Released Under Investigation (RUI): What Does It Mean and What Happens Now?
07/09/2026
If the police have told you that you have been released under investigation, you may be forgiven for thinking that the allegation(s) against you may not be going anywhere. That may well be far from the truth.
Being released under investigation means you have been released from police custody without charge, but the investigation is still continuing. You are not on police bail and there is no fixed bail return date.
The most important point is:
RUI does not mean there is no evidence. It does not mean the case has been dropped. But it also does not mean you will be charged.
Can I go from police bail to being released under investigation?
Yes, the police can end your pre-charge bail and instead release you under investigation. This may happen where they no longer consider continued bail necessary, but still need more time to investigate.
If this happens, do not assume that because your bail has been dropped, your case has been dropped too.
The investigation can continue while you are RUI.
Are there bail conditions when you are RUI?
No. If you are released under investigation, you are no longer subject to police bail conditions in relation to that investigation.
However, you should still be careful about contacting witnesses, alleged victims or other people involved in the case. If you are unsure what you should or should not do, take legal advice.
What are the police doing while I am RUI?
The police may continue gathering and reviewing evidence. This can include:
- examining phones, computers or other devices;
- reviewing CCTV;
- taking witness statements;
- obtaining forensic results;
- analysing financial records or digital material; and
- carrying out further enquiries.
When the investigation is complete, the case may result in a charge, no further action, or another appropriate outcome.
How long can you be released under investigation?
There is no fixed RUI deadline equivalent to a bail return date, so investigations can sometimes continue for a considerable period.
That uncertainty can be difficult, particularly if the investigation affects your work, family life, reputation or professional responsibilities.
Your solicitor can contact the investigating officer for updates and advise you as the case develops.
Can the police contact or interview me again?
The police may contact you for a further interview or because the investigation has reached a decision.
If you are asked to attend another interview, do not assume it is routine. Obtain legal advice before answering further questions.
Can I still speak to the solicitor who represented me at the police station?
If JR Levins represented you at your original police interview, you can continue to contact our Crime team while the investigation remains ongoing.
Legal advice and representation at the police station is free. JR Levins provides police-station representation 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including when an arrest or interview happens without notice.
If you are already at a police station, ask the police for JR Levins Solicitors.
What should I do while I am RUI?
Keep any paperwork you have been given, keep your solicitor updated if your contact details change, and seek advice if the police contact you again.
Most importantly, do not treat RUI as confirmation that the case is over. Until you are formally told that no further action will be taken, the investigation remains live.
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Need to speak to JR Levins about your ongoing police investigation?
Our Crime team advises clients who have been released under investigation across Liverpool, Merseyside, Manchester, Cheshire, the North West, London and throughout England and Wales.
If you are RUI and want advice about what happens next, the progress of your investigation or further contact from the police, contact our Crime team confidentially.
Call us on 0151 480 5777 or email crime@jrlevins.co.uk.
