How To Find Out If The Police Are Investigating You

Published Oct 10, 2021

If you’ve ever watched a police procedural on television, you’ve seen investigators conduct criminal investigations. While real life differs significantly from fiction in numerous ways, criminal investigations occur on a daily basis. So, how to tell if the police are investigating you?

Criminal investigations take a variety of forms. However, if you see any of the following, you may need to consult a lawyer:

1. You have committed an offense

In general, investigators do not conduct investigations for the purpose of conducting investigations. If you have committed an unlawful act, such as embezzling funds from your company, your behavior may eventually be discovered. If someone alerts the authorities, you may almost certainly expect an investigator to initiate an investigation into your activities.

2. You have become aware of unusual activity

Oftentimes, investigators must amass a large amount of evidence in order to solve a crime. If you spot suspicious vehicles parked near your home, receive strange phone calls, or have unknown individuals contact you via social media, you may be the focus of a criminal investigation.

3. You have received an information request

When establishing a case, criminal investigators often comb through a range of records. Additionally, they may collaborate with banks, educational institutions, and employers to ascertain facts. If you receive an unusual request for information, an investigator may be attempting to bring criminal charges against you.

4. You are informed by an investigator

Finally, arguably the most obvious indication that you are under investigation is when an investigator notifies you. This, however, may take a variety of shapes. Officers may request that you submit to questioning. Alternatively, someone may pay a visit to your home or place of business and ask you questions. While the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution protects you against self-incrimination, you may become the subject of a criminal investigation if investigators communicate with you.

If you believe you are being investigated for a crime, you may experience a range of emotions. However, you should not let paranoia prevent you from taking the essential efforts to safeguard your legal rights and interests.

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW WHEN YOU FOUND OUT THE POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING YOU

Once you receive anything mentioned above, it’s essential to be cautious and know what to do next.

Here are some things you should know to help you on what you should do next when police are investigating you.

CREDIBILITY DOESN’T MATTER

Whether you have previous criminal records or not, it doesn’t matter. The prosecutors will still look at the evidence and see what they can prove. But, your credibility somehow affects how your case will be decided.

For instance, if you’re a law-abiding citizen, then your sentence will be more likely in minimum.

Your credibility won’t help to determine whether you’re guilty or innocent. However, it will affect how you will be treated once you’re found guilty.

DO NOT SPEAK TO THE POLICE WITHOUT A LAWYER

Talking to the police or with the feds without a lawyer is a big no. It would be best if you don’t do that. You have the right to remain silent, so use that to your advantage.

If police went to your house and ask you questions, odds are they don’t have strong evidence against you yet. Remember that, the grand jury only has strong evidence against you once you receive a target letter.

So if they want to arrest you, they would’ve done that already. But police can’t unless you’re proven guilty. They are only trying to get information out of you, which can be used later against you.

Therefore, it’s better to speak to a lawyer first and seek legal advice.

POLICE LIES

Yes. Police do lie. In fact, they’re allowed to. Police officers will often tell you lies to get information out of you.

For instance, they may tell that your partner in crime already confessed and is pointing out the crime to you. Which you might end up explaining that you’re only at the scene of the crime but did not do it. So there, the police got the information out of you.