiliating and traumatising. You may think that discrimination lies at the heart of it and this will aggravate your sense of injustice. If the state has abused its powers of arrest and detention, we can work with you to secure compensation and accountability.

How we can help

Our expert solicitors can discuss the legal remedies available to you, and how best to go about pursuing them.

Who can claim

There are strict rules about when the police and other state authorities can arrest and detain someone. If they cannot show they had lawful grounds, you will have a claim for ‘false imprisonment’. We can advise on whether the facts of your case mean you have a claim that is likely to succeed.

If you are claiming for personal injury (including psychiatric injury), you can bring a claim for false imprisonment up to three years after the start of the detention; other types of claims can be brought up to six years.

You may also be able to claim for race discrimination or a breach of your human rights. We can also advise you on pursuing a police complaint aimed at holding individual officers to account.

Funding your claim

If you are on a low income or receive a means-tested benefit, you may qualify for legal aid to cover the cost of your claim. If not, we may be able to offer a Conditional Fee Agreement (commonly known as a no-win, no-fee arrangement) or other flexible funding options.

Get expert advice

If you believe you’ve been wrongfully arrested or detained and would like our expert advice, please complete our new enquiries form and a specialist solicitor will review your case. We aim to respond within two working days.