Even if I have not yet been charged but am only under investigation do I still need at attorney?
People often ask, “Do I need an attorney if I am under investigation?” One of the biggest mistakes people often make if they know that they are under investigation for violating either Federal or State criminal laws is waiting until they are arrested to hire an attorney.
Often times, people who have been contacted by a Federal or State agent notifying them that they are the subject of an investigation fail to contact an attorney because they haven’t been arrested yet. Anytime this happens, you should always contact an experienced criminal defense attorney especially if it is part of a Federal investigation. We can evaluate your situation and decide whether it would be in your best interests to speak to the Government agents or not. We can sometimes facilitate the filing of lesser charges or no charges at all. We can act as the liaison so that you don’t have to work with law-enforcement on your own. In State cases, we can often persuade the State not to file any charges.
The money you spend on a lawyer before while just being under investigation and before any arrest or charges or made can be the most important thing you’ve ever spent any money on as it can save you from being arrested or facing even more serious charges. ALWAYS contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer if you are notified about a pending investigation into your activities, and NEVER speak to any law-enforcement agent without an attorney present.
Ray Lopez has practiced since 1990, with prior experience as a Hillsborough County assistant State attorney and lawyer for the Tampa Police Department. He handles all criminal charges, from traffic violations and misdemeanors to serious felonies and federal drug charges. He practices in all state and federal courts of the Tampa Bay area and throughout Florida, as well as criminal appeals, juvenile court, administrative hearings, and civil forfeiture proceedings.
