Being arrested and taken to the police station can be incredibly overwhelming for individuals. The experience and its potential repercussions can be daunting, leaving people uncertain about what to anticipate next in the legal process. If you ever find yourself in the situation where you are taken to the police station and interviewed under caution, below is an overview of the potential outcomes following your arrest.
What does being released on police bail mean?
Being released on bail does not mean you are simply free to leave and return to normal life until further notice. In fact, depending on what type of bail you are put on, there are rules you must adhere to.
Conditional bail
Once you are put on bail, it doesn’t mean you’re free to go without any obligations. Instead, it’s what’s known as ‘conditional bail’. This means you’re released but with conditions attached. If you breach these conditions, you could be re-arrested and held until your hearing or trial, and you might face additional charges for breaking bail.
Common bail conditions include:
- Having to reside at a specific address.
- Being prohibited from contacting certain individuals.
- Surrendering your passport to prevent leaving the UK.
- Reporting to a police station at scheduled times (e.g. weekly).
Unconditional bail
On the other hand, unconditional bail refers to a situation where an individual is released from custody without any specific conditions attached. Unlike conditional bail, there are no requirements or restrictions placed on the individual’s freedom. They are simply released with no further obligations or requirements, and they are expected to return for their scheduled court hearing or trial without any additional conditions imposed on their release. This type of bail is typically granted when there is no flight risk and it is unlikely that the defendant will reoffend or interfere with victims and witnesses.
What happens after you are released on bail?
There are several possible outcomes following an arrest and possible interview. These include:
Being charged with an offence
Following release on bail, if the police have sufficient evidence, you may be formally charged with an offence. This involves being informed of the specific allegations against you and receiving a court date for your trial or hearing. Once charged, you’ll need to adhere to the conditions of your bail until your court appearance, where you’ll have the opportunity to defend yourself against the accusations.
No further action
Sometimes, after being released on bail, the police may decide there isn’t enough evidence to proceed with formal charges. In such cases, you’ll be informed that no further action will be taken against you. However, it’s essential to note that this doesn’t necessarily mean your involvement in the investigation is over, as further evidence could emerge in the future.
Released under investigation
Being released under investigation means that although you’ve been let go, the investigation into your involvement in an alleged offence is ongoing. During this time, you won’t be given a bail date or conditions to adhere to. Instead, you’ll be informed that you’re under investigation, and you may be contacted by the police for further questioning or updates as the investigation progresses. It’s crucial to cooperate with the authorities and to seek legal advice during this period, as failure to do so could have implications for your case.
How Lawtons can help
Lawtons has an expert team of criminal defence solicitors adept at handling a variety of cases of this nature. We have the necessary resources and expertise to conduct investigations on your behalf and provide guidance on your legal rights and the applicable laws governing your situation. Get in touch to see how we can help you.
