Understanding Being Released Under Investigation (RUI) by the Police
What does being Released Under Investigation (RUI’d) mean?
Being released under further investigation means exactly what it says on the tin: You have been released from the police station while the police continue to investigate.
You are not subject to bail or any bail conditions. You are not under any obligation to return to the police station on a specific date or time. The police investigation will continue and you will be notified of their decision when their investigation is complete.
A suspect may remain “under investigation” for a considerable period of time. It is not uncommon for cases to remain live for twelve months’ or more before a charging decision is taken. Being placed on bail involves a restriction of liberty in that conditions must be complied with and you must return to the police station on the date and time specified. Being RUI’d does not, in itself, involve a restriction of liberty. However, there can be repercussions at work if your employer is aware of the situation. Depending on the nature of the offence alleged and the nature of a person’s employment, some suspects may find themselves suspended from work for extended periods while their employer awaits the conclusion of the police investigation.
At the conclusion of their investigation the police may decide to take no further action against you. Alternatively, the police may decide to prosecute you or to seek advice from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) regarding any appropriate charges. If the police and the CPS do decide to prosecute, you will receive a requisition (charge sheet) through the post. It may take a few weeks, possibly months or even years, before a decision is taken. In the meantime, if we are instructed to represent you, we will make regular enquiries of the investigating officer and update you if we receive any news.
2 responses to “Understanding Being Released Under Investigation (RUI) by the Police”
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Good afternoon
I work for the Orkney Blide Trust and I am supporting someone who has the following situation and question.
I wonder if you can give me a short answer to this please.
I have been questioned by the police, at a police station, for serious offences.
I have been released on bail, but not charged, in order that they can search the contents of my phone.
When asked if I wanted free legal representation I declined.
I have now changed my mind but the Police are now stating that I’m not eligible for free legal representation, as I haven’t been charged.
Am I entitled to free legal representation and how do you feel that i should now go about things.
The free Police Station Advice & Assistance Scheme is available to anyone interviewed under caution at a police station. So, the client would have been entitled to free legal representation during the interview that has already taken place. Equally, they will be entitled to that free service if they are invited back to the police station for a second interview. The police are not right to say that there is only one opportunity to request that advice. The client can ask the police to contact the Duty Solicitor service or the client can instruct a firm of solicitors to attend any re-interview with them, provided that firm has a Legal Aid contract.
It is worth noting that advice and assistance provided away from the police station is generally not covered by the Police Station Advice & Assistance Scheme. There is very limited legal aid available in those circumstances, unless and until somebody is charged with an offence. If advice is required at this point, while the client remains subject to investigation, they may need to pay a fee. For example, our fixed fee for an initial consultation is £350 plus VAT.
We hope this assists but do please let us know if we can be of any further assistance to the client.