Wrongful Arrest & False Imprisonment Claims

What is Wrongful Arrest?

Wrongful arrest, also known as false arrest, occurs when a person is taken into custody without a lawful reason. Under section 24 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, an arrest is only lawful if the officer has reasonable grounds to suspect the person’s involvement in an offence, and reasonable grounds to believe the arrest is necessary for one of the specific reasons set out in the Act, such as verifying a name and address, preventing injury, or allowing a prompt and effective investigation. If either of these is missing, the arrest, and any detention that follows, may amount to false imprisonment. This can happen due to mistaken identity, lack of evidence, or procedural errors by the police.

A wrongful arrest violates an individual’s legal rights and may give rise to a claim for compensation. Satchell Moran’s expert claims against public authorities solicitors have years of experience supporting people who have suffered mental and physical harm following a wrongful arres

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Fundamental Rights

You have the right to be free from unlawful arrest

Compensation Claims

Wrongful arrest may entitle you to compensation

Expert Representaion

Specialist legal support across England and Wales

Expert False Imprisonment Solicitors

Wrongful Arrest Lawyers That Care

At Satchell Moran, our specialist Actions Against the Police team has extensive experience pursuing wrongful arrest and unlawful detention claims throughout England and Wales.

We have secured successful outcomes for clients through both negotiated settlements and court victories, combining strong legal expertise with a practical approach focused on achieving the best possible result.

Wrongful arrest claims require specialist knowledge and a thorough understanding of the legal powers governing arrest and detention. Our nationally recognised solicitors have substantial experience holding public authorities accountable when those powers have been misused.

Types of Wrongful Arrest & False Imprisonment

Arresting an innocent person instead of the actual suspect, especially if a thorough investigation to confirm identity had not been performed.

Being arrested based on a “hunch” or “mere suspicion” rather than objective, reasonable grounds for the arrest can be called wrongful.

An arrest may be unlawful if it was not necessary, even where there were grounds to suspect a criminal offence. For example, if the individual could reasonably have been asked to attend a voluntary interview instead of being arrested.

Arrests that are motivated by race, personal grudges, or discriminatory factors rather than evidence of a crime.

Carrying out an arrest based on a warrant that has been revoked, was falsely obtained, or identifies the wrong person.

Excellent Firm

Excellent firm. Chloe and Emily worked hard to secure my compensation. They are outstanding in all aspects of what they did for me.

Kevan - Trustpilot

Informed At Every Stage

They kept us informed at every stage of our case sometimes giving us a nudge when we would forget to forward any info and no question was deemed silly. Every concern was put to rest.

Jim - Trustpilot

Mistaken Identity

Absolutely incredible. Was dealing with a case of mistaken identity. They were 100% into helping me from the start. And they helped win my case with a settlement. Hopefully I'll never have to, but I would definitely use their services again

Jojo- Google

Amazing Communication

From the start the communication was always amazing. Any questions I had were never any problem. If the relevant person I wanted to get in contact with wasn't available others were always happy to go above and beyond to do what needed done. Will definitely recommend!

Charlene - Google

Why choose Satchell Moran Solicitors?

Our dedicated team handle a wide range of wrongful arrest and false imprisonment claims. With extensive experience in actions against the police, we provide clear, professional advice and support, guiding you through every stage of your claim.

More about us and how we help

No win, no fee

Only pay if your wrongful arrest claim wins.

Wrongful Arrest Solicitors

Legal experts helping people challenge unlawful arrests.

Proven Legal Experience

Strong expertise in securing compensation for clients.

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Think you were wrongfully arrested? Complete the form below for a free, confidential assessment of your case. Our legal team will review your situation and explain your options for pursuing a false imprisonment claim.

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False Imprisonment Compensation

If you have been unlawfully detained, you may be entitled to wrongful arrest compensation for the emotional and financial distress caused by the incident. Compensation can help cover lost earnings, damage to your reputation, psychological impact and any other losses directly resulting from the wrongful detention.

The amount awarded depends on the specific circumstances of your false imprisonment case, including how long you were detained, the conditions of your detention, the conduct of those involved and the impact the incident has had on your life.

While every claim is different, compensation can range from several hundred pounds for short periods of unlawful detention to significantly higher amounts where the detention was prolonged or caused notable financial or psychological harm.

How to make a wrongful arrest claim.

We make the process straightforwardas possible, allowing you to focus on moving forward.

Speak to our wrongful arrest solicitors: Contact our team for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll assess your circumstances, explain whether you have a viable claim and provide clear advice on your options.
We handle the legal process: Our solicitors will gather evidence, prepare your claim and manage all correspondence with the police and their legal representatives. We will support you, keep you updated and push for the best possible outcome.
Negotiation and settlement: Many wrongful arrest claims are resolved through negotiation without the need for court proceedings. If your case does proceed to court, we will represent your interests and instruct an experienced barrister specialising in actions against the police.

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Wrongful Arrest & False Imprisonment FAQs

The terms are often used interchangeably. Wrongful arrest usually refers to the initial unlawful act of taking someone into custody, while false imprisonment covers the wider unlawful detention that follows, including cases where an arrest was initially lawful but detention continued for longer than justified. In practice, a single claim often covers both.

Under section 24 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, a lawful arrest requires two things: reasonable grounds to suspect the person committed, is committing, or is about to commit an offence, and reasonable grounds to believe the arrest is necessary, for one of the specific reasons set out in the Act, such as verifying a name and address or enabling a prompt investigation. If either limb is missing, the arrest may be unlawful.

Not being charged does not prevent a claim; many wrongful arrest cases involve no charge at all. Where someone was later convicted, a claim may still be possible if the arrest itself was unlawful, though this can affect the case and should be discussed with a solicitor.

Compensation is assessed by the court on a discretionary basis, taking into account factors such as the length of detention, the distress caused, and any injury to reputation. We cannot guarantee a specific amount, but we can advise honestly on the strength of your case once we understand what happened.

Claims for false imprisonment and wrongful arrest generally must be brought within six years of the incident, under the Limitation Act 1980. Where the claim also involves personal injury, such as an assault during the arrest, the time limit is usually three years instead. It is best to seek advice as early as possible.

Yes, but this is usually a separate strand of claim. Mistreatment such as excessive force, discrimination or denial of medical treatment and can often be pursued alongside a wrongful arrest claim where both occurred.

Useful evidence includes the custody record, body-worn video footage, witness statements, and any correspondence with the police, such as a complaint outcome. Our solicitors can advise on what to request and how to obtain it.