If you have been interviewed by the police and released under investigation, you may be confused about what this means, as well as being concerned about what happens next.
Instructing our expert team can immediately put you in a better position moving forward and we can take immediate action to get the best results.
What Does It Mean To Be 'Released Under Investigation'?
If the police have taken you in for an interview because they suspect you have committed an offence, they may release you under investigation for a lengthy period after the initial interview.
This allows the police to continue their investigations and decide whether to charge you with an offence or send the file to the Crown Prosecution Service for a charging decision.
As you are not held in custody, you are able to return home. But you are still a suspect, so the police may request you return to the station for more questioning as well as seize any personal information or belongings that may help their investigations (see our blog on how to retrieve any seized personal belongings).
Is 'Released Under Investigation' The Same As Being Released On Bail?
The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 has brought significant changes to the pre-charge bail system.
Under this new legislation, the initial time limit for suspects being released on pre-charge bail has been extended from 28 days to 3 months.
Following the initial period, there are now two additional extensions available:
- An extension from 3 to 6 months, which requires approval from an Inspector or above.
- An extension from 6 to 9 months, which requires approval from a Superintendent or above.
Should the police need more than 9 months to continue their investigations, they must apply for Judicial approval from a Magistrates’ Court.
Notably, there is no legislative limit on the number of extensions a magistrate can approve. In exceptionally complex cases, extensions beyond 9 months can be granted without court approval.
What Happens When I Have Been Released Under Investigation?
You will be allowed to return home, return to your employment and you are not required to meet any conditions that you may have been had you been released on Bail, such as a curfew or reporting to the police station.
You will receive guidance on what it means to be released under investigation, as well as receiving information on why you should not interact with anyone in any way linked to the investigation.
Failure to do this may see you charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice or the serious office of witness intimidation - depending on the situation.
You are still able to travel internationally, even when under investigation, however you may not be able to receive any communications informing you of your release or summons to appear at court, so we recommend we are contacted on your behalf whilst you are away.
I Was Represented By Another Solicitor During My Interview - Can I Change Solicitors?
Yes.
If you were represented by a solicitor from another firm or the duty solicitor, or if you did not even have any representation at all, you can instruct Monan Gozzett to be pro-active and represent you on a private basis.
If you have been released under investigation or bailed, contact our Client Service Team to discuss your options, the process and for confidential advice.
Call us immediately on 0207 936 6329 or email info@monangozzett.com to take positive steps and speak to expert pre-charge lawyers.
If you would like to speak to our expert legal team about this, or any related subject then please contact our team by phone on 0207 936 6329, Email or by completing our Quick Contact Form below.