Can you be under investigation without knowing? The short answer is yes. Being investigated for a crime usually comes as a surprise and can be very confusing and unsettling. If you’re wondering if you are under investigation, read on to learn more about some of the signs of a criminal investigation.
The police have no obligation under the law to inform you that an investigation with you as the target is being conducted. In fact, people often do not discover that they were under investigation until after they have been arrested. If you are suspected of a crime in Austin, law enforcement officials can proceed with an investigation into your activities as they might relate to that crime without letting you know. That said, if you are being targeted in a criminal investigation and you are not told directly, outside of an arrest, there are other things that could indicate this. Here are three signs that you might be under investigation:
- YOU ARE REQUESTED TO SPEAK TO POLICE
One indication that could point to you being investigated is a request from law enforcement officials to speak to the police. This is a red flag because Austin police investigators often take note of things said in error that could be incriminating or that could constitute a confession; these things can be used against you.
- A SEARCH WARRANT IS SERVED
Another possible sign of an Austin Police Department investigation is being served with a search warrant. This is a serious indicator in that the police will have been investigating you for a long period of time in order to have established probable cause. Whether or not the warrant is valid can be determined by a skilled criminal defense attorney.
- OTHER PARTIES ARE APPROACHED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT
If your coworkers, friends, family members, or other acquaintances are contacted by Austin law enforcement officials, this is also a possible sign that you are under investigation for a crime. Some law enforcement agencies prefer to gather all information pertaining to the investigation prior to attempting to interrogate the accused. When this method is used, the accused is usually the last to know about the investigation.
For many serious charges, law enforcement officials will not arrest you until they have conducted an in-depth investigation to determine your involvement in a crime. As soon as you learn you are under investigation, you should seek out experienced legal representation; you have the right to secure the services of a lawyer immediately. Your criminal defense attorney will build a case to protect your rights.
If you believe you are under investigation in Austin, Texas, consider reaching out to reputable criminal defense attorney Brian Erskine of Erskine Law, a board-certified criminal defense attorney in Travis County. The experienced and competent counsel at Erskine Law is available to provide legal guidance related to your situation and help you understand how to proceed. Contact Law Maverick Brian Erskine of Erskine Law today for more information about available services during a free consultation about your case.