Adults in The System
He Voice Initiative by Kulturalism
Being arrested or charged is overwhelming for individuals and families alike. Most people enter the system with little understanding of their rights or what happens next.This pathway breaks down each stage of the adult criminal justice process
STAGE 1 — Arrest & Police Powers
The System
This is the moment most people first enter the system.
→ What happens at the moment of arrest
→ Why the police can detain you
→ The right to remain silent
→ The right to free legal advice
→ What happens in custody
→ Searches, fingerprints, DNA
→ How long can police keep you in custody
→ Release under investigation (RUI)
→ Being released on bail
→ Bail conditions and restrictions
Links & support:
→ Arrest & police powers
→ Arrested for knife crime
→ PACE rights guidance
→ Change is possible
STAGE 2 — Police Interview
Charging Decisions
After arrest, the police decide what happens next.
→ Police interviews and caution
→ Having a solicitor present
→ What evidence can be used
→ No comment interviews
→ Charge, no further action, or bail
→ CPS charging decisions
→ Time limits and delays
How Charging Decisions Are Made (CPS Test)
Prosecutors apply a two-stage test before bringing a charge:
→ Is there enough evidence for a realistic chance of conviction?
→ Is it in the public interest to prosecute?
Not every arrest leads to a charge.
STAGE 3 — Court Process
Magistrates & Crown Court
Once charged, the court process begins.
→ First court appearance
→ Bail or remand into custody
→ Magistrates’ Court vs Crown Court
→ Plea options (guilty / not guilty)
→ Trial process
→ Witnesses and evidence
→ Legal representation
→ Court outcomes
Links & support:
Going to Court (Full Guide)
Representing yourself, court procedures, bundles, appeals, and every stage from Magistrates’ Court to the Supreme Court.
STAGE 4 — Sentencing
Guidelines
If convicted, the court decides the sentence.
→ Community orders
→ Suspended sentences
→ Immediate prison sentences
→ Fines and financial penalties
→ Compensation orders
→ Rehabilitation activity requirements
→ Curfews and unpaid work
Links & support:
→ Sentencing Council Guidelines
→ Understanding community sentences
STAGE 5 — Custody
Imprisonment
For those sent to prison, this is the start of custody.
→ First time in prison
→ Prison categories
→ Induction process
→ Daily prison life
→ Visits and phone calls
→ Education and work
→ Support services inside
→ Mental health and wellbeing
STAGE 6 — Release & Probation
Freeworld
Leaving prison is another critical transition.
→ Licence conditions
→ Probation supervision
→ Risk management
→ Accommodation on release
→ Employment after prison
→ What happens if conditions are breached
→ Recall to prison
Links & support:
→ Leaving Prison Handbook (Kulturalism). In depth information on, Probation, MAPPA, Curfew, Exclusion Zones, Recall are explained in this simple easy to read handbook
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