To find out if you can sue the police for mistaken identity contact our specialist solicitors for a free consultation. We specialise in mistaken identity arrest claims and work on a No Win, No Fee basis. Call us on 0333 888 0419 or email us at [email protected].
The legal duties of the police
The police have a legal duty to justify any arrest they make. They must therefore be able to show that they had reasonable grounds to arrest you. Therefore, in a case of mistaken identity it is necessary to consider the following questions:
- Was there anything to suggest that the arresting officer had a mistaken belief about your identity?
- Did you tell the arresting officer that you were not the person they thought you were?
- Did the police officer take any steps to verify your correct identity?
- Did the arresting officer ask for your full name?
- Were you asked to provide any form of ID?
Claims for “wrongful arrest” or “false imprisonment”
Where an arrest is made on the basis of mistaken identity, claims for “wrongful arrest” or “false imprisonment” can be made against the police force.
Our team will advise you on the compensation you are entitled to recover. This includes compensation for the time you have spent in custody, any distress you have suffered, and any resulting damage to your reputation.
How compensation is calculated
The amount of compensation you receive will be based on the particular circumstances of your arrest, and will take various factors into account, such as:
- Length of detention: The period you were detained for is a key element in determining the level of compensation. The longer you were detained, the greater the award.
- Treatment during detention: If you were badly treated while in police custody, or you were subjected to unnecessary force during the arrest, then this is likely to increase the compensation.
- Impact on your life: Disruption to your work, damage to personal relationships, and harm to your reputation will all be taken into consideration and will affect the final amount.
Compensation awards are assessed by our specialist lawyers on an individual, case-by-case basis.
What you should do if you are mistakenly arrested
- Make a record of the details of your arrest, including the names of the police officers involved.
- Document, if possible, any physical or mental harm you have suffered, and the impact it has had on your working or personal life. Consider obtaining statements from witnesses, or finding out if anyone videoed the arrest. Take photographs of your injuries.
- Contact a specialist solicitor who deals with police law on a no win, no fee basis and who offers a free consultation service.
- Make a complaint against the police force.
How we can help you sue the police for mistaken identity
We offer a free consultation to anyone who requires guidance after being arrested by the police on the basis of mistaken identity.
We will assess your case without charge, and advise you on your options. We will also provide details of our popular no win, no fee funding scheme.
Call us on 0333 888 0419 or email us at [email protected].