How Not To Get Yourself Arrested - What are the rules around Stop and Search?

Ever wondered what your rights are if you’re stopped by the police? Can you say no to a search? Should you go with them if you're not under arrest? And what exactly is PACE, anyway?

In this essential episode of Do Yourself Justice, titled How Not To Get Yourself Arrested, legal novice Danny Lawrence is joined by seasoned solicitor and partner at Slee Blackwell Solicitors, James McNally, to break down everything you need to know about staying calm, informed, and legally protected in your interactions with the police.

Whether you’ve had a run-in with the law or are just curious about your rights, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to understand how to handle encounters with law enforcement—and avoid getting into unnecessary trouble.

Topics covered include:

• 02:45: What is PACE(Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984) ?06:45: When can the Police stop and search you?10:15: Can I film the Police without their permission?11:41: Do I have to go with the Police if I'm not under arrest?12:16: How should I behave when dealing with the Police?16:28: Can the Police search my home if I'm not there?18:58: How long can the police detain me without charge?20:09: What are my rights if I'm detained at a Police station?21:18: Can I do anything if I was arrested by mistake?22:42: Who do I complain to about abuse of Police powers?

  Learn about:

• Your rights during a stop and search

• When the police can legally search your home

• What to do if you’re taken to a police station

• The difference between voluntary attendance and arrest

• Your right to legal representation

• When and how you can film the police

• How to make a complaint if you’ve been treated unfairly

• What constitutes a wrongful arrest

• Why staying calm and polite can be your best legal defence

Packed with real-world advice, clear explanations, and a dose of dry humour, this episode is part of our ongoing mission to make the law less intimidating and more accessible to everyone.

Keywords : legal rights, wrongful arrest, stop and search, arrest procedure, police powers UK, PACE 1984, civil liberties, solicitor advice, know your rights, detained by police, when can police search my home, UK police misconduct, police complaint process, filming police UK, what to do when arrested, public safety, legal advice podcast, legal education UK, how to handle police interaction, rights in police station, criminal law basics

Who is this for?

• Young people or parents of teens worried about stop and search

• Anyone nervous about police interaction

• Victims of wrongful arrest or detention

• Law students or legal curious minds

• Anyone who’s ever asked: “Can they really do that?”

About the hosts:
Danny Lawrence brings the voice of the public—asking the questions we all want answers to—while James McNally delivers expert insight from over 25 years in legal practice. James is a partner at award-winning law firm Slee Blackwell Solicitors, known for their work in personal injury, civil liberties, and more.

Why listen?
This isn’t your average dry legal lecture. Do Yourself Justice is a practical, engaging, and sometimes surprising guide to the legal rights that protect you every day—delivered with warmth and clarity by people who care about making the law understandable.

Brought to you by Slee Blackwell Solicitors – the award-winning legal firm helping people across England and Wales get the justice they deserve.

Got a question or experience to share?
We’d love to hear from you. Email us at [e-mail] or visit www.sleeblackwell.co.uk or www.policecompensation.co.uk for more info.

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