Can you ask police to drop charges?

What happens if you refuse to give police your name?

If you refuse to provide your name, address, date and place of birth and nationality after you have been told by the police why they have stopped to question you this refusal is an offence you could be arrested and charged for. ... You can refuse to attend the police station and are free to leave if you wish.

Can I ask CPS to drop charges?

You will always need an excellent legal team. In some cases, it may be possible to negotiate with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for you to accept a lesser charge, avoiding the need for a trial. ... But, as you might expect, the CPS are not likely to drop charges unless they have a compelling reason to do so.

Can you retract your statement from the police?

How to change or withdraw your statement. Tell the police officer in charge of the case as soon as possible. The police will probably want you to give evidence in court to help settle the case. ... If you want to withdraw your statement because you're worried about giving evidence, you should tell the police how you feel.

Do dropped charges stay on your record UK?

The stage at which assault charges are dropped will determine whether the offence is recorded on an individual's criminal record. If the charge was dropped after a police charge and a court case had commenced, then it would be recorded by the Criminal Records Bureau, along with record of the arrest.

How can charges be dropped before court date?

What evidence do the police need to charge you?

The evidence they gather includes documentary, physical, photographic and other forensic evidence and not just witness testimony. The police arrest and interview suspects. All of this produces a file which when complete the police send to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for review and a decision on prosecuting.

Can the police charge without CPS?

Can the police charge without the CPS? The police are permitted to make charging decisions without input from the CPS in less serious cases.

Does your criminal record clear after 7 years?

¦ Your criminal record can be expunged if 10 years have lapsed after the date of your conviction of your offence. ... ¦ Your record can be expunged after five years for other cases, unless you were ordered to pay restitution.

Can police prosecute if victim doesn't press charges UK?

The short answer is, yes, the police can make arrest you and refer the matter to the state for charges despite the alleged victim's wishes. ... No matter how friendly the police or prosecutors are, your best interests are not their priority.

Does your criminal record clear after 7 years UK?

In the UK, the Police National Computer (PNC) stores all recordable offences. It remains there until the person becomes 100 years old. However, there is no formal way for a person to request deletion of court convictions.

Can I withdraw my victim statement?

If you're a victim or prosecution witness, you can ask the Crown Prosecution Service ( CPS ) to see your statement again before you go to court to refresh your memory. You can add things to your statement if you remember them later on, but you cannot withdraw it.

Can you change a police statement?

Once you have signed your statement, you won't be able to change it. But you can give a new one to the police if you want to add more information. You can ask to read out your VPS in court or have someone read it for you, if the defendant is found guilty.

What happens when you give a statement to the police?

If you give a written statement, the police will normally ask to come to your home or ask you to visit the police station. ... You can ask the police officer to read your statement to you. You will be asked to sign the statement to say that it is an accurate account of what you think happened.

How does the CPS decide to prosecute?

Before the CPS was formed in 1986, the police decided whether to take cases to court. ... In those cases where the police determine the charge, they apply the same principles. We decide whether or not to prosecute by applying the Code for Crown Prosecutors and any relevant policies to the facts of the particular case.

Can you challenge a CPS decision?

Following the conclusion of the VRR process, there is no scope for any further review by the CPS and if the victim remains dissatisfied with the decision and/or wishes to challenge it further, then the victim should apply to the High Court for a judicial review.

Can a court case be dropped?

A charge can be dropped before or after a charge has been filed. You may need a charge dropped by the prosecutor, or you may need a charge dismissed by the prosecutor, though a court also can dismiss a charge if the prosecutor has made a fundamental legal error in the case.

Do I have to tell police my name?

You DO NOT have to give your name and address unless the officer points out an offence he / she suspects you have committed. However, not providing your details may lead to you being detained for longer.

Can you film the police UK?

Is Filming the Police Illegal UK? Any member of the public can film a police officer on the streets without asking permission. There is no UK law stopping anyone filming activities in a public place. All police forces in Great Britain adopt the Metropolitan Police guidelines on photography.

What are my rights when stopped by police UK?

Your rights, and the law

Most of the time, you have the legal right to refuse to answer and just walk away. Usually, under 'stop and account', the police officer or PCSO doesn't have the power to force you to stay. You can't be searched or arrested just because you refuse to answer their questions.

How can I clear my criminal record?