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What does it mean if I am released under investigation?

If you have been released under investigation you are likely to be confused as to what this means.

When you are released under investigation (RUI) the police suspect you of a criminal offence.

However, RUI is not classified as being charged for the offence and the case has not been passed to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

When might you be released under investigation?

In most cases, you would have been interviewed under caution by the police, but there is not sufficient evidence to charge you with an offence.

In this instance, the police may not want to dismiss you as a suspect and want to pursue other lines of inquiry.

By releasing someone under investigation, you are allowed to leave the police station, but if you were arrested your personal property can be seized as evidence.

Under current legislation, you can be RUI for both minor and serious alleged offences.

Unlike being released on bail, being released under investigation does not have a specific time limit. As such you can be RUI indefinitely.

When the investigation comes to an end, the police will notify you of an outcome.

This outcome is usually a summons to attend Magistrates Court or a letter to say no further action will be taken.

Have you been accused of committing a crime? We help clients through all stages of the criminal justice process. For advice and representation, get in touch with our expert team today.

Gurjit Singh

Associate – Criminal Department

As a member of the Criminal Litigation Accreditation Scheme (CLAS), holder of the Higher Rights of Audience (HRA) qualification and duty solicitor for the Coventry area, I regularly represent clients in a wide range of criminal cases, including road traffic offences.