How long do police have to investigate a crime?

There are no fixed time limits for how long a police investigation can last. However, certain offences are subject to statutory time constraints that limit the time period in which charges can be brought. These are summary-only offences, which are less serious offences that can only be heard in the Magistrates’ Court. Court proceedings for these offences must begin within six months of the alleged offence, unless another law specifically allows a longer period for the offence. If you are under investigation for a summary-only offence, the police must act within this timeframe, or the case cannot proceed. If the time limit has passed, we can challenge any attempt to charge you and push for the case to be closed.