What happens when bail ends in the UK?

If you are currently on pre-charge bail, you will be wondering what the road ahead looks like. Pre-charge bail usually lasts for up to 3 months, so what will happen to you after this?

In this article, we’ll outline all of the possible things that happen when bail ends in the UK.

Your bail could be extended.

For standard cases, pre-charge bail has a 3 month time limit. It can be extended if investigators feel they need longer, up to a maximum of 12 months (from the date that you were first released on bail). So, when your bail is approaching its end, you may find that it is extended.

You could be released with no further action.

Investigators may find that there is not enough evidence to charge you, or your solicitors may have initiated the pre-charge engagement process and have proven your innocence. Either way, you may be released with no further action and be free to continue on with life as normal.

That said, the investigators may re-open the case in future if new evidence against you comes to light.

You may be released under investigation.

Case investigators may decide to switch to “release under investigation” instead of pre-charge bail. They may do this on more complex, serious cases where the time limits on pre-charge bail are too restrictive.

If you are released under investigation instead, you’ll not be restricted by the bail conditions imposed when you were under pre-charge bail. You are still obligated to cooperate with the investigation, but you won’t have additional restrictions to adhere to.

You could be charged with an offence.

Investigators may have gathered enough evidence to formally charge you with the offence (and perhaps additional offences). If this happens, depending on whether you are considered a risk to the public/the investigation, you may be:

• Released on post-charge bail with or without bail conditions.
• Be held in police custody until your first court hearing.

You’ll then have your first court hearing at the Magistrates’ Court (usually 24 hours after being charged) where they’ll decide whether you should be on bail or in custody until your next court appearance.

Facing potential criminal charges?

If you’ve found yourself with the possibility of criminal charges, it’s important to act quickly. The team at Holborn Adams is ready to fight your corner. We can have restrictive bail conditions overturned and can bring your case to a close before any charges are even made.

We know facing criminal charges is an incredibly stressful time, so we want to lighten your load and bring your case to a smooth close. Please contact our pre-charge solicitors today.

Holborn Adams