Police & Civil Rights

Your rights during a Danish police encounter stem from Retsplejeloven (the Administration of Justice Act) and § 71 of the Constitution (Grundloven), which requires that you be brought before a judge within 24 hours of arrest. If you are stopped, you must give your name, address and date of birth — but you have the right to remain silent about criminal matters. On arrest you must be told the reason and have access to a defence lawyer (court-appointed if you cannot afford one). A search of a home normally requires a court order. Complaints about police conduct are filed with the independent DUP.