Learning Pathway
Being arrested or charged is overwhelming — not just for the person involved, but for families too. Most people enter the system with little understanding of what will happen next, what their rights are, or how decisions are made.
This pathway explains each stage of the adult criminal justice process in plain English, with links to trusted resources that can help at every step.
STAGE 1 — Arrest & Police Powers
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:
→ PACE rights guidance
→ Arrested for Knife Crime
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:
→ Representing Yourself in Court
STAGE 4 — Sentencing
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 — Prison & Custody
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
Links & support:
→ SHOP - Kulturalism Prison Handbooks
→ Blog - Post Solitary Confinement
→ He Voice - Prison Life
STAGE 6 — Release & Probation
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
STAGE 7 — Families, Impact & Support
The justice system affects far more than one person.
→ Impact on partners and children
→ Visiting challenges
→ Emotional strain
→ Financial pressure
→ Stigma and isolation
→ Support for families
Links & support:
→ Silent Sentence Handbook How Prison Affects Families
→ HE Voice family advice
Why this pathway matters
Most people only learn how the justice system works after they are already inside it. This lack of understanding increases fear, mistakes, rights violations, and long-term harm.
This pathway exists to:
→ help people understand the process
→ reduce anxiety and confusion
→ protect legal rights
→ support families
→ reduce reoffending
→ encourage safer decisions
→ strengthen rehabilitation