Investigations

Many people, especially those under suspicion of a felony, may find themselves the subject of a police investigation.

Police investigations are conducted by detectives.  Most police agencies have detective bureaus.  Large, county-wide agencies, such as the Miami-Dade Police Department and the Broward Sheriff's Office, have specialized detective bureaus.  These bureaus may investigated homicides (murder), property crimes (burglary), economic crimes (grand theft), sex crimes, domestic violence, shootings (attempted murder, aggravated battery), traffic accidents (LSA), and many others.

The main investigation stage of a criminal case occurs before the arrest.  Officers and detectives will usually speak to witnesses and collect physical evidence in order to determine not only how the crime occurred, but who committed the crime.

In the early stages, detectives may have a suspect, sometimes more than one.  While no person is ever required to speak to law enforcement, these detectives may wish to speak with you regarding the pending criminal matter.  Since detectives know that most people don't hire lawyers under after they are arrested, they may try to trick you into giving a confession or otherwise incriminating statement.

Detectives can sometimes come across as your friend.  They may lead you into a false sense of security.  They may tell you that they believe you are not involved, but they just want to hear your side of the story so that they can clear you of any suspicion.

Detectives are well-trained, and are often able to get people to feel comfortable enough to speak to them.  If the police suspect that you are guilty of a crime, they will say whatever they need to say to you in order to get that statement.

And the worst part?  The law permits this type of trickery.  The only thing detectives cannot do is fabricate evidence.  This would be showing you a fake video, showing you fake fingerprints, or somehow showing you something physical, claiming that it's evidence of you committing a crime.

What detectives can do is lie.  They can tell you that they have your fingerprints. They can tell you that they have you on video.  They can tell you that they have already spoken to X number of eyewitnesses who claim that you committed the crime.

This type of trickery causes people to get nervous and confess.  Sometimes, people just confess even when they didn't do anything, just because they are scared.

Don't wait until you are arrested.  If the police want to speak with you, get a criminal lawyer.  Now.  Invoke your rights immediately.  You have the right to have an attorney present while being questioned.  You also have the right to not speak to police!  Use those rights!

If you are under investigation for any crime in Miami-Dade or Broward County,call me right away.

I am a criminal defense attorney who practices in Miami-Dade County and Broward County.  I aim to protect all of my clients against the tricks used by cops in order to get convictions.  Don't fall victim to this.  Call me to discuss your case.