Guidance for British Detainees in the British Virgin Islands

 

Being arrested and put on trial in a foreign country can be a bewildering and even terrifying experience, especially if you don't know your rights within the law.

This information has been produced by The Governor’s Office for the benefit of British Citizens who have been arrested in the British Virgin Islands.  It should give you a brief background guide to the legal process in the British Virgin Islands, your rights and what the Governor’s Office can and cannot do to help you.

We are impartial, and not here to judge you. We aim to make sure that you are treated properly and fairly in accordance with BVI law, and that you are treated no less favourably than other prisoners are. We cannot get you better treatment than other prisoners.  We can answer questions about your welfare and about prison regulations, but not questions about legal matters. You should address these kinds of question to your lawyer or the court. We have tried to ensure this information is accurate and up-to-date, but the Governor’s Office cannot accept any legal liability for errors or omissions.

This guide will help you understand the criminal justice system of the British Virgin Islands at various stages, from arrest through remand, trial, sentencing and afterwards.

Prisoner Information Pack

 

List of Local Lawyers

This is a list provided by the Governor’s Office in the British Virgin Islands for the convenience of enquiries, but neither HMG nor any Official of the Governor’s Office take any responsibility for the competence or probity of any firm/advocate on the list or for the consequences of any legal action initiated or advice given. All lawyers charge for their services on a commercial basis.

Lawyers List

 

International dialling code for the British Virgin Islands is +1 284