Can I get support if I am accused of a crime?

• People with a disability and in particular those with an intellectual disability are considered to be particularly vulnerable.
• You are entitled to additional assistance and support if you are charged with a crime.
  • This means you must be given the right to have a support person with you at the police station and during the interview.
  • Your support person can make sure the interview is conducted fairly and according to law.
  • They can also help notify the police of any communication problems that you might be experiencing.
• The police must ensure that you understand your right to remain silent.
• If you do not understand something that a police officer has said you can ask them to repeat it as many times as necessary. They might need to rephrase the sentence in a different way that is easier to understand.
• Sometimes when you are talking with police they may not realise you have a disability. You should make sure that the police know this.
• If the police fail to provide you with the support you need then they may not be able to use your police interview as evidence in any criminal proceedings.
• If you need legal representation our LegalPlan™ membership will allow you to ask criminal lawyers to handle your matter for a Fixed Fee Quote.