Sex Crimes Lawyer Flint MI
A sex crimes lawyer Flint, MI community members trust from Olesko Law Firm, PLLC knows that discovering you are a person of interest in a criminal investigation can be unnerving. While you may be fully aware that you are being investigated in some situations, in others, you may be taken by surprise to find that you are under scrutiny. You may learn that the police are interested in speaking with you when they approach you in person or by phone. Typically they will informally ask to meet with you. Our criminal defense lawyer knows that this can be unnerving, even if you believe you have done nothing wrong.
The following are common questions people have when they either suspect or discover that they are being investigated for a crime:
How can I find out if I am under investigation for a crime?
If you have been arrested for a crime, law enforcement may try to get you to answer questions during or shortly after your booking. We strongly advise not answering until you have your criminal defense lawyer from Flint, Michigan there to represent you. Investigations that are being managed by the state Attorney General’s office are also obligated to inform you of whether they are investigating you. However, it’s essential to be aware that if law enforcement asks to question you, proceed with caution. This can be the most significant indicator that you are under investigation.
Am I required to speak with the police if they ask to meet with me?
If you haven’t been arrested but the police want to speak with you about an event, you are not required to talk with officers if you don’t want to. While you may need to be reasonably cooperative, you will also want to protect your interests. Be aware that anything you say “can and will be used against you.” If you are only being interviewed by law enforcement, be mindful that they do not have to remind you of your Miranda Rights because you have not been arrested. Additionally, they do not have to share with you any evidence they have against you. They may not even tell you whether they suspect you of a crime. This may be a primary reason to consider contacting a criminal defense lawyer for guidance before speaking with the police.
What is the difference between a police interview and an interrogation?
Police interviews and interrogations are not the same things, and it’s essential to know the difference:
Police Interviews: These are used when law enforcement gathers information about a case that they are investigating. Typically open-ended questions are used to ascertain evidence in support of the investigation.
Police Interrogations: These are used when law enforcement believes that the suspect has committed the crime in question. Specific tactics are used with the purpose of extracting a confession from the suspect who is connected to the crime.
At what point should I reach out to a criminal defense lawyer for help?
It can be difficult for someone to know at what point they should retain a criminal defense lawyer for representation. However, it may be a good idea to consult with a lawyer if you believe you are under investigation. If you have been arrested for a crime, then it’s critical not to wait for several reasons. Hiring a lawyer early on can help mitigate mistakes that you may unknowingly be making throughout the process. Typically, when a lawyer is hired right from the start, those under investigation have a clear direction for moving forward and can assist with navigating the process and ensuring that your legal rights remain intact.
At the start of a criminal investigation, speaking with law enforcement may seem innocent. However, it’s crucial to always proceed in such situations with caution. No person wants to find that they have said something that incriminates them and faces criminal charges as a result. A Michigan criminal defense lawyer in the Flint area knows this area of practice and can guide how best to navigate the situation. In some cases, their representation may not be necessary. However, it’s essential to at least speak with them first.
Call today so a criminal defense lawyer at Olesko Law Firm, PLLC can provide critical counsel and recommend how best to move forward, including whether retaining legal services is in your best interest.