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Legal Glossary
Plain-English definitions of legal terms you may encounter during a police station visit or criminal investigation.
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A
Actual Bodily Harm (ABH)
An assault causing injury that is more than trivial, under s.47 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861. It is a triable either-way offence. Examples include bruising, scratches, and minor cuts. It does not require intent to cause the injury — recklessness suffices.
Affray
Using or threatening unlawful violence towards another person of a kind that would cause a person of reasonable firmness to fear for their safety, under s.3 Public Order Act 1986. Triable either way; often charged in fights in public or semi-public places.
Adverse Inference
A conclusion a court or jury may draw from a suspect’s silence during police questioning, under ss.34–37 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994. A solicitor’s advice is crucial before deciding whether to comment.
Appropriate Adult
A person (parent, guardian, or social worker) who must be present when a person under 17 or a vulnerable adult is interviewed by the police. Their role is to safeguard the suspect’s welfare and ensure fairness.
Arrest
The act of detaining a person on suspicion of having committed a criminal offence. A lawful arrest requires ‘necessity’ under s.24 PACE. Once arrested, you have the right to free legal advice.
Authorised Detention
Detention that has been reviewed and authorised by a custody sergeant (at 6 hours) and then an inspector (at 15 hours and 24 hours), confirming continued detention is necessary and proportionate.
B
Burglary
Under s.9 Theft Act 1968, burglary occurs when a person enters a building as a trespasser and either intends to steal, inflict GBH, or cause unlawful damage (s.9(1)(a)), or having entered, actually steals or attempts to steal or inflicts/attempts GBH (s.9(1)(b)). Aggravated burglary (s.10) involves a weapon and carries a maximum of life imprisonment.
Bail
Release from police custody, either before or after charge, subject to a duty to return on a specified date or to comply with conditions.
Bail Conditions
Restrictions imposed on a person released on bail, such as curfews, not contacting certain people, or surrendering their passport. Conditions can be challenged if disproportionate.
Bail Act 1976
Legislation establishing a presumption in favour of bail and setting out the grounds on which bail can be refused, such as risk of absconding, further offending, or interfering with witnesses.
C
Conspiracy
An agreement between two or more people to carry out a criminal act, under s.1 Criminal Law Act 1977. The offence is complete at the point of agreement — the intended crime need not be carried out. Conspiracy to commit an indictable offence carries the same maximum sentence as the substantive offence.
Caution
The warning given before a police interview: ‘You do not have to say anything. But it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence.’
Caution (Simple / Conditional)
A formal disposal short of prosecution. A simple caution is an admission of guilt on record. A conditional caution requires compliance with specified conditions. Both can affect future employment and travel.
Charge
A formal accusation that a person has committed a criminal offence, triggering the commencement of criminal proceedings. The decision to charge is usually made by the CPS.
CPS (Crown Prosecution Service)
The independent government body responsible for prosecuting criminal cases in England and Wales. Applies a two-stage test: sufficient evidence, and whether prosecution is in the public interest.
Custody Record
An official log maintained at the police station documenting every action taken and decision made during a person’s detention, including reviews, medical care, and interview times.
Custody Sergeant
The officer responsible for overseeing the welfare and treatment of all detained persons. Independent of the investigating officer, they must authorise detention and conduct regular reviews.
D
Dangerous Driving
Driving that falls far below the standard expected of a competent driver and where it would be obvious that driving in that way is dangerous, under s.2 Road Traffic Act 1988. Triable either way; causing death by dangerous driving (s.1) carries up to 14 years’ imprisonment.
Drug Trafficking
A broad term covering the supply, production, importation, or exportation of controlled drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Class A trafficking carries a maximum of life imprisonment. Specialist legal advice is essential at the earliest opportunity.
Defence Statement
A written document served on the prosecution setting out the nature of the defence, any points of law, and any alibi relied upon. Mandatory in Crown Court proceedings; discretionary in the Magistrates’ Court.
Detained Person
A person held at a police station under the authority of PACE. They retain a series of rights including to legal advice, to have someone notified, and to be treated humanely.
Detention
Being held at a police station. The police can initially detain you for up to 24 hours without charge for most offences, extendable to 36 hours by a superintendent for indictable offences.
Disclosure
The prosecution’s obligation to provide the defence with all unused material that could undermine the prosecution case or assist the defence, under the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996.
DNA / Biometric Samples
Bodily samples (e.g. DNA swab, fingerprints) that police may take on arrest under PACE s.61–63. Samples may be retained on the National DNA Database even if no charge follows in some circumstances.
Duty Solicitor
A solicitor available 24/7 to provide free, independent legal advice to anyone detained at a police station, funded by Legal Aid. They can attend in person or advise by telephone.
E
Encouraging or Assisting Crime
Under the Serious Crime Act 2007, it is an offence to do an act capable of encouraging or assisting another person to commit a crime, intending or believing they will do so. Replaces the old incitement offence. The maximum sentence mirrors the anticipated offence.
Either Way Offence
An offence (e.g. theft, ABH) that can be tried in either the Magistrates’ Court or the Crown Court. The defendant may elect Crown Court trial; magistrates may also decline jurisdiction for serious cases.
Excluded Material
Under PACE, certain categories of material (e.g. personal records, journalistic material) can only be searched for or seized with a circuit judge’s order rather than a standard search warrant.
Exhibits
Physical evidence collected at a scene or from a suspect (e.g. clothing, electronic devices, documents) that forms part of the prosecution’s case. Must be properly labelled and preserved.
F
Fraud
Under the Fraud Act 2006, fraud can be committed by false representation (s.2), failure to disclose information (s.3), or abuse of position (s.4). It is triable either way, with a maximum of 10 years on indictment. Serious or complex fraud may be investigated by the SFO.
Fitness to be Interviewed
An assessment, usually by a forensic medical examiner, of whether a detained person is physically and mentally able to participate in a police interview. A solicitor can request this assessment.
Forensic Medical Examiner (FME)
A doctor called to the custody suite to assess whether a detainee is fit to be detained, fit to be interviewed, or requires medical treatment. Can also take forensic samples.
Further Detention
A warrant granted by a magistrates’ court allowing police to hold a suspect beyond 36 hours, up to a maximum of 96 hours for indictable offences. This is rare and requires strong grounds.
G
Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH)
A serious physical injury under the Offences Against the Person Act 1861. Section 18 (wounding/GBH with intent) is an indictable offence carrying up to life imprisonment. Section 20 (unlawful wounding) is less serious but still triable either way.
Guilty Plea
An admission in court to a criminal charge. A guilty plea at the earliest opportunity typically attracts a sentencing discount of up to one-third. A solicitor must advise on the implications before any admission.
H
Handling Stolen Goods
Under s.22 Theft Act 1968, it is an offence to receive, retain, remove, dispose of, or assist in the realisation of stolen goods, knowing or believing them to be stolen. It is an indictable offence carrying up to 14 years’ imprisonment. ‘Knowledge or belief’ is assessed subjectively.
Habeas Corpus
A historic common law remedy enabling a court to order the release of a person detained unlawfully. Rarely needed in modern practice, as PACE provides statutory safeguards against unlawful detention.
HMCTS
His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service — the agency responsible for administering the criminal, civil, and family courts and tribunals in England and Wales.
I
Identification Parade (VIPER)
A procedure (usually video) in which a witness attempts to identify a suspect from a lineup of similar-looking individuals. Governed by PACE Code D; a solicitor should advise before participation.
Indictable Offence
A serious criminal offence (e.g. murder, rape, robbery) tried in the Crown Court before a judge and jury. The most serious category, carrying the longest potential sentences.
Interview Under Caution
A formal recorded police interview in which the suspect is questioned about an alleged offence after being given the legal caution. You have the right to a solicitor before and during this interview.
Investigation Stage
The pre-charge phase during which police gather evidence. This includes searches, interviews, forensic analysis, and witness statements. A solicitor’s role begins at this stage.
J
Joint Enterprise
A legal doctrine under which two or more people can be jointly liable for an offence committed by one of them, where each participated in a common purpose. Commonly arises in gang-related or group offending cases.
Judicial Review
A court process by which a judge reviews the lawfulness of a decision or action made by a public body (including the police or CPS). Used to challenge unlawful arrests, charging decisions, or bail refusals.
L
LAA (Legal Aid Agency)
The government body responsible for administering legal aid funding in England and Wales, including Criminal Legal Aid for police station representation.
Legal Aid
Government funding that pays for legal advice and representation. Police station advice is free to everyone under Criminal Legal Aid, regardless of income or the seriousness of the offence.
Legal Professional Privilege (LPP)
The protection that applies to confidential communications between a solicitor and their client. Police cannot compel disclosure of privileged material. It is a fundamental right.
M
Money Laundering
Offences under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA) involving concealing, disguising, converting, or transferring criminal property, or entering into arrangements to facilitate this. Carries a maximum of 14 years. ‘Criminal property’ is widely defined — it includes any benefit from any criminal conduct.
Magistrates' Court
The lower criminal court in England and Wales, dealing with summary offences and some either-way offences. Cases are decided by magistrates (lay justices) or a District Judge without a jury.
Mental Health Appropriate Adult
Where a detainee appears to have a mental health condition or learning disability, an appropriate adult with mental health expertise should be summoned, per PACE Code C.
N
NFA (No Further Action)
A decision by the police or Crown Prosecution Service not to prosecute a suspect. The case is closed with no charge or caution. You should receive written confirmation.
No Comment Interview
A lawful strategy where a suspect declines to answer police questions during interview. A solicitor will advise whether this is appropriate given the evidence and circumstances.
Notice of Rights and Entitlements
A document that must be provided to every detainee on arrival at the custody suite, setting out their rights in a language and format they can understand.
O
Obtaining Property / Services by Deception
Though largely superseded by the Fraud Act 2006, older charges under the Theft Act 1968 may still appear in historic investigations. The 2006 Act now covers most deception-based offences under the single offence of fraud.
Oppression
Conduct by police during an interview — including threats, inducements, or degrading treatment — that renders any resulting confession inadmissible under s.76 PACE.
Out-of-Court Disposal
A resolution that avoids formal prosecution, including simple cautions, conditional cautions, penalty notices, and community resolutions. Admissibility as evidence depends on the type.
P
Possession of a Controlled Drug
Under s.5(2) Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, it is an offence to have a controlled drug in your possession without authorisation. The prosecution must prove the accused had custody or control of the substance and knew it was there. Penalties depend on the class: Class A (e.g. heroin, cocaine) carries up to 7 years; Class B (e.g. cannabis) up to 5 years.
Possession with Intent to Supply (PWITS)
Under s.5(3) Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, it is an offence to possess a controlled drug with intent to supply it to another. ‘Intent’ can be inferred from quantity, packaging, cash, scales, or phone evidence. Class A PWITS carries a maximum of life imprisonment. This is one of the most frequently charged drugs offences at police stations.
Production of a Controlled Drug
Under s.4(2)(a) Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, producing a controlled drug (e.g. growing cannabis, manufacturing MDMA) carries the same maximum penalties as supply. A person may be charged with production even if they play a minor role (e.g. tending plants) in a larger operation.
PACE
Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984. The primary legislation governing police powers of arrest, detention, search, interview, and evidence gathering in England and Wales.
PACE Codes of Practice
Statutory codes A–H that govern how police must exercise their powers. Code C covers detention and interview; Code E covers audio recording; Code F covers visual recording.
Police Station Accreditation (PSA)
A Law Society accreditation scheme qualifying legal representatives to advise and assist suspects at police stations. Holders are authorised to provide advice and attend interviews under Legal Aid.
Pre-charge Bail
Release from police custody before being charged, with a requirement to return on a specified date. Conditions can be attached. Time limits apply under the Policing and Crime Act 2017.
Pre-interview Disclosure
Information provided by the police to a solicitor before an interview begins, outlining the nature of the allegation. A solicitor may advise no comment if disclosure is inadequate.
Prepared Statement
A written statement read out at the start of a police interview, prepared with your solicitor, setting out relevant facts without the risk of unguarded verbal answers.
Prosecution
The legal proceedings brought by the CPS against a defendant. The prosecution must prove the case beyond reasonable doubt — the burden never falls on the defendant.
R
Robbery
Under s.8 Theft Act 1968, robbery is theft using force or the threat of force immediately before or at the time of the theft. It is an indictable-only offence carrying up to life imprisonment. Even minimal force is sufficient — a push or grab can found a robbery charge.
Reasonable Grounds for Suspicion
The legal threshold police must meet to lawfully stop and search, or arrest, a person. Suspicion must be based on objective facts — not on personal characteristics such as race or appearance.
Released Under Investigation (RUI)
Release from custody without bail conditions or a return date, while an investigation continues. It replaced some uses of pre-charge bail and can leave suspects in legal limbo for extended periods.
Remand
Being held in custody by order of a court, rather than released on bail, while awaiting trial. The prosecution must satisfy the court that one of the grounds for refusing bail applies.
Right to Legal Advice
The absolute right under PACE s.58 to consult a solicitor free of charge, in private, at any time during detention at a police station. This right cannot be waived under police pressure.
Right to Silence
The right not to answer police questions. While adverse inferences may sometimes be drawn at trial, silence alone cannot be used as evidence of guilt. Solicitor advice is essential.
S
Sexual Assault
Under s.3 Sexual Offences Act 2003, intentionally touching another person sexually without reasonable belief in consent. Triable either way; carries up to 10 years on indictment. Rape (s.1) involves penetration and is indictable-only, carrying up to life. A solicitor should be instructed immediately in any sexual offences investigation.
Stalking / Harassment
Under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, stalking (s.2A/4A) and harassment (s.2/4) are distinct offences. Stalking involving fear of violence or serious alarm carries up to 10 years. Both are behaviour-based offences — a single incident is insufficient; a course of conduct (2+ occasions) is required.
Supply of a Controlled Drug
Under s.4(3) Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, it is an offence to supply or offer to supply a controlled drug to another, or be concerned in the supply. A ‘social supply’ (giving drugs to a friend) is still an offence. Class A supply carries a maximum of life imprisonment. Quantity is not a statutory element but affects sentencing.
Search Warrant
A court-issued order authorising police to enter and search premises for evidence. Must specify the premises and items sought. Executed under PACE s.8 or other specific legislation.
Section 18 Search
Under PACE s.18, police may search premises occupied or controlled by an arrested person for evidence relating to the offence for which they were arrested, or a connected offence.
Section 34 Warning
Part of the adverse inference regime. If a solicitor advises a client to stay silent, the solicitor’s advice can be mentioned at trial, though the court cannot draw adverse inferences from that advice itself.
Seizure of Property
Police powers under PACE s.19 to seize items found on premises which they have reasonable grounds to believe are evidence of an offence or have been obtained by crime.
Serious Fraud Office (SFO)
An independent government department that investigates and prosecutes serious and complex fraud, bribery, and corruption. SFO interviews are often voluntary and require specialist legal representation.
SOIT Officer
Sexual Offences Investigative Techniques Officer — a specially trained detective who supports victims of serious sexual offences through the investigation process.
SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority)
The independent regulator of solicitors and law firms in England and Wales. Solicitors at a police station must be SRA-authorised. You can verify a solicitor’s status at sra.org.uk.
Stops and Searches
Police powers (e.g. under PACE s.1, s.60 CJPOA 1994) to stop and search individuals for weapons or stolen articles. Grounds, safeguards, and recording obligations differ between powers.
Summary Offence
A less serious offence (e.g. minor assault, speeding, public order) tried only in the Magistrates’ Court. The maximum sentence is usually six months’ imprisonment.
Superintendent's Extension
Authority granted by a superintendent to extend detention of a person arrested for an indictable offence beyond 24 hours, up to 36 hours, where the investigation requires it.
Suspect
A person who the police have reasonable grounds to suspect of involvement in an offence. A suspect may be arrested or invited to attend voluntarily. They have rights under PACE regardless of status.
T
Theft
Under s.1 Theft Act 1968, theft is the dishonest appropriation of property belonging to another with the intention of permanently depriving them of it. It is triable either way. Each element (dishonesty, appropriation, property, belonging to another, permanent deprivation) must be proved. See also: Robbery, Burglary, Handling Stolen Goods.
Terrorism Act Powers
Under the Terrorism Act 2000, police have extended stop-and-search powers and can detain terrorism suspects for up to 14 days with judicial authority. Specialist legal representation is essential.
Triable Either Way
An offence (e.g. theft, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, fraud) that can be tried in either the Magistrates’ Court or the Crown Court, depending on seriousness and the defendant’s election.
U
Unconditional Bail
Release from custody without any restrictions attached. The person is free to go but must attend court or a police station if required. No conditions such as curfews or exclusion zones apply.
Unused Material
Evidence gathered during a police investigation that is not used by the prosecution at trial but which must be disclosed if it undermines the prosecution case or assists the defence.
V
Verbals
Informal slang for alleged verbal admissions made by a suspect to police outside a formal recorded interview. Disputed verbals can be challenged; a solicitor should be consulted immediately.
Voluntary Attendance
Attending a police station to be interviewed without being under arrest. You are free to leave at any time and have the same right to free legal advice as an arrested person.
W
Weapons Offences
Includes possession of a bladed article in a public place (s.139 Criminal Justice Act 1988), possession of an offensive weapon (s.1 Prevention of Crime Act 1953), and firearms offences under the Firearms Act 1968. Many carry mandatory minimum sentences. Stop-and-search powers under s.60 CJPOA can be used without suspicion in authorised areas.
Warrant
A court order authorising the police to search premises, arrest a person, or extend detention beyond normal time limits. Must be lawfully obtained and executed within its scope.
Witness Summons
A court order requiring a person to attend court and give evidence or produce documents. Failure to comply is contempt of court.
Y
Youth Caution
A formal out-of-court disposal for young offenders under 18 who admit to a low-level offence. Replaces the old reprimand and final warning system. May be given at the police station.
Youth Court
A specialist Magistrates’ Court dealing with defendants under 18. Proceedings are less formal and the press and public are excluded. A youth solicitor should represent young defendants.
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