Being accused of obtaining property by deception can leave you feeling unsettled and unsure about what will happen next. You may be concerned about whether you will be kept in custody, how the courts view this type of allegation, and what you can do to protect your position. This article will explain what the offence involves, what happens after arrest, how bail decisions are made, and what practical steps can improve your chances of being released while your case continues.
Obtaining property by deception is a dishonesty offence. Although the original statutory offence was replaced by the Fraud Act 2006, allegations are still commonly described in these terms. In simple terms, it concerns situations where someone is said to have obtained money, goods, or other property by making a false representation.
The prosecution must usually show that there was a representation which was untrue or misleading, that it was made dishonestly, and that it led to property being handed over. The representation does not have to be spoken; it can be written or implied by conduct.
This type of allegation often arises in commercial settings, such as loan applications, online sales, business transactions, or investment schemes. It can range from relatively modest sums to very substantial financial losses. The value involved and the level of planning alleged will significantly affect how seriously the matter is treated, including when bail is considered.
If you are arrested, you will be taken to a police station and held in custody while the police investigate. You are entitled to legal advice, free of charge, before and during any interview. It is highly recommended that you exercise that right from the very start of proceedings against you.
The police may question you about bank records, communications, business dealings, or digital devices. In financial cases, investigators often need time to examine documents and electronic material. That can mean you are kept in custody while enquiries continue.
After the interview, the police must decide whether to release you, release you on bail with conditions, release you under investigation, or charge you. If you are charged, you may be kept in custody to appear before the Magistrates’ Court, usually the next working day, where bail will be reconsidered.
Serious or high-value cases are likely to proceed to the Crown Court eventually, but initial bail decisions are often made at the police station or in the Magistrates’ Court.
What is the difference between bail and being released under investigation?
Police bail means you are released from custody but subject to specific conditions while the investigation continues. You will be given a date to return to the police station, and you must comply with any restrictions imposed.
Being released under investigation (RUI) means you are released without conditions and without a set return date. The investigation remains ongoing, and you can be contacted or charged later.
For someone accused of obtaining property by deception, bail is more likely if the police believe there is a need to restrict contact with alleged victims, prevent further financial activity of concern, or secure your attendance at a later stage. RUI may be used where there is less perceived risk and enquiries are expected to take time.
Neither outcome means the case has been resolved. Both are simply stages in the process.
There is a general right to bail in England and Wales, but it is not automatic. The decision rests on whether there are substantial grounds to believe you would fail to attend court, commit further offences, or interfere with witnesses or the course of justice.
Obtaining property by deception is a non-violent, financial offence. In many cases, particularly where the person has a fixed address and no relevant convictions, bail is granted. However, that does not mean it is guaranteed (it never is).
If the allegation involves significant sums, multiple alleged victims, or a pattern of dishonest conduct, the police or court may take a more cautious approach. Concerns about access to funds, overseas connections, or prior breaches of bail can weigh heavily against release.
If bail is refused at the police station after charge, the Magistrates’ Court will reconsider the issue. If refused there, a further application can sometimes be made to the Crown Court. Each decision will depend on the specific circumstances of your case.
Where bail is granted, it may come with conditions tailored to the risks identified. In financial crime cases, conditions are often designed to prevent further alleged offending and protect complainants.
Common examples include:
The court must ensure any conditions are necessary and proportionate. They should not be more restrictive than required to address the identified risks. If conditions are too onerous or impractical, it is possible to apply to vary them.
The starting point is the nature and seriousness of the alleged offence. A low-value, single incident is viewed differently from an allegation involving substantial sums and careful planning.
Decision-makers will consider the strength of the evidence at this stage. If the case appears strong and the potential consequences significant, the perceived incentive to abscond may be considered higher.
Your personal circumstances are also key considerations. These may include:
In financial crime cases, courts may also look at whether you have access to substantial funds or overseas connections that could make leaving the jurisdiction easier. Any history of interfering with witnesses or failing to attend court will be taken seriously.
Each factor is weighed individually when your case is under consideration. There is no fixed formula so it is hard to predict which factor might carry the most weight in any given case.
While the final decision is not yours, there are practical steps that can help present you as a suitable candidate for bail. Preparation and credible assurances matter.
You should ensure that clear information is available about your address, employment, and family situation. If appropriate, a family member or responsible adult may be willing to attend court to support your application.
A well-prepared application anticipates the court’s concerns and answers them directly. Simply asserting that you will comply is rarely enough; it is the supporting detail that strengthens the request.
A solicitor’s work has an impact from the very beginning of your case, usually at the police station. Representations can be made to the custody officer about why detention is unnecessary and what conditions could address any perceived risks.
If you are charged, your solicitor can prepare a structured bail application for the Magistrates’ Court. This involves analysing the prosecution’s concerns, gathering supporting documents, and presenting your circumstances clearly and persuasively.
In more complex or higher-value cases, careful argument may be needed to challenge assumptions about flight risk or ongoing offending. If bail is refused, a solicitor can advise on the merits of a further application to the Crown Court and the timing of that step.
Throughout, the aim is to secure your release on terms that are fair and workable while your case proceeds.
If you are facing an allegation of obtaining property by deception, know that getting early and focused legal advice can make a significant difference to how your case develops. Bail decisions are sensitive to detail, and presenting your circumstances properly requires care and experience. Our team understands the approach taken by police and courts in serious financial investigations and can guide you through each stage with discretion and practical judgement. For clear advice tailored to your situation, contact the team at Stuart Miller Solicitors to book a free, no obligation consultation.
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