You Were Arrested and Released Under Investigation (RUI)
You have been arrested, interviewed, and released without bail conditions. You are now 'Released Under Investigation' (RUI). This page explains what that means, how long it can last, and what you must do to protect yourself.
Quick Answer
RUI means the police are still investigating but you face no bail conditions. The investigation can last months or years with no statutory time limit. You should take legal advice immediately, preserve any evidence that supports you, and avoid all contact with alleged victims or witnesses.
Full Explanation
Released Under Investigation (RUI) replaced pre-charge bail as the default position for many suspects following the Policing and Crime Act 2017. Unlike bail, RUI carries no conditions, no surrender date, and — for most offences — no statutory time limit on how long the police can keep the file open.
Being on RUI does not mean you have been charged or that any offence is proven. You remain innocent unless and until a court convicts you. However, the investigation is live and the police can arrest you again, charge you, or close the investigation at any time.
You are entitled to your custody record under PACE 1984 Code C. This document shows the grounds for arrest, the offences under investigation, and what happened during your time in custody. Your solicitor can use it to assess the strength of the case.
Do not approach or contact any alleged victim, complainant, or prosecution witness. Even if contact is not formally prohibited (because you are not on bail), doing so may result in a further arrest for witness intimidation or harassment and will make your position far worse.
Consider taking positive steps during the investigation period: engage with any relevant support services, maintain good character references, continue employment, and follow any civil court orders that may be in place. These steps can materially influence any charging decision by the Crown Prosecution Service.
Legal Basis
- §Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE), s.34 — Requires release of a person arrested without warrant unless there are grounds to keep them in custody or charge them.
- §Policing and Crime Act 2017 — Amended PACE to introduce statutory pre-charge bail time limits and RUI as the default release position, removing automatic bail conditions.
- §Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 — Further amended pre-charge bail time limits and introduced 28-day initial bail periods, tightening the regime for both bail and RUI.
What To Do
Obtain Free Duty Solicitor Advice
If you did not have a solicitor at the police station, contact a criminal defence solicitor as soon as possible. Legal aid is available for police investigations and is means-tested at the police station stage. A solicitor can review the custody record, advise on the offences under investigation, and make representations to the police or CPS on your behalf.
Request Your Custody Record
You have an absolute right to a copy of your custody record under PACE Code C, paragraph 2.4A. Request it in writing from the custody sergeant at the station where you were detained. It contains details of the offence, the grounds for arrest, any searches conducted, and what property was taken from you.
Do Not Contact Alleged Victims or Witnesses
Even without formal bail conditions, any contact with alleged victims or witnesses may constitute witness intimidation under the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 or harassment under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. Keep a complete record of any unsolicited contact from them instead.
Attend Any Further Interview If Scheduled
You may receive a voluntary interview request or a further arrest and interview under caution. Attend with your solicitor. Do not answer questions alone. Your solicitor can review any new disclosure the police provide and advise whether to answer questions, give a prepared statement, or exercise your right to silence.
Build Your Character and Gather Supporting Evidence
Collect documentary evidence that supports your account: messages, emails, CCTV, bank records, witness statements from people who can speak to your character or whereabouts. The CPS charging decision weighs the Full Code Test — evidential sufficiency and public interest. Strong mitigation and good character can influence both.
Important Deadlines
Important Warnings
There is no statutory time limit on RUI for most offences. Investigations can remain open for years. You must keep your solicitor updated with your contact details and respond promptly to any police contact.
A RUI does not protect you from civil proceedings arising out of the same incident. You may face civil claims, injunctions, or family court proceedings while the criminal investigation is ongoing.
If new evidence emerges, the police can re-arrest you at any time during the RUI period without warning.