Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
The arrests and searches law in Lodz, and Poland in general, is grounded in the national Constitution that provides everyone the right to life, safety and personal liberty. In practice, the law enforcers, primarily the police, can only arrest or search an individual's premises on valid grounds—including a necessity to secure the course of proceedings, to prevent the accused from fleeing or hiding, or to prevent a serious crime—if they have a court-issued warrant or in some cases, with justifiable reasons during emergency situations.
If you have been arrested, or if your premises have been searched, it may be critical to enlist the aid of a competent lawyer. Situations that warrant legal help include when you are accused or suspected of a crime, when you believe your rights have violated during the arrest or search or when you need assistance to appeal a conviction. Additionally, a lawyer can also help you understand complex legal norms and navigate the judicial process, acting as your advocate and ensuring your rights are protected throughout.
In Lodz and Poland, the law enforcement entities are bound by the penal and procedural laws that set strict boundaries on their authority. They must obtain court-issued arrest or search warrants, except in certain emergencies, and must respect an individual's personal liberties. During any interactions with them, you have the right to remain silent, to consult with a lawyer, and in most cases, the right to know the reason for your arrest or search warrant. It is also illegal for them to use force unnecessarily during the arrest or search operation.
Generally, warrantless arrests and searches are not allowed unless exigent circumstances exist. These may include situations where law enforcers believe that evidence might be destroyed, a crime is about to be committed, or when a suspect tries to escape.
You have the right to remain silent, to speak to a lawyer, and to know the grounds of your arrest. Physical torture, inhumane or degrading treatment, or punishment is strictly prohibited.
If you believe your rights were violated, you can file a complaint with the Public Prosecutor’s office, a jurisdictional court or with a police disciplinary court through your lawyer, who can guide you on the best course of action.
Yes, you may refuse a search without a warrant, unless the police can demonstrate an immediate, serious risk that requires urgent intervention. If the police have a search warrant, refusing the search could result in legal repercussions.
If you need legal assistance, you might hire a private defense lawyer, or if you cannot afford one, you may qualify to have a free public defender appointed by a court.
The Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Poland, the Polish Criminal Courts, and the local police department’s websites have a wealth of relevant information. Legal aid organizations such as the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights provide valuable resources and support for individuals in need of legal advice.
If you need legal help, begin by contacting a Lawyer specializing in Arrests & Searches to clarify your situation and understand your options. Always ensure to get legal representation as soon as possible following the arrest or search to ensure due process is followed and your rights are protected.
