Being under investigation for an alleged crime can be one of the most stressful experiences you can live. A police investigation means officers will monitor your every movement at all times. Going through this challenging moment can be too much to handle for many people, especially if they have never been in trouble with the police before. There are several ways to know if you are being surveilled or monitored by the police in Utah. Our Salt Lake City criminal defense attorney Darwin Overson invites you to keep reading as we discuss the ways you can tell you may be under criminal investigation in Utah.
How Can I Know I’m Under Criminal Investigation in Utah?
There are many different ways to know that you are under criminal investigation in Utah. Before police officers can arrest you for an alleged criminal offense, they usually perform an investigation. Of course, they may arrest you without prior notice if they have reason to believe you are about to commit a crime or committed a crime in their presence.
The most common way to know whether you are under criminal investigation is getting contacted directly by law enforcement officials. A police officer can show up to your door and inquire about something related to a pending case. Many times, they are fishing for any incriminating comment from your end so they can tie things up and proceed with your subsequent arrest.
Other times, they may show up and ask you to accompany them to the police station for a quick statement. These practices don’t operate in the void. Usually, when a cop knocks at your door and asks about something specific, it means they are already performing an investigation. Most of the time, police officers will mount surveillance spots to track an individual’s movements. You might be unaware that you are being surveilled or followed by law enforcement. If you fear you are under investigation by the police, you should contact a Utah criminal defense attorney right away.
You don’t have to provide a police officer with any information. Don’t give any statements to police officers before contacting a criminal defense attorney first.
Interviewing a suspect’s family members and friends is another tactic investigative officers might employ. Police officers will try to look at what you will do and how you will react, knowing your family was approached by law enforcement. Again, this may be an additional tactic to try and squeeze a confession or any other incriminating statement from you.
One of the most surprising ways to know you are under investigation is getting a search warrant from a police officer. A cop may show up to your door and enter your premises to search and seize any incriminating evidence or proceed with your arrest. However, in order to have access to your property, they must serve you with a valid, lawful warrant. The law requires police officers to get a judge-issued warrant based on reasonable cause, under oath. Additionally, the warrant must contain accurate information about the property to be searched, the objects or items to be seized, and the person to be arrested.
If a police officer does not meet this basic standard, they may not enter into your property, seize anything, or arrest you. If they decide to get in your house without a lawful warrant, everything from your arrest to any objects taken may be deemed illegal.
What Should I Do if I’m Under Criminal Investigation in Utah?
If the police knock at your door and start asking questions, don’t panic. While having cops asking questions about a crime may seem scary, most of the time, they are just merely asking around. They may try to entice you to provide any comments about a specific subject. If law enforcement officials ask you to accompany them to the station voluntarily, you don’t have to. Police officers can’t barge into your house and take you into custody unless there is a warrant in your name. The importance of having legal representation by your side at this point cannot be stressed enough.
If you have never been involved in a criminal procedure before, cops may try to show themselves as “friendly” in an effort to get information from you. Furthermore, cops cannot force you to speak or make any comments. The Fifth Amendment of The United States Constitution protects against self-incrimination. If a police officer starts asking questions about an alleged vehicular manslaughter or murder in Salt Lake City or Utah, you can exercise your Constitutional right to remain silent.
If you are under investigation by the police, it would be best to remain within state boundaries. Do not abandon your jurisdiction. If you leave the state or the country about the same time you are under investigation, police officers may see your actions as a sign of guilt. Investigating police officers will try to do everything in their power to prove their case against you. If you were already placed under arrest and charged with a crime in Utah, the court will likely warn you about fleeing the jurisdiction during your bail hearing – if it applies. No matter what happens during an investigation, it is crucial to refrain from providing any statement to the police. As we mentioned before, it would be in your best interest to retain the services of a criminal defense attorney who can protect your rights at all times.
Criminal Defense Attorneys Offering Free Consultations in Utah
Knowing you may be under criminal investigation by Utah police can be a frightening experience. However, you must remain in control of your situation and know your rights at all times. At the law offices of Overson & Bugden, we understand how frustrating your situation can be. We can work tirelessly to defend and uphold your rights and make sure you are treated fairly. Do not face your charges on your own and retain the services of a skilled Utah criminal defense attorney today. To learn more about all of our services in a free, confidential consultation, call our law offices today at (801) 758-2287.
