A Detective Called Me. What Should I Do?
It often starts with a phone call, a business card left in your door, or an agent showing up at your home or office. The detective is polite. They say they just want to “clear a few things up” or “hear your side of the story.”
A call like this can mean you are part of a criminal investigation, whether as a witness or as someone the investigators are looking at more closely. The decisions you make next can affect whether you are charged and how a case unfolds.
Should You Talk to Law Enforcement?
Everyone has the right to remain silent and the right to speak with an attorney. Whether making a statement, providing information, or consenting to a search is in your best interest depends on the specific facts of your situation. There is no one-size-fits-all answer.
As a general rule, Attorney Ron Frey advises people not to make statements to law enforcement and not to consent to any search without first consulting an attorney. Every case is different, and those decisions are best made with a full understanding of the investigation and the risks involved.
Many people believe that if they just explain themselves, the matter will go away. Before deciding whether to speak, it helps to understand how investigative interviews generally work:
- Officers are generally allowed to use deception during interviews. They may suggest they have evidence they do not have.
- “You’re not under arrest” does not mean you’re not a suspect. Miranda warnings are generally required only for custodial interrogation, so a voluntary interview often comes with no warnings at all.
- The conversation is likely being recorded, in person, by phone, or through body-worn cameras.
- Innocent mistakes can be used against you. A misremembered date or detail can later be portrayed as a lie.
- False statements can become a new crime. Giving false information to law enforcement during an investigation can generally be charged in Florida, and making false statements to federal agents is a separate federal offense.
Why the Pre-Charge Stage Matters
The time before charges are filed can be an important window. Once a case is filed, the process generally moves on the prosecution’s schedule. Before that, a defense attorney may be able to:
- Handle communication with law enforcement on your behalf
- Find out what the investigation is about and how serious it may be
- Identify and preserve evidence that helps you, such as video, phone records, texts, emails, and financial documents, before it is lost or overwritten
- Evaluate whether providing information or a statement would help or hurt you, and if so, how and when
- Present information to the detective or prosecutor that may change their view of the case
- Arrange a voluntary surrender if charges are filed, rather than an unexpected arrest at home or work
- Help protect your job, professional license, and reputation while the investigation is pending
Common Investigations Before Charges Are Filed
Attorney Ron Frey represents people in Tampa Bay and throughout Florida who are under investigation by state and federal agencies, including:
- Sheriff’s office and police detectives in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and surrounding counties
- Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) and Adult Protective Services investigations
- Financial and fraud investigations involving businesses, employers, or family members
- Computer, internet, and AI-related investigations
- Federal investigations by agencies such as the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Secret Service, including people who receive a target letter or subpoena
- Investigations that could affect a professional license
If officers have already searched your home, see our post on what generally happens after a search warrant in Tampa.
Questions to Consider Before You Respond
If you have been contacted by law enforcement, questions will likely arise that deserve careful thought before you act:
- Should I agree to an interview, or speak with an attorney first?
- Should I consent to a search of my phone, computer, home, or car?
- Should I provide documents or information that have been requested?
- Is it appropriate to contact anyone involved, including witnesses or the person making the accusation?
- What should I keep? Deleting messages, files, or records during an investigation can create serious additional problems.
- Who should I talk to about this? Conversations with friends, coworkers, or on social media are not confidential.
An attorney can help you work through each of these questions based on the facts of your situation. These laws change often, so it is a good idea to talk with an attorney about the details that apply to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I haven’t been charged, do I really need a lawyer?
This is often when a lawyer can help the most. Decisions made before charges are filed can shape the entire case.
Won’t hiring a lawyer make me look guilty?
No. Detectives and prosecutors deal with defense attorneys every day. Exercising your rights is not evidence of guilt.
The detective said this is my only chance to tell my side.
That is a common interview technique. If sharing information would help you, your attorney can help decide how and when to do it.
Can a lawyer find out if I’m under investigation?
In many cases, yes. Your attorney can contact the investigating agency and act as the point of contact going forward.
Talk With Attorney Ron Frey
Attorney Ron Frey has more than 20 years of experience in complex criminal litigation and criminal investigations in state and federal court. If a detective or agent has contacted you, call or text The Frey Law Firm, LLC in Tampa at (813) 775-2276, or toll-free at (844) 766-3739, for a free, confidential consultation. Rapid response, 24/7.
The information on this page is general and is not legal advice. Every situation is different. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship.