Guidance

Information pack for British nationals arrested or detained in Denmark

Updated 2 May 2023

1. Chapter 1: Key points

1.1 Overview

If you are a British national, and are arrested or detained in another country, consular staff will do what they can to help you. However, we cannot interfere with the local justice system, get you out of jail, or pay for services such as a lawyer. Information about who we can help, including the circumstances in which we can assist dual nationals, is available at: Support for British nationals abroad. You can also request a paper copy from consular staff.

This information pack aims to give you, and your family and friends, information about the local system in Denmark and who can help. Consular staff can provide a printed copy to those in prison or in custody. We welcome feedback to help us improve the information we can provide to others.

1.2 Contacting us

If you are arrested or detained in another country:

• the authorities should ask whether you want them to contact the British embassy, high commission or consulate (and must do so if you want them to)
• if they do not ask, you can make the request yourself. You should do this if you are charged with a serious offence or need any kind of assistance
• friends or family can also contact the local British embassy, high commission or consulate or the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London on +44 (0)20 7008 5000

In some countries, the authorities might notify the British embassy, high commission or consulate even if you do not want anyone to know that you have been arrested. This is because there may be an agreement in place with the British government which requires a mandatory notification to be made.

1.3 Who we are

Consular staff work in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in the UK, and in British embassies, high commissions and consulates overseas.

The British Embassy in Denmark can be contacted on + 45 3544 5200 or email consular.copenhagen@fcdo.gov.uk.

The address is: British Embassy Kastelsvej 36-40, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.

You can also contact us by phone 24/7 for help or advice from anywhere in the world by calling the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office on +44 (0)20 7008 5000.

What we can do

The FCDO can offer you impartial and non-judgemental help. When we are notified of your arrest or detention, we will aim to contact you as soon as possible, so that we can assess how we can help you. We then aim to provide assistance according to your individual circumstances and local conditions. Our priority is to provide assistance to those British nationals overseas that need our help the most.

In Denmark, notification by the authorities to the consulate normally takes place within 24 hours.

We can also:

• provide a list of local English-speaking lawyers and interpreters. See also Legal assistance: lawyers and legal aid
• provide general information about the country, detention conditions, and the local legal system (including if legal aid is available)
• provide general information about the local prison or remand system, including visiting arrangements, mail and censorship, privileges, and welfare services
• keep in regular contact with you, either by visiting or by telephone/letter. The frequency of contact will depend on local conditions and your personal circumstances
• tell the police or prison doctor, with your permission, about any medical or dental problems including medication
• put you, or your family, in touch with a prisoners’ welfare charity called Prisoners Abroad
• in some circumstances we may be able to help take up complaints with the police or prison authorities about ill treatment, personal safety, or discrimination, if you are not treated in line with internationally recognised standards
• help to transfer money to you from your friends or family. In places where phone or postal services are not available we can also try to pass on messages and deliver letters to the prison (but generally we cannot arrange for delivery directly to you)
• in some circumstances we may be able to help you apply for a transfer to a prison in the UK

What we cannot do

• Get you out of prison or detention
• Help you get special treatment because you are British
• Offer legal advice, start legal proceedings or investigate a crime
• Pay for any costs because you have been arrested
• Forward you packages sent by friends or family
• Prevent authorities from deporting you after release

1.4 First steps

Informing family members

If you want us to, we can tell your family or friends that you have been detained and provide them with information about how to contact you. With your consent, we can also keep them updated on your wellbeing.

If you are not sure about informing your family, we can help you consider what the impact of not doing so might be. For example, it may cause them distress if they do not know where you are, or cannot contact you. It can also be a disadvantage to you if you need someone to send you money or act on your behalf while you are detained.

Informing the UK police

If you are accused of certain serious offences, such as sexual assault or drugs trafficking, we are obliged to share information about your arrest with UK police. Information about this may appear if a Criminal Records Bureau check were carried out by a prospective employer. There may be other circumstances when information about you may need to be shared with authorities in Denmark.

Legal assistance: lawyers

We cannot give legal advice, start legal proceedings, or investigate a crime. However, we can provide information about the local legal system, including whether a legal aid scheme is available. We can also give you a list of local interpreters and a list of local English-speaking lawyers. You should consider the benefits of local legal representation and discuss all the costs beforehand with the legal representative. We cannot pay your legal or interpretation costs in any circumstance.

Consular assistance: fair treatment

We cannot get you out of prison or detention, or get you special treatment because you are British. If you are not treated in line with internationally accepted standards, we will consider whether to approach the local authorities. This may include if your trial does not follow internationally recognised standards or is unreasonably delayed compared to local cases.

Other organisations that can provide assistance

We can put you, or your family, in touch with Prisoners Abroad, a UK charity which supports British citizens detained overseas and their families.

2. Chapter 2: Detention conditions in Denmark

2.1 Visits: friends and family

Who can visit and how to arrange visits

You should consult FCDO travel advice before you travel to Denmark for the latest information on safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings.

Each prison will provide you with a set of rules in English. However, in general, visits are possible and need to be arranged in advance. Visitors should contact the prison direct to book.

Visits, calls and letters may be restricted whilst on remand and a case is being investigated. This will not prohibit your contact with your lawyer or consular representative. In this instance all communication relayed to family members has to be agreed through the investigating police authority.

Please be aware that the prison will often request all visitors bring suitable information regarding their criminal record. Further information about how to obtain this is provided here: https://www.gov.uk/copy-of-police-records

What to expect when you visit

Visitors and prisoners are usually allowed to see each other in a private room. Staff do not normally observe visits.

On arrival, you will be asked to provide photo ID and a copy of your criminal record check. You will then be asked to secure your belongings in a lockable cupboard, and then proceed through a security check and search, similar to an airport.

What you can take on your visit

Visitors will need to check local rules when booking a visit. Visitors are not allowed to bring in their mobile phone to the visiting room.

Visits: consular staff

The Danish authorities are legally obliged to inform you of your rights to have contact with the British Embassy.

We will aim to contact you within 24 hours of being notified of your arrest. If you request a Consular visit, we will aim to do this within 48 hours (excluding weekends and public holidays). If distance makes it difficult for us to visit as soon as you would like, we will explain this and confirm a time period within which we will visit.

After, the initial visit, we will maintain telephone contact at regular intervals up until the court hearing and sentencing. We will then visit you at least every six months; however, we will assess this according to your health & welfare. You always have the right to contact us by telephone if you have concerns on +45 3544 5200.

You can also write to us at any time on matters that concern you. Our address is Consular Office, British Embassy Copenhagen, Kastelsvej 36 – 40, 2100, Copenhagen Ø.

Emergency trips outside of prison

It is possible for you to be granted leave for special purposes, for example if someone closely related to you becomes seriously ill or dies. Permission should be requested in writing to the prison. In certain cases, you may be accompanied by an escort.

2.2 Police custody and initial arrival at prison

Arriving at the police station: your basic rights

Upon arrest, if you are not released within 24 hours, you must be brought before a judge. The judge can either release you, decide to uphold your arrest for up to 72 hours or decide that you are to be remanded in custody.

The police will advise you on your right to contact a lawyer. For the preliminary investigation, a lawyer must be assigned to you to act as counsel for your defence. A court-appointed lawyer will be assigned free of charge.

If the judge decides to uphold your arrest, you must appear in court again within 72 hours after the end of the preliminary investigation. The judge will then decide whether you are to be released or remanded in custody.

The police may decide that you are to be held in solitary confinement while under arrest and that you may not be in contact with any other inmates.

The police will advise you about your right to contact the British Embassy. The staff will summon an interpreter, if necessary and feasible. This is a free service.

You will only be able to have contact with your lawyer and the British Embassy.

If you feel unwell or need access to prescribed medication that you are taking, inform the police and they will call a doctor.

The police can tell you more about the rules that apply during your arrest.

Appearing at court

For the preliminary investigation, a court-appointed lawyer will be assigned to you. You will have an opportunity to discuss the case with your lawyer before being examined in court. The court hearing will be in Danish. Your lawyer can interpret for you; however, an interpreter can be assigned.

If you are remanded in custody, the judge will set a deadline for the court to review your custody status. The deadline may not exceed four weeks. You do not normally need to be present in court when the judge decides whether to remand you in custody again. The judge can require you to be present, however. This cycle can be repeated every four weeks until sentencing. The length of time on remand depends on the complexity of the case and progress of police investigations.

The judge may decide that you are to be held in solitary confinement. If you are held in solitary confinement by court order, it may be possible for you to receive more visits.

You can appeal the judge’s decision to remand you in custody and any order for solitary confinement to a higher court. Your lawyer will advise you about this.

Read more information about the Danish judicial system

Initial arrival at the prison

Dependent on the size of the prison you will be temporarily placed in a holding cell, and then assigned to a new cell. It is not uncommon to be moved to different cells over time, dependent on prison capacity and need.

When you are admitted to the prison, you may be searched. This means that the staff will examine whether you have brought any items with you that are prohibited in the prison. Upon request, you must remove all your clothing, even if this is against your religion. Such a search will be performed by persons of the same sex as you.

You may also be searched during your stay in prison, for example before and after visits. For security reasons, your cell may be searched too.

You may also be ordered to provide a urine sample to check whether you have taken any drugs.

Your valuables and belongings will be documented and held securely in a locker until release.

You are not allowed to use the telephone. You may, however, be allowed to make calls in certain situations, for example if the matter is very urgent. The local prison will usually allow you to call your lawyer, if you want to. It is a criminal offence to bring a mobile or cell phone with you into the local prison. It is also a criminal offence for your friends or family to bring a mobile or cell phone with them when they visit you in the local prison.

You can request to call the British Embassy to talk to a consular officer.

Access to healthcare

You will be offered a consultation with a doctor or a nurse. You should advise them of any existing medical conditions. If you believe that you need a doctor at other times, tell the staff who will then notify the doctor or the nurse. The doctor will assess whether you need treatment, and whether any treatment should be given in one of the institutions of the Danish Prison and Probation Service or in an ordinary hospital.

Access to social support

When you are remanded in custody, you will receive a visit from a social worker from the Prison and Probation Service within the first two weeks of custody. The social worker will assist you with practical problems, such as contact with your relatives, your employer (in Denmark) and the social services.

Solitary Confinement

The judge may decide that you are to be held in solitary confinement. If you are held in solitary confinement by court order, it may be possible for you to receive more visits.

Restricted/supervised visits

The police may decide that you may not receive any visits or that your visits are to be supervised. You can demand that the decision of the police must be brought before the court. The police may also decide that your letters are to be checked. If the police decide to withhold your letters, this decision must be brought before the court immediately.

2.3 Prison: conditions and daily life

You are entitled to see what the rules of the Danish Prison and Probation Service and the European Prison Rules say, and what special rules the local prison has.

Alcohol and drugs are forbidden. The same applies to medicine that has not been prescribed by a doctor. It is a criminal offence to escape from the local prison.

You must generally follow current rules and the staff’s orders and prohibitions. The rules can be found in the local prison’s house rules, in which you can also read more about practical details such as the access to buying necessities, visiting times and the handing over of personal property.

Smoking is prohibited indoors in all institutions that fall under the Danish Prison and Probation Service. You are allowed to smoke outdoors. The smoking arrangements differ between prisons. Tobacco, cigarettes and other smoking items – e.g. pipe, filters and rolling machine – will be kept in a locker outside your cell. The locker must always be locked, and you will have the key. You cannot keep tobacco or other smoking items in your cell. Any violation of the rules will result in disciplinary punishment. If you want to stop smoking, ask the staff whether you can join a free smoking cessation programme.

There are rules for the sorts of property that can be handed over to you during your stay. You can freely have money sent to you from outside and spend it in the local prison. There are, however, some rules specifying how much cash and how large amounts you may have in your possession. The staff can inform you of the rules about having your own property and money with you in the local prison. Please see Receiving money section You are not allowed to bring your mobile phone into the local prison.

Accommodation

Conditions in Danish prisons are of a relatively high standard. You will have your own cell, it is furnished, and you will receive bed linen, towels and work clothes.

You can bring some personal belongings, such as clothes and pictures. The rules on what personal items you can bring with you differ between closed prisons, open prisons and local prisons.

Facilities in cells are dependent on the prison. On remand, you are likely to have to request a visit to the toilet. You will normally be able to have a shower once a day. You can get toilet items from the staff, or buy them through the local prison.

There will be a window with a level of natural light but a restricted view.

People on remand are normally held separately to sentenced prisoners; however, dependent on size of prison and capacity, it is likely that you will meet sentenced prisoners.

Food and diet

In local prisons, you will be offered ready-made food and drink. The doctor can prescribe special food for health reasons. If you are a vegetarian or need special food for religious reasons, such food requirements will be observed. Ask the staff or talk to the chaplain.

You will receive money to buy your own food if you serve your sentence in a state prison.

You can buy coffee, tobacco and other supplies in the prison. The range of products offered for sale differs from prison to prison.

Clean drinking water is available within each cell.

Work and study

If you are held in remand in a local prison, you have a right, though no obligation, to some type of work.

While serving a sentence you have a right and an obligation to do some form of work, education or other approved activities, including treatment. In return, you will receive a small wage. If you are ill and your doctor calls you in sick, you will receive sick pay.

The offers of work and education differ from prison to prison, and in local prisons, the offers are limited.

In a state prison, you can typically work in production in a workshop, with farming or forestry, cleaning, building maintenance or maintenance of parks and gardens. In a local prison, the work will often be simple work and building maintenance.

Education takes place in the prison’s own school or is given by teachers attached to the local prison and will typically consist in general adult education or remedial education. To the extent possible, your own wishes and abilities will be taken into account. Ask the staff about the possibilities.

Contact and languages

Contact with other prisoners is allowed during “yard time”, and you can request “contact time” with an English-speaking inmate.

Guards understand and speak English.

You can request English books from the library. Availability varies dependent on size of prison.

You can request local language materials through the post from Prisoners Abroad (including language textbooks and dictionaries).

Exercise and social activities

You are normally entitled to at least one hour a day in the open air. See the local rules.

On remand, the local prison has some recreational activities, such as table tennis, chess and fitness training. Ask the staff about the possibilities, if you are interested. You can listen to the radio, watch television and read newspapers, magazines and books.

Recreational offers are most varied in open prisons and rather limited in local prisons. State prisons offer sports, fitness training, various hobby activities, etc. Ask the staff if you are interested.

In very rare cases, the police may prohibit this.

If the court has decided that you are to be held in solitary confinement, you can have a television set made available free of charge.

Climate

The weather in Denmark is comparable to the UK, with a pleasant climate in Summer time, but sometimes more extreme weather conditions in winter, with cold temperatures and icy winds. Essential clothing can be provided on request.

Religion

Religious services are held in state prisons and in some local prisons. You are entitled to talk with a priest or equivalent from your religious community.

In addition to the prison chaplain, who is a member of the Danish Evangelical-Lutheran Church, some prisons employ persons from other religious communities, such as imams and persons from the Roman Catholic community.

In other cases, the prison chaplain or the staff can make contact for you with an external priest or equivalent from your religious community.

If your religion forbids you to work on certain days, your working hours must be planned to take that into account.

Rules and regulations (including drugs)

You are entitled to see what the rules of the Danish Prison and Probation Service and the European Prison Rules say, and what special rules the prison has.

Alcohol and drugs are forbidden.

The same applies to medicine that has not been prescribed by a doctor. You may be searched during your stay in prison, for example before and after visits. For security reasons, your cell may be searched too. You may also be ordered to provide a urine sample to check whether you have taken any drugs.

You must generally follow current rules and the staff’s directions.

If you break the rules, you can be given a disciplinary punishment in the form of a warning, a fine or a period in a disciplinary cell. You are entitled to make a statement before the decision is made and to receive an explanation of the reasons for the decision. In certain situations, your right to association may also be withdrawn (“solitary confinement”).

2.4 Prison: access to help and services

Receiving money

The UK government does not provide financial assistance to prisoners.

Private funds

Family & friends can make a deposit via this website www.kril.kriminalforsorgen.dk

The prison will open an account for you into which your money will be kept. You can freely have money sent to you from outside and can use them in the prison. Please not that you cannot have cash sent to you in the post.

Money earned from working in the prison will also be deposited into this account.

There is a limit on how much money can be put in, or take out, at any one time. You should read the house rules.

2.5 On the home page:

• If you are resident in Denmark, create a user by logging in with your NemID.

• If you are resident in the UK or elsewhere:

i) select Log in or create user without NemID:

ii) Tap “I do not have NemID” in the upper right corner.

iii) If you already have a user account, you can log in by entering your email and your password.

iv) If you do not have a user, press “Create profile”

v) Enter the required information (marked with *) and click on “Create profile”.

vi) You will receive an email with a link to activate your user in your inbox.

vii) Check your spam filter if you do not receive any mail.

viii)Click on the activation link in the email.

ix) After pressing the activation link, activate your profile and the deposit solution opens.

You can now log in with your email address and this password.

2.6 Create new deposit:

• Press the “New payment” button on the front page. You are now sent to the deposit page.

• On the deposit page, enter information about the detainee/prisoner (the recipient) as well as the amount you want to deposit.

i) Date of birth: The first four digits of the date of birth.

ii) the prisoner’s KØLS card number (the number the prisoner finds on his ID card or ask the prison/detention centre).

iii) Amount: Amount between DKK 100 and DKK 7,500. The amount must be divisible by 100.

iv) Accept the conditions of the probation service.

• When you have filled in all the information, press the button “Go to payment”.
• You are now on the payment page.
• Enter your card information (card number, expiration and CVC code) and press complete payment

When the payment is completed, you will be sent to a page where you will see a receipt for the deposit.

You will also receive the receipt in your digital mailbox or by email.

Your deposit will now be processed by the probation service.

Once your deposit has been processed, you will receive a letter in your digital mailbox, e-Box or by email with information on whether the payment is approved or rejected. If the deposit is approved, the money will be transferred to the prisoner account. If the payment is rejected, no money will be deducted from your account.

While the FCDO does not provide financial assistance to prisoners, we may be able, within certain limits, to send you money from your family or friends.

The FCDO operates a ‘Prison Comfort’ system for money transfers to prisoners. Ask your family or friends to get in touch with the FCDO to arrange this.

We cannot receive payment by credit or debit card, or by cash.

Prisoners Abroad

Prisoners Abroad may be able to assist you with funding for prison essentials and some medical care if you are not receiving regular funding from other sources.

Medical and Dental treatment

While you are in detention, Denmark is responsible for ensuring your basic medical needs are met.

A doctor is associated with the prison. After your admittance you will be offered a consultation with the doctor or the nurse. If you believe that you need a doctor in other cases, tell the staff who will then notify the doctor or the nurse. The doctor will assess whether you need treatment including psychological support, and whether any treatment should be given in one of the institutions of the Danish Prison and Probation Service or in an ordinary hospital.

You are entitled to certain forms of dental treatment. In certain cases, you must pay for the expense yourself. Ask the staff, if relevant.

Staff will usually ask you to fill out a form with your request.

You will need to pay for your prescriptions.

With your permission, we can make sure that any medical or dental problems you might have, are brought to the attention of any police or prison doctor. We can also liaise with your GP in the UK, if the police or prison doctor requests previous medical records and this is in your vital interests.

Letters and parcels

You need to be aware that packages sent from the UK will, in most cases, be liable for Danish VAT (MOMS) and, in some cases, customs charges. Check the guidance on online shopping.

When you receive shipments from abroad delivered by Postnord, where you have to pay customs and VAT, you will receive a letter with information about the payment. You can pay the VAT and customs charge online

Your letters will not be read unless it is deemed necessary for reasons of order or security or to protect the victim of your offence. A letter may be withheld for the same reasons.

Letters to you will normally be opened and the envelope contents checked in your presence. Letters that you send from closed state prisons or from local prisons will be checked before being posted.

In open state prisons, letters are usually not checked before being posted.

Staff are not allowed to open letters to or from the following authorities: The Minister of Justice, the Director-General of the Prison and Probation Service, the courts, the Special Court of Indictment and Revisions, the Appeals Permission Board, public prosecutors, the police, the Parliamentary Ombudsman, members of the Danish Parliament, other public authorities, the European Court of Human Rights, the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture, the UN Human Rights Commission, the UN Committee against Torture, the counsel of your criminal case or a pending case, including a case concerning discharge on parole from preventive detention. The same applies to letters to or from lawyers retained for assignment as counsel for the defence. Such letters may, however, be scanned to prevent smuggling.

If it is difficult for you to write, you should tell the staff who will then help you with, for example, a tape recorder or with extended access to making telephone calls.

When sending post to you, the sender should address the letter/parcel by writing your full name, surname and prisoner number (date of birth) on the front, including their own address on the back.

Telephone calls

As a rule, you have to pay for your telephone calls yourself by purchasing a phone card. Staff make the call and will normally monitor the length of the call.

On remand in local prisons, you can only make calls if you have special permission.

Once sentenced, in open prisons, you can rent a mobile phone, which is fixed to the wall; hence, it can only be used in your cell. You may also use the payphones available for inmates.

In closed state prisons and in local prisons you can only make calls if you have special permission. It is forbidden to bring a mobile phone with you into the prison. In closed state prisons and in local prisons, it is a criminal offence to bring a mobile or cell phone with you. It is also a criminal offence for your friends or family to bring a mobile or cell phone with them when they visit you in a closed state prison or a local prison

Making a complaint about mistreatment

If you have been mistreated, you should inform consular staff as soon as it is safe for you to do so. We will then do our best to visit you, to check on your welfare, discuss the allegations, and explain any local complaints procedures and supportive organisations that you may wish to consider. With your permission, and where appropriate, we will consider approaching the local authorities if you have not been treated in line with internationally-accepted standards. If you have been mistreated, try to see a doctor, obtain a medical report and if possible take photos of your injuries.

You can also complain about decisions regarding:

• Leave
• Visits, including refusals of requests for having your child with you in the remand prison
• Personal examination of the inmate
• Disciplinary and interrogation cells
• Placement in protective cell, use of handcuffs and other protective measures
• Use of force
• Association with other inmates
• Right to contact with the media.

You can find more detailed information about your complaint options in the policy on custody and in the policies of the individual areas listed above. The staff will help you find the right documents. If you are entitled to complain about a decision, the staff will inform you.

In case of written decisions, your complaint options will be evident from the decision.

If you wish to complain to the Department of Prisons and Probation about decisions made by the Danish Prison and Probation Service, you must do so within two months of receiving the decision.

You can also complain about staff conduct to the management of the local prison or to the Department of Prisons and Probation. If you complain about the prison staff’s conduct and your complaint is not upheld, or if no final, decision has been made within two weeks of submitting the complaint, you can take the complaint to court. The court may dismiss your complaint, for example because the court finds it to be unfounded. However, the court may also dismiss your complaint if, for example, you complain more than four weeks after the occurrence of the conduct which is the subject of the complaint.

You may complain to the Parliamentary Ombudsman about a final decision made by the Danish Prison and Probation Service. The Ombudsman cannot alter a decision, but he can ask the authority that has made the decision to reconsider the matter. In practice, recommendations by the Ombudsman will be observed.

3. Chapter 3: The Danish judicial system

3.1 Overview

Is the system the same as the UK?

The judicial system is very similar to that seen in the UK. A key difference is that as a foreign national you will be held in prison during the investigation into your case and court case. There is no option of bail.

Danish Legal System

The district courts, the high courts and the Supreme Court represent the three basic levels of the Danish legal system, but the Courts of Denmark also comprise a range of other institutions with special functions.

The Danish legal system is based on the so-called two-tier principle, which means that the parties to a case generally have the option of appealing the ruling of one court to a higher instance. The higher court can then either reach the same conclusion (uphold the ruling) or change the ruling. Most cases begin at district court level with the option of appealing to one of the high courts. If a case was initially heard at district court level, it may, in special cases, be brought before the third and highest instance: the Supreme Court.

State or local prison?

A prison sentence is normally served in a state prison. If your sentence is short, or if other particular circumstances make it appropriate, you may have to serve your sentence in a local prison or in Copenhagen Prison (“Vestre Fængsel”). In many cases they have the same rules as a closed state prison, see below.

Open or closed prison?

A prison sentence is normally served in an open state prison. The Department of Prisons and Probation may decide, however, that you have to serve your sentence in a closed prison, for example if you have a long sentence.

A closed prison has more staff and control than an open prison. A closed prison also has stricter rules about money, telephone calls, visits, leaves and other matters.

Semi-open units

In some cases, you will be placed in a semi-open unit in an open prison, instead of in a closed prison. Stricter rules apply in a semi-open unit than in the rest of an open prison. Ask the staff for more information about the semi-open units.

Transfer to a closed prison

If you abuse the greater freedom in an open prison, you risk being transferred to a closed prison. This will normally happen if, for example, you leave the prison without permission, smuggle in or abuse drugs or alcohol, behave in a threatening or violent manner or otherwise commit a crime inside or outside the prison.

You can ask the staff about your possibilities for transfer to an open prison at a later stage.

Sentence calculation

After the judgment, or when you have arrived at the prison, you will receive a so-called sentence calculation. This will give you the important dates for your sentence, for example the date of completion of your sentence, which is the latest date of your release. You will also receive the dates when you may perhaps be allowed leave and release on parole. If you do not agree with the sentence calculation, you can complain according to the ordinary rules; see under Complaints and appeals. If you disagree with the interpretation of the judgment, you can demand that your sentence calculation is submitted to the court.

The FCDO cannot interfere with the judicial system. We cannot ask for your case to be judged more quickly just because you are British, or ask the authorities to waive any penalties.

First steps

What should happen after you are arrested

You have been arrested. The police will advise you on your right to contact a lawyer. In connection with the preliminary examination, a lawyer must be assigned to you to act as counsel for your defence. You also have the right to an interpreter.

Calling a family member in the UK after arrest is sometimes permitted but is not a right. The British Embassy can call one family member on your behalf.

If you have any questions on the legal aspects of your arrest, contact your lawyer. See for a list of local English-speaking lawyers.

How long you can be remanded in custody

If you are not released within 24 hours, you must be brought before a judge. The judge can either release you, decide to uphold your arrest for up to 3 times 24 hours or decide that you are to be remanded in custody. If you are remanded into custody, you will stay in detention during the investigation up until the court case.

After you are charged

If you are remanded in custody, the judge will set a deadline for the court to review your custody status. The deadline may not exceed four weeks. You do not normally need to be present in court when the judge decides whether to remand you in custody again. However, the judge can require you to be present. A review every four weeks will continue whilst in custody up until your court case.

Bail

There is no option for bail.

3.2 Trial and legal assistance

Legal assistance: lawyers and legal aid

You will have a court-appointed lawyer assigned to your case. You can request to change lawyer if you wish to. They will have a good level of English.

If you wish to hire a private lawyer, see for a[ list of English-speaking lawyers.] (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/denmark-list-of-lawyers/lawyers-list-for-denmark) Prisoners Abroad can also supply general (non-country specific) information on legal aid, court proceedings and can advise on appointing a lawyer.

Trial

Trials usually start with an opening speech made by the prosecution. Most evidence is presented orally, and the prosecution, your lawyer, and the judge can question witnesses. At the conclusion of the trial, both the prosecution and your lawyer will make closing speeches in support of their respective cases. You will then be given the opportunity to speak for yourself at the end of the trial.

In most cases, you will be tried by a panel of one professional judge and two ‘lay’ judges. However, for more serious cases, in which the prosecutor is asking for a prison sentence of 4 years or more, you can be tried by a panel of three professional judges and a jury. You will not be tried by a jury if you have been charged with (primarily) a drugs offence or a financial crime. In cases where you have pleaded guilty, and in cases where you are only facing a fine, you will be tried by a single judge.

You do not have right to have all evidence translated, but you can have important court documents translated, so that you can understand the accusations against you, and defend yourself.

You are entitled to seek the assistance of an interpreter to communicate with your lawyer at no cost to you.

Sentences

Most often, the court will inform you of its decision on the day of the trial. However, if the court considers it necessary, it may reach and inform you of its decision at a later stage, typically within a few days.

After the judgment, or when you have arrived at prison to serve your sentence, you will receive a so-called sentence calculation. This will give you the important dates for your sentence, for example the date of completion of your sentence, which is the latest date of your release. You will also receive the dates when you may perhaps be allowed leave and release on parole. If you do not agree with the sentence calculation, you can complain according to the ordinary rules; see under Complaints and appeals. If you disagree with the interpretation of the judgment, you can demand that your sentence calculation is submitted to the court.

Appeals

In most cases, you can appeal against the verdict and/or sentence in your case. You can announce your intention to appeal when the decision in your case is handed down. You can also lodge your appeal in writing to the court that heard your case or the prosecutor within two weeks of the decision.

There are no legal timeframes in which your appeal hearing must take place, but the court tends to prioritise cases involving applicants who are still in detention.

3.3 Reaching the end of your sentence

Reduction of sentence (remission)

Depending on the nature and severity of the crime committed as well as the length of time held in remand prior to sentencing, then there is always scope for a reduced sentence. However, scope for this is dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

Early release

Inmates are normally released on parole when they have served two-thirds of the sentence. However, you must have served at least two months of your sentence before you can be released on parole.

In some cases, you may be released on parole when you have served between half and two-thirds of your sentence. This may be the case if you have made a special effort during your term in prison to avoid relapsing into crime, for example by participating in treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Ask the staff, if relevant.

Offenders with a life sentence may be released on parole when they have served at least 12 years of the sentence.

The prison or the Ministry of Justice (the Department of Prisons and Probation) decides whether you will be released on parole. If they deem that release on parole is inadvisable because there is a risk that you will commit a new crime, they may refuse to release you on parole.

When you are released on parole, a parole period is set. If you commit a crime during the parole period, the remainder of your sentence will normally be added to the new sentence.

In some cases, you can only be released on parole on condition of supervision by the Danish Prison and Probation Service. There may also be additional conditions of, for example, treatment for alcoholism. If you break the conditions, the Danish Prison and Probation Service may decide that you must return to prison.

Financial penalties

Depending on the nature of the crime, you may be asked to pay a fine.

Transfer to another prison within Denmark

Prison transfers can occur with Denmark and will often relate to the behaviour of the prisoner, capacity at the various prisons as well as nature of the crime committed.

Release and deportation

Any British Citizen serving a prison term may be liable for deportation to the UK at the end of that term.

Even those with Danish permanent resident status may find their residence permit revoked. In this event, you need to speak immediately to a lawyer.

Dual British/Danish nationals are not however liable to deportation.

If you are deported, you will be excluded from returning to Denmark for a given period, which can range from one year to life.

Sometimes people find that they face difficulties adjusting to life in the UK once they have left prison. You may find yourself ready for life on the outside but not prepared for living in the UK. Possibly, you have never lived in the UK and have no connections there, or perhaps you have lost touch with friends and family. You may simply want to talk to another person who understands what you have been through, to help you consider what to do next.

If you are registered with Prisoners Abroad, you can visit Prisoners Abroad when you first arrive back in UK for advice, to use their temporary luggage store, make essential phone calls or use a computer. If you have no belongings Prisoners Abroad may be able to help with basic toiletries and finding suitable clothing. If you know your release date in advance you should tell the Prisoner and Family Support Team when you are likely to arrive and what help you think you might need. If you have no money and nowhere to go, Prisoners Abroad’s Resettlement Service can help with:

• advice on finding emergency accommodation in the London area
• claiming welfare benefits, including emergency benefit payments if you are destitute
• making appointments with doctors and dentists
• putting you in touch with local agencies if you are not returning to the London area

Later on you may want advice on housing, looking for work, applying for training or getting counselling. Prisoners Abroad can refer you to the right agency.

Other sources of practical help back in the UK are:

The Salvation Army (https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/) UK Helpline +44 (0)20 7367 4888 Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm, or contact your local Salvation Army branch

The Prison Fellowship UK Helpline +44 (0)20 7799 2500 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Your criminal record in the UK

We will not normally pass on information about your case to a third party without your consent. However, if you’re arrested for certain serious offences, such as child sex abuse or drugs crimes, our staff must tell other relevant UK authorities. It is possible that information about this may appear if a Criminal Records Bureau check were carried out by a prospective employer.

4. Chapter 4: Additional information

4.1 Additional Information

Prisoners Abroad

Since 1978 the charity Prisoners Abroad has offered practical support and advice to British citizens imprisoned abroad. It is the only UK charity providing this service. It is available to all, whether guilty or innocent, convicted or awaiting charge or trial. Prisoners Abroad supports your health and welfare during your imprisonment. It can also provide support on your return to the UK, through their resettlement service (if you have registered whilst in prison). They can also provide support and advice to your family when you are in prison. To access any services, you must first register with Prisoners Abroad by signing and returning their authorisation form.

Once you seek help from Prisoners Abroad, the Prisoner & Family Support Service will be your point of contact for advice and information. The type of assistance they can offer varies from country to country, but generally they can provide you with information, in English, on:

• your rights as a prisoner
• issues that may affect you such as health or transfer to the UK
• getting magazines, newspapers, books and the regular Prisoners Abroad newsletter
• learning the language of your country of imprisonment
• translating documents
• grants for food if you are in a developing country and do not have funds from other sources
• grants for essential medicines and toiletries if you do not have funds from other sources
• preparing for release
• help for your loved ones, including information, family support groups and, in a few cases, assistance with the cost of visiting
• Freepost envelopes to help you stay in touch with others

Prisoners Abroad

UK Helpline +44 (0)20 7561 6820 or 0808 172 0098 Mondays to Fridays 9:30am to 4:30pm (UK time) 89 – 93 Fonthill Road London N4 3JH UK

4.2 Glossary of terms

Key phrases – English into Danish

Greetings

English	Danish	Pronunciation
Hello	Hej	high
Good morning	God morgen	gor morn
Good afternoon	god eftermiddag	gor efta me-dag
Good night	Godnat	gu-neht
Goodbye	Hej hej / Farvel	high high / fa-vel
How are you?	Hvordan har du det?	vor-dahn hah du deh
I’m well, and you?	Godt, hvad med dig?	godt, vah meh dye
Good, thanks	Godt, tak!	godt, tahk

Essentials

English	Danish	Pronunciation
Thank you	Tak	tahk
Please	tak	tahk
You’re welcome	Selv tak	sel tahk
Yes	Ja	yeh
No	Nej	nigh
Excuse me (getting attention)	Undskyld	oon-skool
I’m sorry	Undskyld	oon-skool
I don’t understand	Jeg forstår ikke	yaiee for-star ee-keh
Do you speak English?	Taler du engelsk? Jeg taler ikke dansk	tay-ler doo eng-elsk

Questions

English	Danish	Pronunciation
How much is…?	Hvor meget er det?	vor maarl er deh
Where is…?	Hvor er…?	vor air deh
When?	Hvornår?	vor-norh
Can I have…?	Má jeg bede om…?	moh yai beh om…

Food -see list below

English	Danish	Pronunciation
I don’t eat…	Jeg spiser ikke…	yaiee spee-sar ee-keh
I’m a vegetarian	Jeg er vegetarianer	yaiee air veh-ge-tah-ree-ah-ner

Getting Around

English	Danish	Pronunciation
Left	Venstre	vehn-streh
Right	Højre	hoy-reh
Straight ahead	Lige ud	lee ool
Turn left	Drej til venstre	dreh til vehn-streh
Turn right	Drej til højre	dreh til hoy-ah
Entrance	Indgang	in-gung
Exit	Udgang	oo-gung

Numbers

English	Danish	Pronunciation
1	En	en
2	To	tohw
3	Tre	treh
4	Fire	fee-reh
5	Fem	fehm
6	Seks	six
7	Syu	sue
8	Otte	oo-deh
9	Ni	nee
10	Ti	tee
20	Tyve	tur-verh
30	Tredive treh-verh
40	Fyrre	furrrre
50	Halvtreds	hal-trehs
60	Tres	trehs
70	Halvfjerd	hal-ferh-es
80	Firs	fears
90	Halvfems	hal-fems
100	Hundrede	huhn-red-eh

Days

English	Danish	Pronunciation
Monday	Mandag	men-dah
Tuesday	Tirsdag	tirs-dah
Wednesday	Onsdag	oons-dah
Thursday	Torsdag	tors-dah
Friday	Fredag	freh-dah
Saturday	Lørdag	luhr-dah
Sunday	Søndag	suhn-dah

Emergencies

English	Danish	Pronunciation
Help!	Hjælp!	yelp
I need a doctor	Jeg har brug for en læge	yaiee har bro for en leh-er
I don’t feel well	Jeg har det dårligt	yaiee har deh door-lit
Fire!	Ild!	eel

Food and drink

English	Danish
beef	oksekød
pop	sodavand
biscuit	småkage
bread	brød
breakfast	morgenmad
butter	smør
cake	kage
cheese	ost
chicken	kylling
coffee	kaffe
cream	fløde
dessert	dessert
dinner	aftensmad
egg	æg
fried egg	spejlæg
soft-boiled egg	blødkogt æg
ham	skinke
honey	honning
jam	syltetøj / marmelade
lunch	frokost
meal	måltid
meat	kød
milk	mælk
mustard	sennep
oil	olie
omelet	omelet
pepper	peber
pork	svinekød
bread roll	bolle
salad	salat
sandwich	sandwhich
sauce	sovs
sausage	pølse
soup	suppe
stew	gryderet
sugar	sukker
tea	te
vegetables	grøntsager
vinegar	eddike
bowl	skål
bottle	flaske
cup	kop
fork	gaffel
glass	glas
kettle	keddel
plate	tallerken
saucepan	kasserolle
spoon	ske
teapot	tekande

4.3 Annex

FCDO guidance: Support for British nationals abroad

FCDO guidance: Arrested abroad: advice for British nationals

List of English-Speaking Lawyers

List of Private Translators/Interpreters

Prisoners Abroad Forms