In the field of civil justice, pending procedures and proceedings initiated before the end of the transition period will continue under EU law. The e-Justice Portal, on the basis of a mutual agreement with the UK, will maintain the relevant information related to the United Kingdom until the end of 2024.

Defendants (criminal proceedings)

Northern Ireland

Getting independent legal advice is very important when you are involved in some way with the criminal process. The factsheets tell you when and in what circumstances you are entitled to be represented by a lawyer. They also tell you what a lawyer will do for you. This general factsheet tells you how to find a lawyer and how the costs of the lawyer will be met if you cannot afford to pay.

Content provided by:
Northern Ireland

Right to legal advice

If you have been arrested or if you are attending the police station voluntarily to answer police questions, it is your right to consult a lawyer free of charge. You also have the right to have the lawyer present during questioning by police. For more information on your right to legal advice, see Factsheet 2.

Finding a lawyer

You can choose any lawyer you wish who is willing to assist you. The Law Society of Northern Ireland will be able to provide you with a list of lawyers whom you may contact. If when arrested you do not know of a lawyer to contact, the police will give you the chance to choose one from a list of lawyers who are willing to provide legal advice.

Paying for a lawyer

Whether you have been arrested and detained by the police or are attending a police station voluntarily, then free legal advice and assistance is available under the legal aid scheme. The lawyer is responsible for taking care of this matter.

Related links

Police and Criminal Evidence (Northern Ireland) Order 1989

Code of Practice Chttp://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1989/uksi_19891341_en_1

The Law Society of Northern Ireland

Citizens Advice Bureau, Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland Legal Services Commission

Agencies involved in criminal justice

Last update: 25/02/2019

The national language version of this page is maintained by the respective Member State. The translations have been done by the European Commission service. Possible changes introduced in the original by the competent national authority may not be yet reflected in the translations. The European Commission accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever with regard to any information or data contained or referred to in this document. Please refer to the legal notice to see copyright rules for the Member State responsible for this page.