How long do police have to investigate a crime?

Are you currently at the centre of a criminal investigation or are you worried you may be soon? Wondering how long the police have to investigate a crime before they have to call it quits?

In this article, we’ll explain whether the police have to stick to legal time limits for investigating crimes, whether they must begin investigating within a specific timeframe, and how long police investigations can take.

Do police investigations have a time limit?

The police only have a time limit to investigate “summary” offences. These less serious offences carry a maximum of six months imprisonment or a £5,000 fine – things like speeding, driving without insurance, common assault, shoplifting.

For summary offences, the police have to charge you and begin court proceedings within 6 months of the offence taking place.

There is no time limit for police investigations into any other type of offence (either-way or indictable-only).

Do the police have to begin an investigation within a specified timeframe?

For “summary” offences, the police must both charge you and start court proceedings within 6 months of the offence taking place. Simply starting their investigation within the 6 months period is not enough – they have to initiate the court process before 6 months elapses, or they cannot legally charge you. There are some exceptions with specific offences, but this is largely the rule.

For all other types of offences, there is no specific timeframe that the police must begin their investigation within. The UK does not have a general statute of limitations for most crimes, unlike the USA.

How long do police investigations normally take?

Police decide to stop investigating a crime for many reasons, and the time their investigation takes is largely down to the complexity of the case. The evidence available, the evidence that needs to be analysed, police resources, and more can all affect the speed of an investigation.

Some investigations can be completed within a few weeks – some can take years. Your solicitor can give you some insight into how long they anticipate the case will take, but it really is impossible for them to give you an accurate answer.

Concerned about a criminal investigation?

Are you worried the police are investigating you for an offence? Or are you already aware that you are under investigation?

Holborn Adams is here to help you. We are pre-charge pioneers, so we always aim to have cases dropped before you are ever formally charged, wherever possible. We do this using a process called pre-charge engagement.

If you are concerned at all about a potential or current criminal investigation, please contact our pre-charge solicitors today. We can talk you through your options and offer you the best possible defence solutions.

Holborn Adams