What you should know
Legal assistance can be important from the earliest stage of an investigation. If you are detained, invited for questioning, investigated or arrested, clearly ask to speak with a lawyer.
A lawyer can help you understand why you are being questioned or detained, explain your rights and obligations, advise you before you make a statement, and represent you where formal proceedings follow.
If you cannot afford a private lawyer, contact A4A so that your eligibility for free legal assistance can be assessed.
Legal rights and available remedies depend on the facts of each situation. Contact A4A if you need advice about how the law applies to you.
When to seek help
If you are unsure how the law applies to your circumstances, if your rights may have been infringed, or if you have been arrested, detained, threatened or placed at immediate risk, seek legal assistance.
Legal reference points
- Constitution of Sierra Leone, 1991
- Criminal Procedure Act, 2024
- Legal Aid Act and applicable legal-aid framework
For Sierra Leone legislation, judgments and other primary legal materials, use an authoritative source such as SierraLII. The legislation that applies to an individual matter may change or depend on the facts.
Visit SierraLII