Pre-File Investigations in Fort Lauderdale

Broward County Pre-Trial Investigation Attorney

Are you being investigated for a crime in Fort Lauderdale? Even if you have not been formally charged with a crime, it is imperative that you take quick and decisive action in order to protect your rights during the investigation stage. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale pre-file investigation lawyers have decades of experience defending not only the accused, but also those who are being treated as suspects in a criminal investigation.

The attorneys at Hager & Schwartz, P.A. are former prosecutors, and as such have a detailed knowledge of exactly what suspects go up against in pre-file investigations. Allow us to put our nearly 50 years of experience to work for you as we protect you against those who are seeking to formally accuse you.

Facing a pre-file investigation? Get an immediate case evaluation today. We are available 24/7.

What is a Pre-File Investigation?

In a process known as a pre-file investigation, before criminal charges are filed, an investigation is conducted by your defense lawyer against allegations of criminal conduct. Your attorney is looking to collect sufficient evidence to show you did not commit a crime.

A Fort Lauderdale defense lawyer at Hager & Schwartz, P.A. can contact law enforcement early on in the investigation to evaluate the investigation and protect your rights through its duration. Remember, you have the Fifth Amendment right not to answer any questions posed by law enforcement except for questions about your identification.

After a crime has been committed, law enforcement personnel will attempt to collect evidence from the scene of the crime.

This evidence may include:

• Sketches and measurements of the crime scene
• Weapons
• Pictures
• DNA evidence
• Fingerprints
• Videos
• Victim and witness interviews
• Other physical evidence

Interviews can be some of the most important pieces of evidence collected by law enforcement, especially when there is insufficient evidence for prosecution. Interviews with witnesses or suspects often provide police with key information that can be used to make an arrest. The interviewer will attempt to extract incriminating statements or confessions from the interviewee.

Often, the detective conducting the interview already knows, or strongly suspects, the answers to the questions he or she is asking and is testing the suspect’s credibility, knowing that whatever they say can and will be used against them in a criminal case. Many suspects will attempt to clear their name and aid the investigation with good intentions, but this often backfires. All too often, innocent people mistakenly say something that can be used to incriminate them, or have what they say manipulated by an officer so that they appear guilty.

Being Investigated in Broward County, FL?

Finding out that you have been accused of a crime is certainly a frightening experience, but by taking preventative measures now, you may be able to avoid an arrest or potentially prevent criminal charges from being filed against you. Whether you are being investigated for a theft crime or are suspected of committing a violent felony crime, do not wait another moment to pick up the phone and call Hager & Schwartz, P.A. We understand that just because you are suspected of a crime does not mean you committed it. With your freedom potentially on the line, now is the time to exercise your rights!

Time is of the essence if you are being investigated – each moment you wait to seek legal counsel is another moment that law enforcement will be meticulously building a case against you.

Get started by consulting with a criminal lawyer at our firm: (954) 840-8713.