Pre-arrest criminal investigation: seven ways a lawyer can help

If you are under investigation by the police, it is important to have a criminal investigation lawyer represent you as soon as possible. Here are seven benefits of having a lawyer during the pre-arrest criminal investigation stage:

 

1. Your lawyer will have an in-depth conversation with you to find out what you know and why the police are investigating you. This will help your lawyer start developing a defense strategy early on.

 

2. Your lawyer will conduct a thorough, independent investigation to gather evidence that could help your case. This could include obtaining cell phone records, interviewing witnesses, or hiring a private investigator.

 

3. Scrutinizing the officers’ conduct. When the police arrest you, they must follow the law. If they violate your constitutional rights during the arrest, the evidence they gather against you may be suppressed. This means that the judge will not allow the evidence to be used at trial. Examples of police conduct that may violate your constitutional rights include an illegal search or seizure, an unlawful arrest, a coerced confession, and any violation of your right to remain silent. If you believe that the police violated your constitutional rights, your attorney can file a motion to suppress the evidence. The judge will then review the evidence and decide whether to suppress it. Examples of evidence that may be suppressed include drugs or weapons found during an illegal search, a confession that was coerced, and statements made by the defendant after they were advised of their Miranda rights. If a judge suppresses the evidence, it will be excluded from your trial. This means that the prosecutor cannot use it to prove your guilt. If you believe that the police violated your constitutional rights, it is important to act quickly. You should contact an attorney as soon as possible after your arrest. An attorney can help you protect your rights and ensure that the evidence against you is suppressed.

 

4. Your lawyer will be able to prepare for unfavorable evidence that the police may have against you. This will help your lawyer develop strategies to challenge the admissibility of the evidence, dispute it, or reduce its negative impact on your case.

 

5. Your lawyer can communicate with the police to monitor their investigation and find out what evidence they have. They may also be able to correct any incorrect information that the police are relying on or provide information that supports your innocence.

 

6. Your lawyer will represent you during police interrogations. They can help you exercise your right to remain silent, advise you during the interrogation, or arrange a voluntary interview with the police if this could help you convince them to drop the investigation.

 

7. Your lawyer can negotiate with the prosecutor to try to get the charges against you dropped or reduced. If your lawyer has uncovered favorable evidence or witness statements during their investigation, they may be able to share this information with the prosecutor to show that the case against you is not strong enough to prosecute.

 

 

If you are under investigation by the police, it is important to contact an experienced St. Louis criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you protect your rights and ensure that you get the best possible outcome in your case.

 

Bruntrager & Billings, P.C. represents alleged offenders all over Missouri. Our firm can play an important role early on in the criminal investigation process, and we will attempt to help you achieve the most favorable possible outcome to your case as soon as you call (314) 646-0066 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.