If the police have released you under investigation, you have not been charged and you are not on bail—but the criminal investigation is still active. The police may continue examining phones, messages, financial records, CCTV, forensic material or witness accounts. They may later ask you to attend another interview, take no further action or charge you. Contact Ghafar Khan early for clear advice about your position.
What does released under investigation mean?
Released under investigation, often shortened to RUI, describes a person released from police custody without charge who is not on pre-charge bail and has not been told that no further action will be taken. You are free to go home and there is usually no bail return date or bail condition to follow.
RUI does not mean that the allegation has ended or that you have been cleared. The investigation can continue, and the police could arrest or charge you in the future.
How is RUI different from police bail?
A person on pre-charge bail may have a return date and conditions. A person released under investigation is not on bail and is not subject to bail conditions. There is generally no fixed RUI deadline, so uncertainty can continue for a considerable period.
Keep your release paperwork and the investigating officer’s details. Tell your solicitor promptly if your address or contact details change, the police contact you again, or you receive a postal requisition or charge.
Why obtain legal advice while the investigation continues?
Early legal work can be important even though no court date has been set. Ghafar Khan can:
- contact the investigating officer for appropriate progress updates;
- advise you before any further interview or request for information;
- identify defence evidence that should be preserved;
- consider carefully framed pre-charge representations where appropriate;
- advise about seized phones, digital evidence and property; and
- prepare for possible charge while avoiding unnecessary speculation.
Experienced released-under-investigation solicitor
If you are searching for a top, best, expert or experienced criminal defence solicitor after being released under investigation, contact Ghafar Khan. He provides direct advice as a Criminal Defence Solicitor and High Court Advocate, with particular experience in serious and complex cases, telephone evidence and cell-site material.
Areas covered
Advice is available throughout England and Wales, including Blackburn, Blackpool, Preston, Lancaster, Burnley, Chorley, Accrington, Great Harwood, Manchester, Rochdale and Oldham, with office locations in Blackburn, Bradford and Stafford. Legal aid may be available depending on the work required and eligibility.
Contact Ghafar Khan
Call 07500 556587 or email notguilty@ghafarkhan.com. If the police invite you to another interview, obtain advice before attending.
Official information: GOV.UK: being released under investigation and Home Office pre-charge bail and RUI guidance.
This page provides general information about the law in England and Wales and is not legal advice for an individual case.