New York Pre-Arrest Services
Get the Best Outcome in Your Criminal Case – Even Before You’re Arrested
In high-profile criminal cases, a great deal of time is put into the investigation by law enforcement before charges are ever filed. You may become aware of this investigation either directly through law enforcement, or indirectly through the media or from others who have been contacted by police. How you conduct yourself during this investigative phase can make all the difference on whether charges are filed, what charges are brought, and the ultimate outcome of your case. New York and New Jersey criminal defense lawyer Linda Kenney Baden has dealt with high-profile individuals and high-profile criminal cases time and again in her career, and she can guide you through this critical period to help you achieve the best outcome possible.
The Investigation is a Critical Phase in any Criminal Prosecution
Some period of investigation typically occurs before an arrest is made in most cases. Before prosecutors can secure an indictment or police can obtain an arrest warrant, there must be probable cause to believe a) that a crime has occurred, and b) that is was committed by the accused. Law enforcement officials develop this probable cause by investigating the scene of the alleged crime, talking to witnesses, and interviewing people they believe to be involved in or have knowledge about the crime. The bigger the case, the more lengthy and wide-ranging the pre-arrest investigation will likely be.
Most people don’t know how to handle themselves during a criminal investigation, simply because it is not something they have experienced before, and they are not aware of the extent of the investigation. For instance, if you are connected in some way with a major investigation, your phones have probably already been tapped. By contacting the Law Office of Linda Kenney Baden as soon as you become aware of an investigation or the possibility of an investigation, we can protect your rights and help you get in the best position for a positive outcome. For instance, by interfacing and liaising with law enforcement where appropriate, attorney Linda Kenney Baden can orchestrate how any arrest is effected and may be able to influence what specific charges are brought, or whether charges are even brought at all. Sometimes a potentially-explosive criminal prosecution can be handled swiftly and quietly in the interests of justice and outside the public eye.
Talking to Investigators can Make or Break Your Case
It is not uncommon for law enforcement agencies to interview a person they suspect of being involved in a crime. This may be done very informally or pursuant to a formal request. Even if you are not under arrest or “in custody,” you may still have rights regarding any police interrogation, so it is important to speak with an attorney first before agreeing to make any statements to the police.
Police officers and other law enforcement agents are expertly trained in interrogation and interview tactics. Their goal is to get you to make incriminating statements that help them build their case against you. They will also try to get you to contradict yourself over the course of questioning. Even if these statements don’t have a bearing on any crime, they can still be used to make you look unreliable or untrustworthy and used against you later in court. One law in particular makes it a federal crime to make a false statement of material fact to a federal law enforcement official. If the police can trick you into making such a statement, they can hold this charge over your head to force further cooperation from you or get you to plead guilty to another offense, even if they don’t have the evidence they need to convict you. Don’t fall for these law enforcement traps. Politely refuse to speak to the police without a lawyer present, and call Linda Kenney Baden right away. Don’t worry that insisting on a lawyer will make you look guilty. The police already suspect you or they wouldn’t be talking to you, and it is your right to consult with an attorney before talking to police.
Get Help Before You are Arrested – Call Linda Kenney Baden for the Best Result
If you believe you may be subject to arrest for a criminal offense in New Jersey or New York, call the Law Office of Linda Kenney Baden at 732-219-7770 for advice on how to proceed and representation at every step.