There are sure signs that may indicate that you’re under investigation by law enforcement. If law enforcement officials contact you, if your home or office is searched, or you’re questioned about potential criminal activity, these could all be signs that you are the subject of a criminal probe. It’s important to remember that just because you’re being investigated doesn’t mean that you’ve done anything wrong. Law enforcement investigates many people who are never charged with a crime. However, you must take steps to protect your rights if you are under investigation.

 

 

 

The police call you or come to your home

If the police call you or come to your home, they may want to talk to you about something. They may not be sure if you’ve done anything wrong and are just trying to gather information. Or, they may have evidence that you’ve committed a crime and are trying to get you to confess. Either way, you mustn’t say anything without a lawyer present.

 

 

The police search your home or office.

If the police search your home or office, they have probable cause to believe there is evidence of a crime inside. They will typically have a warrant, meaning a judge has signed off on the search. During the search, the police will seize any evidence that they find. They may also take your computers, phones, and other electronic devices. If the police search your home or office, you mustn’t try to stop them. It’s also essential that you don’t answer any questions without a lawyer present.

The police contact your relatives, friends, romantic partners, or co-workers.

If the police contact your relatives, friends, romantic partners, or co-workers, they’re trying to gather information about you. They may be looking for witnesses to a crime or trying to build a case against you. You mustn’t talk to the police without a lawyer present. Even if you haven’t done anything wrong, you could inadvertently say something that incriminates you.

 

 

What To Do If You’re Under Investigation

Keep calm and don’t panic. It can be challenging to stay calm when you’re under investigation for a crime. You may feel like you’re being watched all the time and that everyone is out to get you. But it’s essential to try to keep your cool. If you panic, you could make mistakes that could later hurt your case.

Get a lawyer

If you’re under investigation, the first thing you should do is get a lawyer. A Hillsborough County criminal defense attorney will be able to advise you on what to say and do and can help you protect your rights. Even if you can’t afford a private lawyer, you should still request a public defender from the court.

 

 

Be careful what you say.

When you’re under investigation, you must be careful about what you say. You have the right to remain silent, and you should exercise that right. Anything you say can and will be used against you in court. So if law enforcement officials question you, it’s best to tell them that you want to speak to a lawyer first.

Don’t talk to people who aren’t your lawyers

If you’re under investigation, you should avoid talking to anyone about your case except your lawyer. That includes family, friends, co-workers, or anyone else who might be involved in the case. If you talk to someone, anything you say could be used against you later.

Final Thoughts

If you’re under investigation by law enforcement, it’s vital that you take steps to protect your rights. Get a lawyer as soon as possible and be very careful about what you say. If you follow these steps, you’ll be in a better position to defend yourself if charges are filed against you.