LAWBOXTIME LIMITS
CLOCKS
This is the Act, not a rumour. The line people miss: investigation time is not the same as the charge clock. Police can still be looking at an either-way file years later. They cannot usually start a summary-only case after six months.
Magistrates only. Default: information / written charge within 6 months of the offence. MCA 1980 s.127(1).
Magistrates or Crown. Treated as indictable for s.127. No general 6-month cap.
Crown Court. No general limitation period in English criminal law.
Not legal advice. Scotland and Northern Ireland are different. Some Acts write their own clock (tax, comms, bail). Custody time limits after you are charged are a third clock.
One #Lawbox card. Statute link included. No named suspects.
Link copied.
Primary text: legislation.gov.uk — MCA 1980 s.127 · CPS custody time limits are published separately and do not replace s.127.