Fort Collins Criminal Investigation Lawyers

Think You’re Under Investigation for a Crime? We Can Help!

Do you believe you or a loved one might be under investigation for a criminal matter in Colorado? Every criminal case begins with an investigation by the police or some other law enforcement agency. You may have recently been questioned or otherwise suspect that you are a potential criminal person of interest. If this is the case, turn to Roselle & Breitigam, P.C.

At Roselle & Breitigam, P.C., our Northern Colorado criminal investigation lawyers will do everything we can to help you to prevent charges from ever happening. We will conduct an investigation of our own as well as communicate with law enforcement agencies regarding what evidence they have against you. Our goal is to help you avoid an arrest entirely. In the event you are charged with a crime, we are happy to continue representing you through trial and appeals. We won’t stop until you have achieved the result you are happy with.

To discuss your legal options if you are under criminal investigation, call (970) 238-7900 or contact our firm online to book your free, no-obligation case evaluation. 

Innocent Until Proven Guilty According to The 5th Amendment

The clause regarding self-incrimination was developed to stop anyone from being forced to testify against themselves, leaving the burden of proving that a person has committed a crime to the government. Thus, the Fifth Amendment ensures that someone is "innocent until proven guilty."

Understand Your Legal Rights

Certain rights are automatically granted to individuals when it comes to criminal matters. Because everyone is considered innocent of a crime unless definitively proven guilty, there is no reason to panic if you are under investigation for a crime regardless of its severity. No charges have been filed yet, so it is best to stay calm and lay low while your lawyer handles the legal aspects of your case on your behalf.

In the meantime, keep your rights in mind and use them to your advantage when necessary:

• You have the right to privacy. The 4th Amendment of the Constitution grants you the right to protection from unreasonable searches as well as seizures of your property and yourself. You have the right to refuse to allow anyone to search your property or person unless they have a warrant.
• You have the right to leave. If you are not officially under arrest by law enforcement and have not been given your Miranda rights (granted by the 5th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution), you can - and should – leave the premises. If the police attempt to stop you, ask whether you are under arrest. If not, they have no legal right to keep you there. Contact an experienced criminal investigation lawyer to help you determine your next steps.
• You have the right to remain silent. Under the 5th Amendment, you have the right to remain silent following an arrest or during police questioning. Advise the officer that you want your attorney present before speaking and then say no more. The police have ways of tricking you and using things you say against you, so even if you believe there is no harm in talking, it is best not to do so without legal help.
• You have the right to an attorney. Under the 6th Amendment, you have the right to a lawyer. If you know or suspect you are under investigation, you should exercise this right and retain an attorney immediately. Hiring an experienced attorney may help you avoid criminal charges altogether.

What Should You Do If the Police Want to Interrogate You?

If you ever find yourself brought into a police station for questioning, exercise your right to an attorney and contact a lawyer as soon as you are able, ideally before having any further discussion with officers or anyone else. No matter what they say, you cannot be barred from your legal right to an attorney, so remain calm and patient until you are allowed to make a call.