Pre-File Investigations in Los Angeles
Are you being investigated for a crime?
Criminal defense involves more than fighting for people who have been charged
with crimes. It also involves protecting the rights of people who are
being investigated by law enforcement and have not yet been formally charged.
If you or someone you know is currently under
criminal investigation, there are steps you can take to protect your legal rights and your future
– and they begin with getting the help of an experienced criminal
defense lawyer. Having the right Los Angeles criminal defense attorney
at the start of a criminal investigation can mean the difference between
going to jail and staying out of jail.
Request a FREE, confidential case review today to learn about your case.
The Los Angeles criminal lawyers at Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners
have considerable experience in defending people who are suspects in a
criminal investigation. Our
legal team has successfully avoided jail and formal charges, including misdemeanors
and felonies, for a number of clients.
What You Need to Know About Criminal Investigations
After a crime is committed, law enforcement personnel descend on the crime
scene and collect evidence. This evidence includes:
- Victim & witness interviews
- Pictures
- Videotaping
- DNA & fingerprints
- Weapons
- Physical evidence
- Measurements & sketches of the crime scene
The interviews with the victims and witnesses are critical because they
provide law enforcement with key information about the suspects and/or
perpetrators which ultimately leads to an arrest and prosecution of those
responsible for the crime.
In cases where there is insufficient evidence for prosecution, a detective
will attempt to interview a witness or a suspect, in order to close the
case or make an arrest. One of the key strategies used by detectives is
to interview the suspect in order to obtain a confession or at least some
incriminating statements. Many suspects who are under investigation believe
they can talk themselves out of a situation or make up some story in order
to get rid of the detective.
What the suspect does not realize is that he or she is being asked questions
by the detective who
already knows the answers to these questions and the detective is testing the answers as well as the suspect's
credibility. Whatever the suspect says in the interview can and will be
used against the suspect in a criminal case. That is why it is critical
to consult an attorney prior to interviewing with law enforcement. An
experienced criminal defense attorney will contact law enforcement early
in the investigation to evaluate the investigation and assist and protect
you from beginning to end.
You have the right not to answer any questions asked by law enforcement
except for questions pertaining to preliminary identification.
Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys
Being investigated for a crime can be a frightening experience, which is
why our attorneys take the time to speak with clients personally, answer
their questions, and alleviate their concerns throughout the entire process.
We want to stress that contacting attorneys as soon as possible after
you are aware of an investigation can afford the time to learn more about
your case and take decisive action. Our legal team is available to assist you.
If you or some you know is suspected of or charged with a crime in Los
Angeles County,
contact the attorneys at Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners for a free initial consultation.