Crime is a part of every society. Police officers in Indiana spend the bulk of their time investigating these crimes and seeking to bring suspects to trial. Understanding what happens during the course of an investigation–and the legal protections granted to possible suspects–is critical.
Investigating Crime in Indiana
A criminal investigation usually begins when a police office comes to believe that criminal activity has occurred. The police officer may reach this conclusion based on his or her own observations, or based on the reports of informants, witnesses, victims, and others. The purpose of the investigatory stage is to determine who may have committed a crime and gather evidence sufficient for their conviction. A criminal investigation usually involves the following:
Search and Seizure – During an investigation, police often search and seize persons and property. A search or seizure may include a wide variety of activities, including stopping a suspect on the street, frisking a person for weapons, opening containers found in an abandoned car, entering the home of a suspect while in hot pursuit, or the like.
Interrogation – During an investigation, police will question suspects and witnesses. Such interrogation may occur in a formal setting–such as an interrogation room at a police station–or under more informal circumstances, such as on the street, or in a person’s home.
Identification – During an investigation, police attempt to identify suspects and others related to criminal activity. For example, police may conduct a lineup, analyze handwriting samples, show photographs to witnesses, or conduct other identification procedures.
Arrest – During the course of an investigation, if the police find probable cause to believe that a suspect has committed a crime, they may place the suspect under arrest. During an arrest, the suspect is taken to a police station where police search, photograph, and fingerprint the suspect before placing him or her in jail.
Indiana Residents Have Rights During an Investigation
Even though a person may not be charged with a crime, that person still has certain legal protections. Police actions during an investigation must comply with the requirements of the Constitution. This means that police must often obtain a warrant before a search, a seizure, or an arrest. Further, some interrogations require that the police inform a suspect the he or she has certain rights, including a right to an attorney and a right to remain silent. If you feel that your rights have been violated during a police investigation, it is essential that you contact an experienced attorney.
Contact a Danville Criminal Lawyer
If you are the subject of a criminal investigation, it is critical to contact a skilled Indiana lawyer. Understanding your rights may be the difference between freedom and criminal prosecution. Indiana criminal law attorney Christopher Arrington is dedicated to representing Indiana residents in all types of criminal matters. We can determine how best to proceed in when you are faced with criminal charges. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.