Pre-File Investigations in Tampa

Under Investigation? Our Tampa Attorney Can Help

A pre-file investigation occurs when law enforcement investigates a person for a possible crime. Pre-file investigations occur before criminal charges are filed and allow law enforcement to determine if there is sufficient evidence against the person to file charges. If law enforcement finds enough evidence, the person will likely be placed under arrest and charged with a crime. However, if law enforcement discovers not much conclusive evidence, the person will not face any legal action.

During the pre-file investigation, you will be subject to questioning. By having a criminal defense attorney on your side, you can ensure your rights are protected and remain aware of your legal options. Additionally, if a criminal lawyer gets involved before charges are pressed, there is a greater chance that your lawyer can negotiate with law enforcement and challenge possible evidence. 

Talk to our Tampa pre-file investigations attorney about your legal options during a free, confidential consultation: (813) 321-7323.

Taking Preemptive Action

In some cases—especially with white collar crimes, such as embezzlement or securities fraud—federal agencies may make it clear that you are the subject of an investigation. These tactics are usually to scare evidence right into their own hands, but you should take it as an advantage that you know ahead of time to put an attorney on your side. Now is the time to counteract their investigation.

At The Law Offices of Jeff Paulk, we understand that the time before charges are formally filed is crucial for the outcome of a criminal case. As a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney with more than two decades of experience, Jeff Paulk works to help clients avoid charges in the first place. Even if charges are filed, our involvement can still work to your benefit, as we will be familiar with the case and ready to defend your rights.

How Do Pre-File Investigations Work?

If the police have reason to believe that you broke a state or federal law, they will investigate you. Since no formal charges have been filed, this is called a “pre-file investigation.” During the pre-file investigation phase, detectives closely examine you, your criminal background (if you have one), interview witnesses, and carefully gather evidence (if any). Once law enforcement has exhausted their research, the District Attorney (DA) will decide if there is enough evidence to press charges against you.

Are You Currently Being Investigated?

It can be challenging to know if you’re the target of a pre-file investigation, but sometimes there are clues that you are being investigated. You may have had a surprise visit at your home by officers from the Tampa Police Department, you may have received a call from a detective, or your friends may have tipped you off that the police were asking questions. Unwitting suspects often have no idea that the police are busy behind the scenes trying to gather enough evidence. Law enforcement sees a benefit in these “covert investigations” because they feel the less the suspect knows, the lower the chances of the suspect destroying evidence or going into hiding.

Call Our Firm If You Believe You Are Under Investigation for a Crime

At any stage of a criminal case, our team at The Law Offices of Jeff Paulk stands ready to defend your rights. Because we have the experience of a former prosecutor, we have crucial knowledge of the inner workings of pre-file investigations and may be able to use this to your benefit. Take this opportunity to learn more about our firm and the ways we can help you.

Learn more about pre-file investigations in Tampa and how our firm can help by calling (813) 321-7323 to talk about your case.