Can my lawyer find out if I'm being investigated?
Asked by: Autumn Fisher III | Last update: January 25, 2026Score: 4.1/5 (29 votes)
Many defense attorneys will also have people in the local prosecutor's office, the police or investigative agency, or others who will have knowledge of the investigation. While many agencies will not disclose details of an investigation, they will often confirm that an investigation is ongoing.
Can a lawyer find out if you are under investigation?
Destroying evidence can be considered an obstruction of justice, which is a serious federal crime. As soon as you suspect you are under investigation, consult with a lawyer experienced in federal criminal law. A lawyer can confirm if you are under investigation and provide essential legal advice on how to proceed.
How would someone know if they are under investigation?
Direct Contact by Federal Agents
Perhaps the most unmistakable sign of an investigation is if you are contacted directly by federal agents. This may come as a visit to your home or office, during which agents may ask to speak with you or inform you of your rights. Any such interaction should be taken very seriously.
Can someone be under investigation without knowing?
How do I know if I'm under an investigation? You don't. Law enforcement has no obligation to inform you that there is a pending investigation and often people don't discover they were under investigation until after they've been arrested or indicted.
Do investigations go on your record?
It doesn't go on your criminal record. If it doesn't go forward as a criminal case it just sits in a file cabinet. In the event that there are other incidents involving the same defendant, the prosecutor would have access to that information and use it to determine what type of a plea offer he might be willing to make.
Do I Have The Right To Know If I Am Under Investigation?
Can you be investigated without evidence?
It is possible. But the point of an investigation is to obtain evidence. A victim reports a crime, an investigation commences. Once evidence is obtained, a case can be put together for prosecution.
Do lawyers have access to criminal records?
Criminal records can usually be found, even if you do not provide them to the other side. Lawyers routinely perform background checks and look at court records to see what legal history a party has. Even if you don't tell the other side about your criminal past, they will most likely find it on their own.
Do lawyers get to investigate?
The gathering of evidence is perhaps the most critical aspect of a defense attorney's investigation. This process involves much more than just reviewing the evidence presented by the prosecution. Defense attorneys must actively seek out additional information that could support their client's case.
Can your lawyer tell the police?
A: He is certainly prohibited from telling law enforcement.
How do you know if you're being privately investigated?
If you see someone standing near your home or workplace for long periods, or if neighbors mention seeing someone watching your house, it could be a sign that a PI is conducting surveillance. Investigators often monitor key locations like your home, office, or places you frequent regularly.
How do I know if I'm under investigation UK?
How do I know if I'm being investigated by the police? The police do not have to notify you that you are under investigation, but at some point, you are likely to be contacted. This is because as part of the investigation, the police will need to ask you questions and get your side of the story.
What qualifies an investigation?
An investigation is a process of organised evidence collection, which seeks to be as close to the truth as possible. The past leaves behind residue: dust, footprints, documents, videos, audio recordings, witnesses, scents, paperwork, the presence or absence of something that was or wasn't there before.
How do I tell if I'm being investigated?
Law enforcement has the right to conduct surveillance when investigating criminal offenses. If you notice unmarked cars or police vehicles near your place of business, your work, in your neighborhood, or by your home, there is a good chance that you are under investigation and perhaps police surveillance.
How long do legal investigations take?
They typically last weeks or months, and even years for the more complex and complicated cases. In fact, the investigations can last for the length of time of the statute of limitations. For most federal cases, the statute of limitations is five years.
Do people know when they are under investigation?
Individuals frequently only find out that they are under federal investigation when one of the following things occur: A federal prosecutor formally notifies you that you are the target of an investigation through a target letter. A federal law enforcement agent contacts you by phone and asks for a meeting.
Do lawyers work with investigators?
Lawyers sometimes hire private investigators to gather evidence for civil cases, like divorce and child custody. The PI may use social media or online message boards for useful information. They may conduct surveillance on the target, taking photographic evidence.
What happens if you ask for a lawyer during interrogation?
Although asking for an attorney requires officers to cease questioning you, they may still arrest you if they think you have committed a crime or they have enough reason to believe you have committed a crime. If you spontaneously or voluntarily speak without being questioned, your words can be used against you.
Can lawyers look at evidence?
An attorney can review the specific details of the case, including the evidence and the investigation's timeline, and provide guidance on the best course of action.
Can you tell your lawyer illegal stuff?
What Is Attorney-Client Privilege? Attorney-client privilege is a legal concept that protects communications between an attorney and their client from being disclosed to anyone else. This means that anything you tell your attorney is strictly confidential and cannot be shared with anyone else without your consent.
Do lawyers record conversations with clients?
Lawyers may record calls when clients instruct them to, often to create a clear record. Lawyers may record calls discussing confidential information to ensure accuracy and protection. Recording calls can help lawyers fully understand complex legal issues discussed.
Can a lawyer access phone records?
Phone records can be subpoenaed without notifying the owner in certain legal circumstances, primarily when the records hold key evidence for a case. Courts may issue a subpoena if the records are critical to uncovering the truth in criminal investigations, civil disputes, or other legal proceedings.
Can you be investigated without your knowledge?
In a federal or state criminal investigation, prosecutors and agents will work together in an attempt to bring a criminal charge against the target(s) of their investigation. The agents may come to your home without warning to interrogate when you are least prepared.
Can I be found guilty without evidence?
Yes—actually, most criminal convictions are based solely on circumstantial evidence. Further, California criminal law allows the prosecution to convict a defendant on circumstantial evidence alone.
What kind of proof is needed for a conviction in the UK?
The standard of proof in criminal cases in the UK is “beyond reasonable doubt.” This is the highest standard of proof used in the legal system.