What happens after a police interview?

Released without charge (often called NFA)

The police may let you go without charging you that day. They sometimes call this no further action.

What this means for you

The custody officer can release you without charge if they decide not to charge you then. If the case later goes to prosecutors, they use a two-part test: is there enough evidence, and is a prosecution in the public interest. NFA now is not a promise that the matter can never come back if new evidence appears.

What to do next

• Ask for the outcome in writing if you do not have it.
• Keep any papers you were given.
• If the police contact you again, get legal advice before you go back.

Released under investigation (no bail)

You leave without a charge and without bail. People often call this released under investigation, or RUI.

What this means for you

There is usually no bail return date and no bail conditions. The investigation can still continue. Later you may be asked back, put on bail, charged, or told there will be no further action.

What to do next

• Keep any release papers.
• Do not treat a verbal comment from an officer as legal advice.
• If you are asked to attend again, speak to a solicitor first.

Pre-charge bail

You leave before charge, but you may have to return to a police station. There may be conditions.

What this means for you

Bail before charge is different from court bail. The law sets time limits and a way to extend them. Conditions can limit travel or contact. Breaking them can lead to arrest in some cases.

What to do next

• Read the bail form before you leave.
• Get advice before you assume you can travel or contact someone.
• Diary the return date.

Charged at the police station

You may be charged at the station and then bailed to court, or kept for court.

What this means for you

A charge is a decision to start a court case. It is not a finding that you are guilty. You will need to go to court. A lawyer at court is not automatically free. That is a separate legal aid check or a private fee.

What to do next

• Read the charge sheet and court date.
• Ask a solicitor about court legal aid or private fees.
• Do not miss court.

Charge by post (written charge and requisition)

A charge can arrive later by post. It tells you to go to magistrates' court.

What this means for you

A prosecutor can start a case with a written charge and a requisition. That paperwork is a court process, not a casual letter. It is not the same as RUI or NFA. Missing court can have serious results.

What to do next

• Open the papers and note the court date.
• Get legal advice quickly.
• Do not ignore a letter that looks official.

Caution or other out-of-court result

Some cases end with an official caution or similar step instead of a court charge.

What this means for you

These are not informal warnings. You may be asked to admit something. A caution or similar result can stay on your record. The exact scheme depends on the offence and current guidance.

What to do next

• Do not accept a caution until you understand what you are admitting.
• Ask for the name of the scheme in writing.
• Get advice before you sign.

We have not listed every local community-resolution policy. If the papers use a name we have not used here, take advice on that document.

Held for court after charge (remand)

After charge you may be kept in custody to appear at magistrates' court. Court bail is then a court decision.

What this means for you

This is not the same as the police detention clock before charge. A solicitor can apply for court bail. Legal aid for that hearing uses court rules, not only the police station scheme. This page does not guess whether a court will grant bail.

What to do next

• Ask for a solicitor at the station if you do not have one.
• Family can use the contact pathways on this site. We are not the police.
• Do not expect a time estimate from this page.