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The police may arrest you if they:
- believe that you have broken the law
- have a warrant (court document) for your arrest
- believe you are mentally ill and might harm yourself or someone else.
If an incident has occurred and the police ask for your name and address, you must give them this information. It's an offence to give a false name or address.
If you're not under arrest, you don't have to go to the police station, even if you're asked to.
If you are arrested
When you've been arrested, you'll be taken to a police station where you should be advised of your rights.
Know your rights
You'll be told why you have been arrested and the nature of the allegations. You can make one telephone call (in the presence of a police officer) to a relative or friend to inform them of your whereabouts.
You're entitled to:
- have a solicitor, relative or friend present during any questioning or investigation while in custody.
- an interpreter if you need one.
- receive medical treatment if you need it.
Young people under 18
- You're entitled to certain protections, such as having an adult present if you're questioned.
- The police must try to contact your parent, guardian or carer if you're under 18 and have been arrested.
- You can't be subjected to an interrogation or investigation until an 'appropriate adult' is present to represent your interests - this can be your parent or guardian, another family member, social worker, or friend aged 18 or over.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
If you identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander (ATSI), you should be provided with a copy of printed information from the Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement (ALRM).
The ALRM can help you with civil and criminal legal matters. It's an independent organisation governed by an all-Aboriginal board and has offices in Adelaide, Ceduna, Port Augusta and Port Lincoln. Contact ALRM on 1800 643 222 (free call).
The police will notify the ALRM that you have been arrested. An Aboriginal field officer can help you to:
- initiate arrangements for bail or legal assistance and notify friends or relatives
- arrange for an interpreter to be present during an investigation or court proceedings.
The Legal Services Commission also provides free preliminary information, advice and referrals. The legal chat and phone service is available from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday, except public holidays. The 24Legal web portal provides information on a number for legal topics to help you find answers to your questions.
Phone: 1300 366 424
24Legal: 24legal.lsc.sa.gov.au
Website: lsc.sa.gov.au and chat online
Help with interviews
People with complex communication needs can ask for help if they are being interviewed about a serious legal matter or crime.
Help may be available when people are suspected of committing a serious crime and are to be interviewed by police.
Type of help available
The type of help you can access includes:
- devices to help communicate such as a speak-and-spell device
- an appropriate person approved by the person interviewing you or the court
- a 'communication partner' - a qualified communication specialist who will provide advice about how you can be supported.
How to get help
You can ask for this type of help through:
- your lawyer
- a police officer
- the person interviewing you
- the prosecutor
- the court.
Find a communication partner
Bail
Bail is an agreement made between an arrested person and the Crown which sets out the conditions of release from custody before their matter is heard in court.
If you've been arrested, you have the right to apply for bail and this may or may not be granted. If bail is rejected, you'll be given a form with the reasons why bail is refused. If you're under 18 years of age, you can request a review of the bail refusal and the matter heard at a youth court as soon as possible. For adults, the review of the bail refusal will be heard in court no later than 4.00 pm the following day.
Going to court
You may need to go to court if you are:
- an accused person
- a witness in either a criminal or civil trial
- a party in a civil trial
- a victim of crime
- a juror
- an interested party
- paying fines.
See the Courts Administration Authority (CAA) for information about:
Related information
On this site
- Convictions
- Where to get free legal advice
- Programs and support for Aboriginal prisoners and offenders
