What does Released Under Investigation mean?
If you or someone you know has been released under investigation, you might be wondering what that means and what the implications are.
In this article, we’ll take you through what happens after a police interview, what options the police have and what each of those options mean.
What happens after a police interview?
When you’ve been interviewed by the police — whether voluntarily or because you’ve been arrested — you’ll either be charged and kept in custody or released.
If you’re charged and kept in custody you’ll go to court at the next available hearing, which will usually be the next day.
If they release you, the police have a number of options.
You can be:
Released without charge
Released on police bail or court bail, with or without conditions
Released Under Investigation (RUI).
Released on police bail
If you’re released on police bail it can be either conditional or unconditional.
Conditional police bail vs unconditional police bail
Conditional police bail means the bail is granted with some conditions. For example, you might not be able to attend a specific location or speak to a particular person.
Unconditional police bail means there are no restrictions imposed.
How long can you be on police bail?
Currently, police bail is granted for a 3-month period, but it can be extended to 6 months, then further extended to 9 months by a superintendent.
If the police wish to extend the bail further than that, they have to apply to the Magistrates’ Court.
This legislation was introduced to prevent people being kept on bail for years without any oversight.
Released Under Investigation (RUI)
What does Released Under Investigation mean?
If you’re released under investigation, there’s no requirement to return to a police station at any future date and you’re not subject to any future bail conditions.
However, should any fresh evidence come to light, you may be invited back to the police station for a voluntary police interview.
It’s important to note that a Release Under Investigation doesn’t mean the investigation has ended. So you need to make sure your legal interests remain protected.
Conditions of being released under investigation
If you’re released under investigation, your solicitor will still advise you to avoid contacting any prosecution complainants or witnesses. To do so may be seen as witness intimidation or perverting the course of justice — both of which are imprisonable offences.
And even though the police have released you, certain external bodies can still intervene and impose their own conditions. For example, social services may wish to limit or supervise your contact with children.
If you’re released under investigation what happens next?
During the RUI period:
Your solicitor will stay in contact with the police and with you
Your solicitor will contact the police regarding any items seized
If the police contact you, you need to inform your solicitor
If the police contact your solicitor, they will inform you.
Do you need legal representation?
If you’re about to be interviewed by the police — whether voluntarily or following your arrest — it’s vital you seek legal advice and get proper representation.
Harewood Law can help and we offer pre-charge conferences, so please get in touch with our offices at your earliest convenience by calling the number below.
About Harewood Law
Harewood Law is based in Leeds, but deals with cases nationwide.
You can contact our representatives at any time 24/7.
We can represent you via Legal Aid or on a private basis.
Contact Harewood Law
From 9.00am - 5.00pm, call: 0333 344 8377
After 5.00pm, call: 0333 344 8366
Email: info@harewoodlaw.com
Website: www.harewoodlaw.com