WRONGFUL ARREST & FALSE IMPRISONMENT
If you have recently been taken into custody and suspect the officers didn’t have just cause, used excessive force, or targeted you based on your appearance, you are likely feeling a mix of anger and confusion.
One of the most frequent questions I’m asked is: “Can I sue the police for wrongful arrest?”
The answer is a definitive yes. If the arrest was unlawful, every minute you spent in custody constitutes false imprisonment. This is one of the most common forms of police misconduct, and it is a fundamental breach of your civil liberties.
What Makes an Arrest ''Unlawful''?
For an arrest to be legal, the police must follow strict protocols under PACE (Police and Criminal Evidence Act). If they fail on any of these points, you may have a claim:
- Failure to Identify: Officers must identify themselves and state clearly that you are under arrest.
- Lack of Grounds: They must explain the specific crime you are accused of and why it is necessary to arrest you at that moment.
- No Warrant: Arrests conducted without a valid or properly obtained warrant.
- Discriminatory Factors: Arrests motivated by race, background, or a personal grudge rather than evidence.
The Value of Your Liberty
In the UK, the courts take the deprivation of liberty seriously. You could claim upwards of £1,000 in compensation for just one hour of false imprisonment. For 24 hours of unlawful detention, settlements often jump to £7,000 or more, plus additional damages if you were assaulted or maliciously prosecuted.
Proven Results: I have a long history of securing significant settlements for my clients. In one notable case, a Liverpool man was awarded £35,000 in damages for a combination of wrongful arrest, false imprisonment, and assault.
Building Your Case
To win an unlawful arrest claim, we must prove you were detained without lawful justification. The officer’s “belief” at the time is subject to intense questioning—if their suspicion was unreasonable, the arrest is unlawful.
How you can help:
- Video Footage:
If you or a bystander filmed the incident, that footage is gold. - Witness Accounts:
Independent versions of events often contradict the “official” police notes. - Medical Records:
If handcuffs were applied too tightly or excessive force was used, medical evidence provides objective proof of your injuries.
Expert Legal Representation
With over 30 years of experience in suing the police, I provide the clarity and transparency needed to take on the authorities. If you’ve been wronged, don’t stay silent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Consult a specialist solicitor immediately. Do not rely on the police internal complaints process alone, as this rarely leads to compensation. Collate all evidence, including your custody record and any witness contact details, and seek a free case assessment.
Compensation is largely calculated based on the duration of your detention. While figures start at approximately £1,000 for the first hour, the total can increase significantly if the police acted with "high-handedness," used violence, or if the arrest caused significant damage to your reputation.
It isn’t just being locked in a cell. False imprisonment occurs the moment your freedom of movement is restricted without legal authority. This can include being physically held, being locked in a room, or even being stayed by the threat of force.
This occurs when you are held in custody without legal justification. This might mean being held beyond the legally permitted time limits (usually 24 hours without charge, unless an extension is granted) or being detained based on discriminatory profiling.