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 smart idea to call us even before you are charged. Read on to see in what instances this makes sense. Call Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 for a free legal consultation if you believe you require legal representation.

As Soon as You Have Reason to Think You Are the Subject of an Investigation, Contact a Lawyer

You should speak with an attorney if you have cause to believe that you are under criminal investigation. Because the law is so complicated, it happens far too frequently that someone breaks the law without even realizing it until they are jailed. If you feel you are being investigated for a crime, we can help you through the pre-file investigation to insure you do not mistakenly say something that will implicate you in the crime.

Pre-File Investigations: An Overview

The police undertake an investigation before making an arrest. This typically include interviewing to witnesses, getting in touch with informants, talking to neighbors where the crime was committed, and evaluating the evidence. They want to find out who perpetrated the crime and collect enough proof for the prosecutor to press charges. All of this takes place prior to an arrest.

Indications That You Are Being Looked Into

If you have committed a crime, then you should call an attorney straight once to start crafting your case — but what happens when you are being investigated for a crime you did not commit? How will you even be aware that you are being looked into? This can be challenging because the police typically aim to keep suspects from knowing they are suspects.

But, if the police have visited your house or place of employment on multiple occasions, you are probably a suspect. There is a significant likelihood they are attempting to see if you will change your narrative if you have given them a statement and they keep repeating it.

The Numerous Benefits of Seeing a Lawyer Sooner 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 significantly, we can follow the same procedures as the police, including interviewing witnesses, gathering evidence, and developing a case. Second, we can try to stop charges from being brought at all if the evidence is weak. For a free legal consultation and more information, contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell right away at (949) 585-9055.