Family and Friends Forum

My OH Was arrested January last year and had devices confiscated. He's been out on bail since then and we are still waiting for Information from devices to be returned to the police so that he can then be officially charged Hope this helps sorry I can't be more more help But take care of yourself x

Has your person been interviewed voluntarily but without being arrested or charged?Stan cat has described the most common scenario when the police have been given evidence that a crime probably has been committed and so they need to examine the devices for their proof but usually this includes an arrest with the charging being well into the future and the person released on pre-charge bail.

As for SS - their benchmark is risk rather than proof so they will become involved with a family, where there are children, at any stage, until such time as they feel that the risk is being managed or isn't there.

This sounds as if the police haven't been given their 'tip off' from somethig like an IP address being used at your address (if so I think they would have arrested and interviewed your person then), but it seems odd that SS are waiting when they usually say any police involvement is indicative of potential risk and they then become involved immediately.

Others might have more to say especially if you feel able to describe exactly what the circumstances are in your case (but no pressure) This is the best place to come x

Hi NW, forensics will examine all the devices seized for evidence. This could take months and months, depending on the severity of the accusations. I've heard of 12-15 months in some cases, but it all depends on your area and if the crime is seen as high risk. Any evidence found is then sent to the police, who pass it on to the CPS - Crown Prosecution Service - who then decide on the charges. I believe this should take 28 days, but again there could be delays due to the backlog they have. It then gets passed to Magistrates Court for the plea hearing, and then possibly Crown Court for trial (if the plea was not guilty) and sentencing.

My husband was arrested in December and we have been fast tracked. Only just getting the second interview this week coming. I wouldn't expect any movement for at least 6 months and I was told on fast track it would take 3 to 6 months to process his phone. So I doubt it will be soon. SS wsnt answers they can't have usually. It gets frustrating and a tad annoying. I've been answering what ifs and various scenarios that have been negatively affecting my mental health for months.

My OH was arrested in July 2023, phone seized, 2nd interview was november 2024, bailed for 10 month, then RUI since then. We haven't heard anything, it got sent to the CPS in January 2025 and we haven't heard anything, SS signed me off 3 month afterwards and have had no contact since. We're coming up to 2 years and a month now it's a joke, /: just prepare for a lot of waiting and not knowing. Try not overthink it or think of different scenarios because you will drive yourself crazy! ): stay strong x

The timeframes are insane. My ex had a 15 month wait for forensics and has now been waiting 5 months to hear from CPS. 12-15 months seems to be the standard for forensics now. Ex's solicitor said CPS usually takes 3-4 months, but as we found it can be longer. I'm sorry! Judging by posts here things then move fairly quickly if you plead guilty. Ex is considering pleading not guilty however and won't be tried till 2027 if he does. It's really horrible

That's absolutely shocking . My Son's wait was 2 yrs for phone forensics to come back and another 14 months to be charged and another 6 months before it's concluded.

its insanely stressful !

My 17yr old son we are just over a year since devices took. Was told should have been checked 22nd March thats never happened. Then few weeks back got told they had now been outsourced, which I wonder does that mean stuck on another shelf.

There's no consideration for impact on people's lives. On day of arrest we were told 12 months. I could cope better if they would tell us exactly what he's accused of ie is it snapchat or is it a website.