Criminal Department

We have an expert team who are experienced in all matters of Criminal Law. Our team appreciate that being released under investigation can be confusing and distressing. It is because of this that we offer friendly and professional advice, with continuity of representation throughout your case.

Whatever the circumstances, if you are arrested or questioned by the police, it is vital that you have suitable legal representation as soon as possible. Do not be tempted to leave it until after any interviews to seek advice.  What is said and done in an interview often determines whether you will be charged and potentially found guilty.

If you have been released under investigation and have not yet sought advice, or if you need an expert opinion and robust defence, then call us today.

Free Initial Telephone Options Appointment

We provide a free initial telephone options appointment to see how we can assist in your circumstances. Please call 0330 333 2613 for a no obligation, initial discussion or email enquiries@elliotmather.co.uk and we will call you back.

What is meant by the term ‘released under investigation’?

The term ‘released under investigation’ means that you have been interviewed under caution by the police and have been permitted to leave the station, whilst officers continue their investigation of the crime. Once the police have come to a conclusion regarding the matter, you will then be contacted with further information.

How long do police investigations normally take?

There is no definitive answer to this. It is all dependent on the amount of evidence that has to be gathered and the cooperation of all parties. It is impossible to estimate this.

When there are any updates regarding the investigation, these will be given to you by the police or from your solicitor. It is recommended that you stay in regular contact with your criminal defence solicitor in order to be fully informed about the investigation.

If I am released under investigation can police keep my personal belongings?

If you have belongings that are relevant to the investigation, then police are able to retain them. This could be: phones, laptops, tablets, paper documents, clothing and vehicles. If it is deemed necessary for the investigation, any items kept by the police can be submitted for forensic testing.

The police are able to keep your belongings as long as they are required, which makes it difficult to suggest a time frame as to how long you would be without them. It could be until they have finished investigating one part of the case, or until the entire investigation is concluded. It is recommended that you keep in contact with your criminal defence solicitor who will be able to provide updates about your belongings, and when they can be returned to you.

What to do if you are released under investigation

If you have been released under investigation, this can be a distressing time for you and those closest to you. The uncertainty of not knowing when the investigation will be finalised can have an impact on your day to day life. It is important that you keep in regular contact with an expert criminal defence solicitor. During this time, they will be able to provide you with any updates from the police and inform you about the specifics of your case, in order to put your mind at ease.

Receiving Legal Aid

All individuals who face criminal allegations are entitled to free legal advice at an Interview Under Caution with the police. Speak to us today to find out more.

Pre-charge Advice

Whilst you are released under investigation we may be able to make representations on trying to have the matter dropped before any charging decision is made.

How we can help

At Elliot Mather, our dedicated Criminal Defence team offer friendly and professional advice with continuity of representation throughout your case.

The level of help you would like from us is entirely up to you. Our team members are all experienced in advising individuals on their specific circumstances

Location

Our Solicitors are able to provide expert advice across the country with a network of offices based in: Chesterfield, Nottingham, Mansfield and Derby.

How to get in contact

Our team are on hand to help you and can assist wherever you are based. Please call us for a no-obligation, initial discussion on 0330 333 2613 or email enquiries@elliotmather.co.uk and we will call or email you back.

How to make contact out of hours

We operate a call out system, meaning that representation from our expert criminal law team can be requested at any time of the day or night.  The police will contact a call centre who will then telephone us immediately.
If you require assistance from one of our criminal defence solicitors when out of our normal office hours, it is vital that you call us on:

• Chesterfield: 07717802850
• Derby: 07776240152
• Mansfield: 07741592301
• Nottinghamshire: 07741592301