If you are under investigation by a law enforcement agency, you may be tempted to make statements in order to declare your innocence. The best thing that you can do for yourself when arrested or investigated by law enforcement agencies is to remain silent and request legal representation. Anything that you say during your arrest or investigation can be used against you in a court of law, so it is imperative that you not make any statements until you have spoken with a knowledgeable attorney.
Police officers and other agencies are trained to obtain statements that may be used against you later in court. The Fifth Amendment gives you the right to remain silent and allows you the opportunity to speak with an attorney before making any statements. Remember that the more that you tell the authorities without legal representation, the stronger you are making their case against you. The authorities may not have a valid case against you without your statements.
Before saying anything to the authorities, get in contact with the Milwaukee pre-indictment investigations lawyers from Hart Powell, S.C.. We can ensure that you do not accidentally incriminate yourself when you are questioned by the authorities. To learn more about how we can help you at this potentially perilous time, call us today at (414) 271-9595.
Why Do You Need a Lawyer?
Before any investigation takes place, an attorney will want to get between you and the police. The attorney will contact the police to inform them that you are now represented by an attorney and any further interrogations will cease. An attorney will also evaluate any request made by detectives to interrogate or test you to ensure that your case is not compromised. Furthermore, an attorney will also evaluate all the techniques that have been used against you, such as calls and requests for biological evidence. An attorney needs to be wary of how police interrogate or handle their investigation. Lastly, an attorney will contact the prosecutor to determine the official charges against you.
Once charges are issued against you, it is difficult to convince a prosecutor to dismiss the charges. You may be facing serious consequences such as pretrial incarceration, or having to post bond. These problems can be avoided by having an experienced pre-indictment lawyer on your side from the very beginning.
Why Do You Need a Lawyer From Hart Powell, S.C.?
Turn to the Milwaukee criminal defense lawyers of Hart Powell, S.C. if you are facing pre-indictment investigations. Our dedicated attorneys will work to protect your rights throughout the pre-indictment process. Speaking with an attorney in the early stages of pre-indictment investigations will give the lawyers a chance to organize documents and witnesses to aid in your defense before criminal charges are filed. Although law enforcement agencies can be intimidating, you have constitutional rights to protect you from pre-indictment investigations. To learn more about our pre-indictment services, contact the Milwaukee criminal defense lawyers by calling (414) 271-9595. Trust in our extensive experience as you fight to protect your rights.
Cases We Handle
If you are suspected of committing a crime, investigations will begin prior to law enforcement referring your case to a prosecutor. Pre-indictment investigations can be very stressful for the person accused of a crime. In most criminal cases, a case is assigned to a detective once a police report has been made. Detectives begin to investigate their case by reviewing information gathered and contacting suspects for interrogations. Detectives use interrogations and surveillance techniques to induce you, as the suspicious suspect, to make statements that will be used against you in court. Typically, detectives are trained to attempt to convince a suspicious suspect to enter into an interrogation by asking that you come down to the police department to simply get your side of the story. Detectives use these tactics so you can waive your Miranda Rights. An interrogation can last for hours and the words that you provide to a detective may be used against you.
The attorneys at Hart Powell, S.C. will provide pre-indictment representation for many crimes, including:
- Assault: Physical attacks, including forced sexual contact.
- Drug Crimes: Posession, distribution, trafficking, and manufacture of illegal substances.
- Fraud: Wrongful deception for financial gain.
- Harassment: Aggressive pressure or intimidation of a person.
- Homicide: Killing another person, purposefully or accidentally.
- Kidnapping: The carrying away of another person against their will.
- Juvenile Crimes: Any crime committed by a minor under the age of 18.
If you are under investigation for these or other crimes, Hart Powell, S.C. can help protect you. Innocent people often incriminate themselves simply because they are unprepared for investigation. Don’t let the same thing happen to you.
How Will I Know If I Am Under Investigation?
In criminal investigations, law enforcement agents are looking to gather as much evidence against you prior to deferring their case to a prosecutor. Typically, investigations may include hidden cameras, wiretapping, physical surveillance, witness interviews, search warrants, monitoring financial transactions, and many other investigation techniques. Investigations may occur over the course of months or even years, and law enforcement agents will work diligently to keep the investigation a secret. If you suspect that you are being investigated, contact the attorneys at Hart Powell, S.C. to provide you with legal representation while the investigation is taking place.
What Happens When During Pre-Filing?
If law enforcement gathers enough evidence and sends your case to the District Attorney’s office during the “pre-filing” stage, one of the three outcomes will occur:
- The district attorney will decide to file charges against you and prosecution will occur;
- The district attorney will decide to end the investigation and drop all the charges against you or some; or
- The prosecution will request that law enforcement continue their investigations to gather additional evidence and then re-submit the filing to the district attorney for review.
It is imperative that you hire an experienced pre-indictment lawyer early in the process to persuade the district attorney not to continue with your case because of a lack of evidence or because there is enough evidence to prove your innocence. The attorneys at Hart Powell, S.C. will work diligently to investigate your case and gather evidence to prove your innocence.
The Benefits of Early Legal Intervention
At Hart Powell, S.C., our experienced pre-indictment lawyers recognize that in some situations, presenting evidence early to prosecution can lead the local government to decline filing charges against you. Our attorneys will work with you to ensure that we gather the necessary evidence to exonerate you. Our attorneys will then make a persuasive presentation to the local government on your behalf. Our attorneys can begin working on your case during the investigation and/or before charges are officially filed against you.
Contact Us
The attorneys at Hart Powell, S.C. know that when you or a loved one reach out to us, you need compassion as well as legal advice. Our attorneys handle each case with personal care and attentiveness. While there is an ongoing pre-indictment investigation, our attorneys will fight aggressively for your rights. Our attorneys have a wealth of experience and legal knowledge to make sure that your rights are not violated. Our law firm offers a free legal consultation. You may contact our office at (414) 271-9595 to schedule your consultation or by chatting with a live representative on this website. Please rest assured that we will respond to you as quickly as possible.