What next?
When a crime is reported, the police will collect evidence so they can try to catch the criminal. Sometimes, even though the police have a suspect, they may not have enough evidence to charge or take other action against the person.
This section explains how the police will handle your case, and the role of the Crown Prosecution Service in deciding how to proceed.
The leaflet 'Giving a witness statement to the police - what happens next?' contains further information about the procedures of the Police and the Crown Prosecution Service.
Sometimes the police or Crown Prosecution Service may decide that in the interests of justice it is more appropriate to deal with a case without going to court. In such circumstances, an out-of-court disposal (for example - a simple or conditional caution) may be considered.