Have you been interviewed by the police and released under investigation?
If so we can help. On the 3rd April 2017 the law relating to police investigations changed. Prior to this date where there was insufficient evidence to charge a suspect or further enquiries were considered necessary, a suspect would be released on police bail, with or without conditions.
However, undoubtedly due to cuts to police resources, following an interview suspects would be ‘bailed off’ to a date up to six months in the future. These dates would then be extended for a variety of reasons. Although this often infuriated suspects at least they had a date to work towards and a date as to when a decision would be made. It was not unusual for a suspect to be on police bail for in excess of a year. Cliff Richard was on bail for over three years!
New police bail time limits
On the 3rd April 2017 new rules were implemented that set strict time limits on how long a suspect can remain on police bail prior to charge.
The police as well as enforcing the law now sidestep the law by not formally granting police bail but releasing a suspect under investigation. This means the police are investigating you and they will let you know the outcome of those investigations in their own time. Maybe next week, next month, next year. The police are not accountable as to how long an investigation takes.
There is no date to work towards. The suspect ‘s life is on hold indefinitely. Not knowing when the investigation will be completed, not knowing when they get their property back, not knowing when they apply for a job whether being under investigation is something that will show up. The uncertainty can often be worse than the outcome. I have one client who has been released under investigation in relation to one allegation of sexual assault. The police have told him it could take a year and ‘probably much longer’. How can this be fair on the suspect or the complainant?
How can Olliers Solicitors help me?
Watch Matthew Claughton discussing how Olliers Solicitors can help you if you have been released under investigation.
Here at Olliers we can help. We provide a pro-active approach which involves contacting the officer in the case, ensuring the investigation is progressing. We also advise as to the law, speak to potential defence witnesses and if we consider them relevant and credible disclose them to the police to try and head off a charge. If a charge is forthcoming we would then be in a strong position to defend the allegation.
In short, we offer an important line of communication with the police as well as ensuring you’re properly advised and represented every step of the way. In many cases the investigation phase is often the most important. It sets the tone for the rest of the case and at best can be ‘won’ at this juncture.
Released under Investigation? Contact Olliers Solicitors
If any of this applies to you, friends or family please contact Matthew Claughton or Ruth Peters by telephone on 0161 8341515, by email at info@olliers.com or click here to contact us for an initial discussion.