Learning that you are the subject of a criminal investigation in West Palm Beach should always be a cause for concern. Even if these investigations center around misdemeanor allegations, a conviction can have severe, life-altering consequences. While your status as a suspect in a case is not a guarantee of an arrest, it is a strong indicator that the Police have evidence pointing toward this outcome. As a result, it is crucial to protect yourself at every opportunity.
Hiring a Leifert & Leifert Legal Advocate to defend yourself during a criminal investigation in West Palm Beach is essential. Our knowledgeable criminal defense Attorneys can help explain the laws the Police are accusing you of violating. They can also control interviews and object any improper or illegal questions. Finally, if a case results in an arrest, they can help minimize the impact of this event on your reputation in the community.
Why Might Police Undertake an Investigation?
Law Enforcement does not inform a person that they are a suspect in an investigation for no reason. In almost every instance, they already have information that appears to connect an individual to a crime. This could include physical evidence or a witness’s statements.
Many people wonder why Police simply do not make an arrest. The answer: Police need probable cause to arrest a person for a crime. In other words, it must be likely that a suspect committed an offense. In many investigations, the Police’s goal is to obtain more information through interviews or confessions.
However, a case may stay in the investigation phase even if Law Enforcement believes that they have just cause to make an arrest. Their investigation may attempt to pressure a suspect into making statements against their interest or providing information about other suspects. Having a seasoned West Palm Beach Attorney present during criminal investigations can help a suspect understand the law and maintain control over questioning.
Protecting One’s Rights During a Criminal Investigation
Being the subject of a criminal investigation in West Palm Beach is a serious matter. At the very least, Police Officers may request an interview that becomes stressful and time-consuming for an individual. In the most extreme case, they may hold a person in custody in an attempt to obtain further evidence. From the first moment a person learns that they are under investigation for a crime, an Attorney can provide effective assistance.
A Legal Representative is aware of a person’s Constitutional rights and common tactics that Law Enforcement may use that violate those rights. This includes the right to have an Attorney present during all encounters with Police and the ability to leave an interview at any time if there is not an arrest.
Speak with an Attorney to Protect Yourself Against Criminal Investigations in West Palm Beach
A criminal investigation in West Palm Beach is often the first step towards more significant legal trouble. Police will not investigate a person without some evidence of apparent wrongdoing. In fact, these investigations are often an attempt to obtain more information about a case that leads to an arrest.
Having the help of a Leifert & Leifert Attorney could allow you to retain greater control over this process. This includes taking steps to protect your legal rights and even arranging for a scheduled surrender if an arrest becomes inevitable. Reach out today to see how our Legal Team is ready to help.
