How long can the police hold me?
Police detention lasts up to 24 hours — and you have rights from the first minute. Nobody may hold you for more than 24 hours without a judicial decision; detention ordered by a prosecutor may run to 72 hours. From the moment of detention you have the right to a lawyer — and if you cannot afford one, the authority must appoint a defender for you. You have the right to remain silent: you may refuse to give any explanation, and detainees are handed a written declaration of their rights in which this is stated expressly. You have the right to be told the reasons for your detention, to request a medical examination, and to have a person of your choice notified immediately. The detention order can be appealed to the administrative court.
📋 The rules
- Police detention: up to 24 hours
- On a prosecutor's order: up to 72 hours
- Right to a lawyer from the moment of detention
- Right to silence — written into the declaration of rights
- The order can be appealed to the administrative court
🔓 Exceptions
- If you cannot pay for a lawyer, the authority must appoint a defender
- You may request a medical examination at any time
- A person of your choice must be notified of the detention immediately
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Unlawful detention is not without consequence — for the state. The order can be appealed to the administrative court, and if it is quashed you are entitled to compensation for unlawful detention. Practical rules: sign the declaration of rights, but write into it that you want a lawyer and will give no explanations without one; do not sign statements or records you have not read; note the exact time of detention, because the 24-hour clock runs from it. Statements given without a lawyer are often the heaviest evidence against the detainee — and the right to silence cannot be held against you.
📎 Official sources
- lex.bg · Ministry of the Interior Act →
- lex.bg · Criminal Procedure Code →
- Bulgarian Helsinki Committee →
❓ Frequently asked
How many hours can they hold me?
Police detention lasts up to 24 hours. Detention ordered by a prosecutor may run to 72 hours. Beyond that, a judicial decision is required.
When does my right to a lawyer start?
From the moment of detention. If you cannot afford a lawyer, the authority must grant your request and appoint a defender for you.
Can I refuse to talk?
Yes. You have the right to remain silent and to refuse to give explanations. It is stated expressly in the written declaration of rights you receive on detention.
Can my family be told?
Yes. The authorities must immediately notify a person of your choice of the detention. You may also request a medical examination at any point.
Can I appeal the detention?
Yes, the detention order can be appealed to the administrative court. If it is quashed, you are entitled to compensation for unlawful detention.
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