Most people know they should contact a criminal defense attorney after they have been charged with a crime, but fewer realize that it can be a good idea to call us even before you are charged. Read on to learn in what situations this makes sense. If you think you need an attorney, we recommend you contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 for a free legal consultation.

Call an Attorney as Soon as You Have Reason to Believe You Are the Subject of an Investigation

If you have reason to believe that you are being investigated for a crime, then you should contact an attorney. The law is complex, and it is all too often the case that a person does not realize they have broken the law until they are arrested. If you believe you are being investigated for a crime, we can help you through the pre-file investigation to assure you do not inadvertently say something that will implicate you in the crime.

Understanding Pre-File Investigations

Before the police can arrest someone for a crime, they conduct an investigation. This generally involves steps such as speaking to witnesses, contacting informants, talking to people in the neighborhood where the crime was committed, and reviewing evidence. Their goal is to determine who committed the crime and to gather enough evidence for the prosecutor to charge them. This all occurs before someone is arrested.

Signs You Are Being Investigated

If you have committed a crime, then you should contact an attorney right away to start building your defense – but what happens when you are being investigated for a crime you did not commit? How will you even know you are being investigated? This can be difficult because the police generally try to avoid letting suspects know they are suspects.

That said, if you have had the police at your home or work several times, then it is likely you are a suspect. If you have given them a statement and they want to go over it again and again, then there is a good chance they are trying to see if you will change your story.

The Many Advantages of Talking to an Attorney Earlier Rather Than Later

There are a few reasons it is worth contacting an attorney earlier rather than waiting to be charged with a crime. Most importantly, we can take the same steps the police are making, such as talking to witnesses, collecting evidence, and building a case. Second, if the evidence is flimsy, we can work to prevent charges from being filed at all. Call Law Office of Michael L. Fell now at (949) 585-9055 to request a free legal consultation and learn more.