The criminal process begins the moment someone is accused of a crime. The criminal investigation typically takes place before law enforcement makes an arrest. If you have been accused of a crime, but have not yet been charged, you need to immediately hire a Riverside pre-filing investigation lawyer to begin your defense. Our criminal defense attorneys at the Law Office of Scott D. Henry could assist you during this crucial time by proactively investigating the circumstances surrounding the alleged offense and providing an effective strategy to help protect your rights and freedom.
The Benefits of Pre-Filing Investigations in Riverside
While some legal professionals may recommend you wait until you are formally charged to hire a defense attorney, waiting is terrible advice. Those attorneys are unaware of how successful a defense can be when it begins early in the process. The chances of keeping you out of jail are much higher when our attorneys in Riverside get involved during the pre-filing investigation stage.
Scott D. Henry and his team are experienced and skilled in defending clients during the pre-charge period. We have handled investigations for alleged crimes ranging from misdemeanors to capital offenses. Our proactive approach often results in reduced charges or, in many cases, prevents charges from ever being filed. An attorney could help during this early stage by:
- Researching and investigating the alleged offense
- Contacting law enforcement and intervening on your behalf
- Assisting you in avoiding police interviews or polygraph tests
- Possibly informally resolving the case with investigators
- Helping to prevent any charges being filed
- Assisting in a surrender if an arrest cannot be avoided
- Assisting in finding a bail bondsman, if necessary
The Statute of Limitations
In California, federal and law enforcement agencies often execute search warrants or make an arrest without filing charges. Individuals assume their case is being rejected and that they will not face criminal charges, but many times this is not true. Never assume that you are off the hook solely because substantial time has passed. An experienced lawyer in Riverside who knows how cases are investigated locally could explain what stage the case is in and help you to prevent charges being filed.
The statute of limitations for many crimes is several years and is limitless for some crimes, so the police can take their time to gather evidence before filing charges. It is essential to contact a pre-file lawyer who can provide you with a proactive and aggressive defense. In many cases, after the prosecutor is presented with the evidence our office has obtained, they decide not to file charges or substantially reduce them.
Should Someone Speak to Investigators During the Investigation?
Because the police are attempting to build a case against you, you should not assist the investigators in doing so by talking to them, even if you are innocent. If you speak to them in an attempt to clear your name or explain what really happened, what you say may be used against you. It is never a good idea to speak with investigators without the assistance of an experienced pre-filing attorney in Riverside.
Why Should Someone Avoid Taking a Polygraph Test During Investigation?
The police want you to take a polygraph usually to build a case against you and use it as possible evidence. You are not legally obligated to take this test. Do not agree to a polygraph even if the police tell you it is mandatory or say they will arrest you if you do not.
There is a lot of debate regarding the accuracy of a polygraph test. Even if you are innocent and want to clear your name by taking a polygraph test, inaccurate results may make you appear guilty. In these situations, it is best to consult your attorney.
Detained but Not Booked in Riverside
All individuals have a right to a speedy trial. If you have been detained but not booked, our skilled attorneys could go before the judge to request a writ of habeas corpus. This is an order from the court requiring law enforcement officials to bring the matter before the court to determine if you have been lawfully detained. Our team could assist you by speaking to the judge in your defense and holding the police accountable.
When Does the District Attorney Get Involved?
When law enforcement investigators believe they have evidence to charge an individual, the case is given to the local District Attorney for review. A District Attorney is the state’s attorney who can bring charges against a suspect and would also present the case in a criminal trial.
Contact a Riverside Pre-Filing Investigation Attorney Today
If you are being investigated for an alleged offense, you need to contact a Riverside pre-filing investigation lawyer immediately. We could immediately begin our own investigation to obtain evidence to support your innocence. Our attorneys could provide any evidence to the investigators to help prevent charges from being filed or to lessen any charges that are filed.
When being investigated by the authorities, timing is paramount in protecting your freedom. It is essential to have proactive and effective legal representation as early in the investigation as possible. Contact our office today for a free consultation.