Norfolk Criminal Investigations

If you believe you are under investigation for a crime in Norfolk, Virginia, it is vital you call a Norfolk criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Even if you are not sure whether of not you’re being investigated, it is better to reach out early than when you are already facing charges.

Additionally, it is absolutely crucial that everyone knows that even if they are being investigated for a crime, they can ask to speak to an attorney.

State & Local Agencies Involved in Investigations

The levels of agencies that are involved in investigating crimes in Norfolk depend on the type of the crime. For example, in drug-related crimes sometimes the DEA is involved. In other crimes, it is just the Norfolk police department involved in the investigation. When the charges are passed on to the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office, the prosecutors have their own set of investigators that go forth investigating crimes.

Crimes That Are Investigated Before Arrest

In Norfolk, bigger drug crimes are investigated before an arrest. The information often times comes from people who are arrested and who then cooperate with law enforcement by giving up the names of other people involved in the drug operation in exchange sometimes for a better sentence in their case. Some crimes also end up being charged due to information from a third party, such as Child Protective Services (CPS). CPS will thoroughly investigate a report of child abuse before anyone is ever arrested.

Investigations After an Arrest

After you are arrested the investigators for the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office will try to gather as much information and evidence as possible. This means that while you are waiting for your court date to come up, the evidence the State will be using against you could be building.

A Norfolk criminal lawyer can help you by doing the same thing, accumulating evidence, but in your defense. Your attorney can help you ensure that any evidence coming from the other side will be shown in the best light possible and can help you build a strong defense against the charges against you. It is very important to be prepared for court.

Asking to Speak to Norfolk Criminal Lawyer

It does not imply guilt if you tell an officer that you want to speak with an attorney. If you have been placed under arrest and the officers are trying to question you, the Constitution grants you a right to a lawyer.

Officers know this and will do everything possible to try to get you to speak with them despite knowing that you have those rights. The best thing to do is keep quiet and insist on speaking with a Norfolk criminal attorney and say nothing more.

You do not have to make any statements before speaking with an attorney. You have the right to speak to an attorney whenever you are being questioned. However, the police have no obligation to find an attorney for you so the interview can proceed.

Police officers simply must stop questioning you if you assert your right to have a lawyer. You may exercise your right to remain silent before or after you are arrested and you may exercise your right to an attorney when the police want to question you.

When to Contact a Norfolk Criminal Lawyer

In Norfolk, you may contact an attorney before the charges are officially filed. Getting in touch with a Norfolk criminal lawyer early on is smart so that you know what you are getting into and what you can expect. It is advisable to have somebody who can ensure that your rights are protected and who can prepare you for what may happen in the investigation.

If you are prepared, there is generally a better chance of you not getting yourself in trouble with any admissions of guilt or statements to law enforcement officials. It is better to prepare yourself from making these costly mistakes that could affect you later in your trial by having a Norfolk criminal defense attorney by your side acting as an advocate from the very beginning.