Posted on Friday, November 1st, 2024 at 9:00 am
For some people, a police investigation and subsequent charges come out of thin air, blindsiding them. However, subtle signs can signal you’re under police investigation. Picking up on these signs early in the Illinois investigation process can help you prepare for what’s to come, allowing you to get representation on your side and protect your legal rights.
If you are wondering whether you are under investigation by the police, it is time to consult an experienced and skilled central Illinois criminal defense attorney.
Signs You Are Under Police Investigation
If you always feel like someone is watching you, you are seeing an increase in social media activity, or your family and friends are acting differently, you might be onto something. People tend to brush off these things as an overactive imagination. However, these and other signs may indicate that you are the center of a police investigation.
Some signs that may indicate you are under criminal investigation in Illinois include:
Unannounced Calls or Visits from Law Enforcement
One apparent sign that you may be under police investigation is unannounced phone calls or visits from law enforcement agents. These visits can seem innocent or innocuous at first. They may ask for your help, want you to answer some “routine” questions, or say they are attempting to gather information. You have the right to refuse to speak with law enforcement and request an attorney be present for all police-related questioning and interactions.
Increased Surveillance or Unmarked Cars Near Your Home or Workplace
If you notice an increase in the number of cars parked near your home or office or continue to see the same faces everywhere you go, you may be under police surveillance, suggesting that you are someone of interest in a police investigation. Watch closely for signs that unmarked police cars are watching your home, someone is following you, or people have been going through your garbage.
Law Enforcement Interacts with Family or Friends
If family, friends, or co-workers come to you saying police have questioned them or that police are asking about you, beware. These interactions are a sign that law enforcement has you in their sights and is investigating you.
Increase in Social Media Activity
Social media is a powerful tool, even for local law enforcement. If you see an increase in social media activity or a spike in “friend” requests from people you don’t know, proceed cautiously. Law enforcement can use social media platforms to gather information on potential people of interest.
Changes in Your Phone Conversations
Although it is increasingly challenging to identify whether your phone has been tapped, use care if you notice strange background noise, static, or echoes during conversations. These can be signs of a phone or wiretap.
Other Signs
Some of the other, more obvious signs that you are under investigation by police can include:
- Officers have a search warrant for your home or business
- Law enforcement takes you in for official questioning
- You receive a grand jury subpoena
If you suspect the authorities are investigating you, contact an experienced Illinois criminal defense attorney immediately. You have rights. The sooner you have an attorney working for you, the better your chances of getting ahead of the police investigation and obtaining a favorable outcome for the circumstances of your situation.
How Long Can You Be Under Investigation by Police?
If you suspect you are the subject of a police investigation, you may wonder when the police will knock down your door. There is no exact timetable for law enforcement investigations. An investigation will last as long as it takes for the authorities to establish probable cause for an arrest or to decide they can’t get enough evidence to arrest you. That could take days or weeks, depending on the investigation.
Significant factors that may affect how long an investigation takes involve:
- The type of crime
- Quality of the evidence
- The evidence available
- The statute of limitations for the particular crime
A police investigation doesn’t just go away. You must prepare for what’s to come by exercising your right to remain silent and seeking aggressive legal representation to protect yourself.
Contact an Illinois Criminal Defense Attorney Now
There is no time to waste. If you think you are the subject of an Illinois criminal investigation, seek legal representation immediately. At Bruno Law Offices, we have been protecting the rights of Illinois residents since 1980. Let our team help build a strategic plan and solid defense.
Call our office today at (217) 328-6000 or contact us online to set up a confidential case evaluation.