False Imprisonment & Wrongful Arrest Compensation Claims

Being arrested or detained by the police can be a very frightening experience. When this is done unlawfully or using unnecessary aggression it can be even more intimidating. If you have been the victim of wrongful arrest or false imprisonment, our expert lawyers could help you claim compensation from the police.

We could help if you’ve been:

Arrested without reasonable grounds
Held in custody without explanation
Assaulted

The police have considerable power and this means we place a lot of trust in them to make the right decisions and act responsibly. They can only arrest someone if they have reasonable grounds to believe they have committed a crime. Examples of this might include:

Reliable information about a person’s involvement in criminal activity
Evidence that a person was at the place where a crime happened

'Reasonable grounds' mean that if someone else was presented with the same information, they would also come to the same conclusions. At all times, the police should account for their actions so that you understand what is happening and what you are being detained for.

When making an arrest, the police must:

Identify themselves as the police
Tell you that you’re being arrested
Tell you what crime they think you’ve committed

Even someone suspected of a crime has a right to fair treatment, and it is very important that the police do not infringe on this right by using their power to intimidate or hurt someone.

Standing up to an authority like the police can seem daunting, but we’re here to help. Our expert lawyers have experience bringing claims against almost every major police force in the country and will work hard to get you the justice you deserve.

If you would like to talk to one of the team about a wrongful arrest, false imprisonment or assault, please call us free on 0800 028 1943 – or fill out an enquiry form online.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Wrongful Arrest And False Imprisonment?

In order to make an arrest, the police must have reasonable grounds to believe that you may have committed a crime. It must also be the case that someone else – i.e. not a police officer – would also believe this if presented with the evidence.

There also needs to be a valid reason for arresting a suspect at the time – if for example they might flee otherwise. If it is not necessary to bring someone into custody, the arrest could be unlawful.

If you have been subject to a wrongful arrest this could also result in a claim for false imprisonment for the time spent in police custody. The false imprisonment starts from the time of the arrest, so also includes the time it takes to get to the police station.

We could help you make a police complaint to make sure you get the answers and apology you deserve. We could also help you claim compensation for:

Physical injury and psychological trauma
Lost earnings
Medical treatment and rehabilitation for any injuries

We’ll listen to you and take the time to understand the full impact this experience has had on your life, working hard to make sure your claim reflects this.

Call today on 0800 028 1943 – or fill out our online form and we’ll call you back.

Are The Police Allowed To Use Force?

There are strict rules in place for when and how the police are allowed to use force. Any force used must not be excessive and should be appropriate to the level of threat they are faced with. If they act outside what is necessary, you could make a claim for:

Assault – the fear that someone will use force against you
Battery – the use of force against you

The police need to have justification for using any force or physical contact. If they are attempting to arrest you unlawfully, or they have not made clear what they are arresting you for, any contact made could amount to battery. This is also the case if you are trying to defend yourself from an unlawful arrest.

Some police officers also carry Taser guns. There are clear rules about the use of Tasers, but nevertheless they have sometimes been used unnecessarily. Read more about how we can help you make a Taser gun claim.

How Can Irwin Mitchell Help Me?

We have experience bringing claims against almost every major police force in the country across a wide range of issues. In particular we have expertise helping:

Protesters – such as animal welfare and environmental campaigners
Representing families at Inquest whose loved ones have died in police custody or similar
People with disabilities who have been unfairly treated

We are listed as a leading firm by the respected legal guides Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500 for our work in bringing claims against the police.

We are actively involved in many charities dealing with the criminal justice system and routinely work to challenge police guidelines and ensure better practice for the future.

Our Public Law and Human Rights team is passionate about achieving justice for you and your family. If you choose Irwin Mitchell to help you bring a claim for wrongful arrest and false imprisonment, or assault, you can be sure you are in the most experienced and expert hands.

Call us today on 0800 028 1943 – or use our online enquiry form and we’ll get back to you.

False Imprisonment & Wrongful Arrest Compensation Claims

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