Are You Under Investigation in Florida? Here are 4 Signs to Watch Out For

If you think that you may be under investigation for a criminal offense in Miami or the greater South Florida area, you will want to look for these signs better protect yourself from being charged. If any of these signs are present, you need to speak with a reputable law firm in Miami about your situation before things get worse. To find out if you may be under investigation, read through this list of four signs that could tip you off that someone is watching your every move.

A police officer contacts or visits you

If a police officer or detective contacts you, it may indicate that you are under investigation in Miami or the greater South Florida area.

A law enforcement officer may request to speak with you at your home or workplace, but they cannot search your home without a warrant or consent. They may request that you answer questions or accompany them to the station. Do not answer any questions or accompany them. Advise them that you want your lawyer present before answering any questions and that you will not accompany them to the station. Do not give any statement to a police officer without speaking with a lawyer. If the officer presents a signed warrant to search your home or car, you must comply by law. If that is the case, only provide your name and date of birth. Do not answer any additional questions without speaking with a lawyer first.

It is important to remember that the officer’s presence does not necessarily mean that you are suspected of a crime. They may just be conducting an initial inquiry and gathering information. However, suppose you are contacted or visited by a law enforcement officer. In that case, it is likely a sign that you are under investigation, and it is best to take all necessary precautions to protect yourself and your rights.

A police officer contacts or visits people you know

If you start hearing from multiple sources that an officer has been asking questions about you, this may indicate that you are being looked into.

The police are not obligated to inform you if they are conducting an investigation. Federal officials usually send a target letter to advise a person that they are under investigation or being looked into. State officials rarely do so and usually begin their investigation by issuing subpoenas and talking to individuals who may know the suspect or person of interest. If the officer is conducting more of an informal investigation, they may go directly to those close to you to ask questions. This could include your friends, family, current and past romantic partners, and co-workers.

You receive strange social media requests

Another sign that you may be under investigation in Florida is if you start receiving strange social media requests. This could include unsolicited friend requests, emails, messages, or other requests that appear to come from someone you don’t know. It is possible that these requests could come from undercover detectives or other law enforcement agents who are trying to snoop on your online activity.

If you suspect that you are being investigated, it is essential to take steps to protect yourself. Immediately block any suspicious requests, and increase the privacy settings on your social media accounts. Be sure to limit what you share online, as anything posted can be seen by others and become difficult to remove fully.

Many child pornography and sex crime cases originate in this manner. Undercover detectives pose as underage girls or boys and offer to send nude images to an adult. Never ever accept these images or communicate with these individuals. Do not even engage with them. They are almost always a trap set by law enforcement.

Remember, law enforcement officers have access to many of the same tools we do and can use them to monitor your online behavior. If you think you are being investigated, it is best to stay vigilant and protect yourself.

You are under surveillance

When it comes to criminal investigations in Florida, one of the most unmistakable signs that you may be under investigation is if you are being followed or surveilled. Although law enforcement agents are not legally required to alert anyone when conducting surveillance, certain clues may tip you off that something is amiss.

One of the most obvious signs is the presence of police or other law enforcement vehicles near your home, workplace, or any other place you frequent. Law enforcement surveillance could appear as marked or unmarked cars that remain parked outside or near your location for extended periods, often reappearing days later.

Another sign is that an individual is always seen nearby. The person may be acting suspiciously, such as pretending to be on a phone call or reading a newspaper while staring directly at you. Contact a Florida criminal defense lawyer immediately if this happens alongside any other indications of a pre-file investigation.

Concluding Thoughts

It is important to remember that these signs don’t necessarily mean that law enforcement agents are watching your every move. If you suspect that you may be under investigation, take all necessary precautions and contact a top Miami criminal defense lawyer immediately. Brian Kirlew and the Kirlew Law Firm, PLLC, can be reached at 305-521-0484 or visit us online. We can help advise you on your rights, protect your interests, and ensure that you do not provide incriminating information to the police.