How Long Can CID Keep My Case Open? – The Most Comprehensive 2026 Guide for Soldiers Under Investigation

TLDR – CID Can Keep a Case Open for Months or Even Years, and the Clock Does NOT Protect You

The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) can keep a case open for a long time — far longer than most Soldiers expect. There is no strict statutory deadline requiring CID to close an investigation within a specific number of days. The length of a CID investigation depends on the allegation, the evidence, the availability of witnesses, forensic backlogs, administrative delays, operational tempo, and command priorities.
Some investigations close in weeks; others remain open for 6–18 months or even longer. Meanwhile, a Soldier’s career, reputation, security clearance, and promotion timeline remain in jeopardy — even when there is insufficient evidence of wrongdoing.
If CID is keeping your case open, it is not because they are gathering every possible fact — it often means they have not found enough evidence to move forward, but are not ready to let the case go.

• There is no fixed time limit for CID investigations.
• Serious allegations (Article 120, domestic violence, drugs) often stay open the longest.
• CID does not have to notify you of progress or delays.
• Your name may remain in Army law enforcement databases even after the case stops moving.
• Being “flagged” during a CID investigation can stall promotions, PCS, schools, and clearances.

Why CID Keeps Cases Open So Long

Soldiers often ask why CID is taking months — sometimes a year or more — to reach results that seem obvious. The truth is that CID investigations are influenced by multiple factors, many unrelated to the evidence itself.

1. CID Prioritizes Cases Based on Severity and Command Pressure

Sexual assault and domestic violence cases receive the most scrutiny. Commands often pressure CID to “keep pushing” even when evidence is weak. Investigators may delay closure simply to avoid appearing dismissive.

2. Forensic Analysis Delays

Digital forensics labs (phones, computers, social media accounts) can take months. DNA labs often take even longer. CID cannot close cases until lab results return, especially in Article 120 and child exploitation allegations.

3. Turnover and Staffing Issues

CID offices face manning shortages, high caseloads, and investigator turnover. When an agent PCS’s or leaves the unit, cases often stall for months before reassignment.

4. Witness Availability

Key witnesses may be deployed, on leave, transferred, or unavailable for extended periods. CID has to wait until they can secure interviews.

5. Evidence Collection Errors or Repeated Attempts

When CID makes mistakes — which happens frequently — they must redo interviews, obtain supplemental statements, or re-submit forensic evidence.

6. “Cover Yourself” Culture

Some investigators fear closing a case without exhaustive documentation if the allegation is politically sensitive. This leads to unnecessary extensions.

Is There Any Deadline for CID to Close My Case?

Officially: No.
Unofficially: Commands often ask for updates, but there is no legal requirement forcing CID to close cases within a set timeframe.

The Army’s investigative guidance (AR 195-2) encourages “timely completion,” but “timely” is subjective and unenforceable. This is why some Soldiers remain under investigation for 12 months or more, especially for sexual assault or sensitive misconduct allegations.

Even when CID stops actively working a case, they may not close it immediately — meaning you stay flagged, restricted, and under suspicion.

How Long Do CID Investigations Usually Last?

Average timelines (based on data and real-world experience):

• Minor misconduct: 30–90 days
• Drug cases (112a): 60–180 days (depending on lab delays)
• Domestic violence: 90–180 days
• Financial/administrative misconduct: 3–6 months
• Sexual assault (Article 120): 6–18 months (most common long-term investigations)
• Child exploitation / digital forensic cases: 12–24 months

These are averages — many cases go significantly longer.

Why CID Doesn’t Close Weak Cases Quickly

If investigators suspect that allegations are false or exaggerated, Soldiers expect CID to immediately clear them. Unfortunately, that’s not how the system works.

CID often keeps weak cases open because:

• They want to avoid criticism for closing a politically sensitive case.
• They are waiting for lab results or digital evidence.
• They need more interviews or paperwork.
• Investigators rotate out or get reassigned.
• Commands feel closure would appear like “not taking allegations seriously.”

All of this means even innocent Soldiers remain stuck in legal limbo for months.

How a Pending CID Investigation Affects Your Career

Even if you are innocent, a CID investigation can disrupt your military career:

• FLAGGED (suspension of favorable actions)
• No PCS
• No promotions
• No schools (Airborne, ALC, SLC, etc.)
• Security clearance suspensions
• Loss of responsibility or leadership positions
• Rumors, stigma, and command scrutiny

And even when CID closes a case with “no probable cause” or “unsubstantiated findings,” the Army may still proceed with:

• GOMORs
• Article 15 / NJP
• Administrative separation
• Bars to reenlistment
• Evaluation reliefs or “referred” reports
• Command climate actions

In other words: The end of the CID case is not the end of the threat.

Can I Force CID to Close My Case Faster?

Not directly — but an experienced civilian military defense lawyer can influence the process by:

• Communicating with investigators and command attorneys
• Submitting evidence proactively
• Correcting false narratives before they reach prosecutors
• Pressuring for timely updates
• Preventing CID from misinterpreting evidence
• Ensuring your rights and reputation are protected

In many cases, proactive defense intervention leads to faster case closure because investigators are given clear reasons to end the inquiry.

How You Know CID Is NOT Moving Your Case Forward

Signs CID may be waiting, stalled, or not actively working your case:

• No contact from investigators for more than 60 days
• No follow-up questions or interviews
• No lab updates
• No request for additional documentation
• Repeated delays attributed to “waiting on higher”

This does NOT mean “you’re cleared” — but it may mean the case is weak and investigators are simply waiting for an excuse to close it.

What You Should NEVER Do During a CID Investigation

• Never speak to CID without a lawyer present.
• Never provide a written statement voluntarily.
• Never consent to searches without legal advice.
• Never discuss your case with friends, coworkers, or leadership.
• Never confront the accuser or witnesses.
• Never assume CID will “figure out the truth.”

Most Soldiers damage their cases not by guilt — but by talking too much.

How a Civilian Military Defense Lawyer Shortens CID Investigations

Experienced counsel can reduce investigation time by:

• Clarifying timelines and evidence inconsistencies
• Presenting exculpatory evidence directly to prosecutors
• Providing alternative suspect theories
• Showing investigators problems with witness credibility
• Demonstrating why the case does not justify further resources
• Documenting procedural issues or rights violations

Prosecutors are more likely to close a weak case when the defense demonstrates why “pushing further” will waste resources and harm the command’s case later.

Real-World Case Examples (Based on Common Patterns)

Example 1 – Article 120 Allegation Stays Open 14 Months

A Soldier faced a sexual assault allegation. CID delayed due to forensic testing and digital extractions from multiple devices. The defense provided timeline evidence showing the alleged incident was impossible, leading to closure with no charges.

Example 2 – Domestic Violence Allegation Referred to Command Instead of Court-Martial

CID kept a case open for nearly a year despite conflicting statements. The defense intervened and demonstrated the accuser’s motive to fabricate. The command ultimately issued no adverse action.

Example 3 – THC Positive Stuck in “Lab Processing” for Months

Delays at forensic labs kept the case open for 9 months. When results returned with chain-of-custody irregularities, the case was closed.

Example 4 – Financial Misconduct Case Delayed by Lost Documents

Investigative turnover led to a stagnant case. Defense intervention accelerated closure after presenting full financial documentation.

Your CID Case Is Not Over Until the Army Says It’s Over

Even when CID closes a case with “no probable cause,” commands may still pursue administrative actions. This is why you must treat a CID investigation as the beginning — not the end — of your defense strategy.

➤ Speak with experienced civilian counsel if CID has kept your case open for more than 60–90 days.

Professional Support for CID Investigations

A knowledgeable lawyer can protect your rights from day one, shorten the investigation timeline, prevent harmful missteps, and ensure the command hears your side before decisions are made. CID investigations can derail a career — but they do not have to determine your future.

➤ Get strategic guidance for navigating your CID investigation.