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cannatinker
Draft: these answers come from research checked on 16 October 2026 and have not yet been reviewed by a solicitor. Each answer shows how it was checked. This is general information, not legal advice.

Arrest and outcomes

9 questions

  1. 26If I'm arrested, do I get a free solicitor?
  2. 27What does 'you do not have to say anything' mean?
  3. 28What's a cannabis warning? Is it a record?
  4. 29I got a £90 fine for weed. Is that a record?
  5. 30Should I accept a caution to get it over with?
  6. 31What's a community resolution?
  7. 32Can I ask for a drug diversion scheme?
  8. 33Are cannabis warnings being scrapped?
  9. 34What happens in Northern Ireland?

26.“If I'm arrested, do I get a free solicitor?”

Yes, free for everyone, at any time. Asking doesn't make you look guilty.

Law:
PACE s.58; Code C
Help:
duty solicitor
Where:
England and Wales
To be checked against the live source before final publication

27.“What does 'you do not have to say anything' mean?”

You can stay silent, but a court may draw conclusions if you later rely on something you didn't mention. Get advice before interview.

Law:
CJPOA 1994 s.34
Help:
duty solicitor
Where:
England and Wales
To be checked against the live source before final publication

28.“What's a cannabis warning? Is it a record?”

A non-statutory warning for a first simple possession offence.[57] It isn't a conviction or caution but is recorded, and only one can be given. Next comes a £90 PND, then arrest.[7]

Law:
College of Policing APP (7 May 2026)
Help:
Release; Unlock
Where:
England and Wales
Source:
college.police.uk
Checked against the named source on 16 Oct 2026

29.“I got a £90 fine for weed. Is that a record?”

A PND isn't a conviction or admission of guilt, but it is recorded by police. You have 21 days to pay or request a hearing.[7][58]

Law:
Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 Part 1; APP
Help:
Unlock
Where:
England and Wales
Checked against the named source on 16 Oct 2026

30.“Should I accept a caution to get it over with?”

Get advice first. A caution requires an admission, goes on the PNC, can appear on DBS checks and matters for US travel.

Law:
ROA 1974; DBS filtering rules
Help:
duty solicitor; Unlock
Where:
England and Wales
Checked against the named source on 16 Oct 2026

31.“What's a community resolution?”

An informal outcome for minor offences where you accept responsibility. Not a conviction or caution, but recorded locally.[7][59]

Law:
NPCC Community Resolution guidance 2022
Where:
England and Wales
Source:
npcc.police.uk
Checked against the named source on 16 Oct 2026

32.“Can I ask for a drug diversion scheme?”

Some forces offer education instead of prosecution (e.g. DIVERT in the West Midlands, Thames Valley, Durham).[32][60] Availability depends on area and discretion; ask your solicitor.

Law:
non-statutory; Outcome 22
Help:
solicitor; Release
Where:
England and Wales
Source:
West Midlands PCC; PMC study
Checked against the named source on 16 Oct 2026

33.“Are cannabis warnings being scrapped?”

A 2022 law replacing them with "diversionary" and "community" cautions is not yet in force as of October 2026.[6][61]

Law:
PCSCA 2022 Part 6 (prospective)
Where:
England and Wales
Source:
legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2022/32/section/118
Checked against the named source on 16 Oct 2026 Law under change

34.“What happens in Northern Ireland?”

The prosecutor may direct an informed warning (on record for 1 year), an adult caution, or prosecution. PSNI has not adopted cannabis warnings or cannabis PNDs.[20][21]

Law:
PPS Code for Prosecutors (May 2023)
Help:
NI solicitor; Release
Where:
Northern Ireland
Source:
ppsni.gov.uk
Checked against the named source on 16 Oct 2026 (cannabis warning point from 2009 guidance)

General information, not legal advice. For your situation: a solicitor (free at the police station), Release or Citizens Advice.

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