The Benefits of Hiring an Attorney for a Pre-filing Investigation

A pre-filing investigation is the stage in which police are still investigating suspects of a crime and gathering enough evidence in order to make an arrest. Similarly, prosecutors have a duty to refrain from bringing charges that he or she knows are unsupported by probable cause.

If you’re suspected of committing a crime, it is in your best interest to seek the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. Your attorney may be able to help you in many ways.

• Your lawyer may be able to convince the prosecutor not to file charges

Prosecutors would be committing an ethical violation by filing unsubstantiated criminal charges against you. If prosecutors believe that you won’t be convicted of a crime, they may hesitate to formally file charges.

During the pre-filing period, your attorney can speak with prosecutors on your case and attempt to convince them not to file charges at all, or file charges for a crime that carries a lesser sentence.

• Your lawyer will advise you not to incriminate yourself

During the pre-filing stage, typically an investigation is being held to determine whether to file formal charges against you. In many cases, evidence used to file charges includes statements from the suspects themselves. That is why it is extremely important that you do not incriminate yourself during this time.

Your criminal defense attorney will advise you what to say to law enforcement and prosecutors. In most cases, your attorney will advise you not to speak to police without the presence of your lawyer. Your attorney can serve as the voice for you so that you do not incriminate yourself.

• Your lawyer will keep you informed during every step of the process

If you are suspected of a crime, you will want to know the exact nature of the potential charges you face and where the case stands throughout the process. This is how our law firm can help you.

We will check up on all developments in your case, no matter small. Our attorneys will make sure you are aware of all of these developments by communicating with you constantly.

• Your lawyer will begin working on your defense

The pre-filing stage could last a long time, and this time could be an opportunity for your attorney to work with you to prepare a successful defense strategy for your case. Your attorney will speak to you and decide what valid defense is best to use in your case and would begin to prepare your best defense.

Your lawyer can work to arrange for a surrender and release without bail in many cases.

If you retain our law firm prior to formal charges being brought against you, in many cases we can arrange for you to be “surrendered.” You do not want to be arrested without warning at your home in front of your family or at work in front of your co-workers. Our attorneys may be able to arrange to surrender you to the police department where you can be booked and printed. In addition, we can arrange to have a bail bondsman ready to bail you out, if necessary.

Speak to an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney Today

If you or a loved one is being accused of a crime, you need to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. At Wallin & Klarich, our skilled attorneys have been successfully defending clients facing criminal charges for over 40 years. We may be able to help you avoid criminal charges or have the potential charges you face reduced.

With offices located in Los Angeles, Sherman Oaks, Torrance, Orange County, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, West Covina and Victorville, there is an experienced Wallin & Klarich criminal defense attorney available to help you no matter where you work or live.

Call us today at (877) 4-NO-JAIL or (877) 466-5245 for a free phone consultation. We will get through this together.