Pre-Filing Investigations in California: Do I Need an Attorney Before I Am Actually Charged with a Crime?

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PRE-FILING INVESTIGATIONS

• Do I Need An Attorney Before I Am Actually
  Charged with a Crime?

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Are You Under
Investigation?
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• You may become aware of the fact that you are
  under investigation for a crime

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Your first thought may be that you should just
communicate directly with the investigators
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Appearance of
Guilt
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Perhaps you don't want to appear as though you
have anything to hide
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You may reason that refusing to answer questions
may fuel speculations
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Don't Fall
Into This Trap
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Even if you sincerely feel as though you did
nothing wrong you should speak with an attorney
before answering any questions
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Don't concern yourself with appearances
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Arm yourself with representation
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An Attorney's
Insight
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When you retain a licensed criminal attorney he
or she will bring professional insight to the
table
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Defense attorneys understand the tactics that are
utilized by investigators
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If you follow your lawyer's advice you won't make
any missteps that yield negative consequences
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Behind the
Scenes
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• Once the investigators recognize the fact that
  you are being represented by competent counsel
  things often change

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Your attorney may well have interacted with the
prosecutors in the past
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Refined
Outlook
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• Your attorney may be able to glean information
  about the strength of the case against you

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This could lead to discussions that ultimately
end the investigation entirely or turn a
potential felony charge into a misdemeanor
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Yes, You Need
an Attorney!
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• The answer to the original question is a
  resounding YES

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You do in fact need an attorney during a
pre-filing investigation
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The minute that you are aware of the fact that
you are being investigated you should be on the
phone scheduling a consultation
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In San Diego, Domenic J. Lombardo, a San Diego
Criminal Defense Attorney can help you
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In San Diego, Domenic J. Lombardo, a San Diego
Criminal Defense Attorney can help you
Click to visit www.AttorneyLombardo.com