You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to make any statement. Anything you say will be recorded and may be given in evidence in court. You have the right to speak to a lawyer without delay and in private before deciding whether to answer any questions. Police have a list of lawyers you may speak to for free.
It is important to exercise your rights – they exist for an important reason. These rights apply regardless of whether you are arrested or not.
No. In New Zealand you do not have to go to or accompany the Police to the Police Station for questioning. If you are under arrest or detained under an enactment then you must accompany the Police.
You have the right to remain silent and do not have to make any statement or say anything at all. It is generally advisable not to say anything to the police. The police are there to gather evidence to use against you. You should remain silent and speak to a lawyer. A lawyer can assist you with representing to the police your side of the story.
The New Zealand Police run the Adult Diversion Scheme which is designed to divert first time offenders facing minor criminal charges out of the criminal justice system. If you accept responsibility for your offending and express remorse you may be offered Diversion. You will meet with a Diversion Officer who will give you tasks to complete such as undergoing counselling or paying reparation to the victim. If you complete all of the required tasks the charge is dismissed and your criminal record stays clean.
Yes it is possible to receive diversion more than once although this is unusual
Criminal Charges
Drink Driving Charges
Traffic Charges
Limited Licences
Discharge Without Conviction
Appeals
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