Petty Offences
These are minor offences whose penalty ranges from a caution, low value fine, community service and a one-month imprisonment term. The penal code lists these offences to be; idle and disorderly, prostitution, being a common nuisance, rogue and vagabond, easing oneself in public and begging on the streets. They are usually handled by grade 1 and 2 Magistrates.
What happens when someone is arrested for committing a Petty offence?
When someone is suspected of committing a petty offence, they are arrested by police and detained/ locked up in a police cell. This is what is usually referred to as being in police custody. While he/she is in Police custody he/ she is called a suspect because he/ she is only suspected of having committed the offence and investigations are still ongoing to confirm the same. Such a suspect has rights according to the constitution.
What are the rights of a Suspect?
- To be informed in a language they understand of the offence they are suspected to have committed.
- Not to be subjected torture, cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment since they are presumed innocent until proven guilty by courts of law.
- To be presumed innocent until proven guilty by Courts of Law.
- To be produced before a competent Court within 48 hours.
- To apply for Police Bond pending investigations into the case.
- To be released as soon as possible if no case has been properly framed against them.
- To speak to the lawyer of their choice.
- To be informed of the progress of their case before they are taken to Court