Have you noticed more police cars driving through your neighborhood in Ohio lately? Have you received unusual friend requests on social media from people you don’t know? These and other signs could indicate that law enforcement officials are secretly investigating you for a drug-related crime.
If you suspect you may be under criminal investigation for drug charges, it’s critical to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. A skilled criminal lawyer can help protect your rights throughout the investigation process.
Here are four signs that police in Ohio may be building a drug case against you:
1. Increased Police Presence Near Your Home
One of the most common signs that you may be under investigation is an increased police presence in your neighborhood.
You may notice frequent patrols of marked and unmarked police vehicles driving by your home. Or you may see officers parked near your house monitoring activity for hours at a time.
Police also sometimes conduct undercover surveillance by disguising themselves as utility workers, landscapers, or other roles that allow them to blend in.
If you observe unusual police activity focused around your residence, it could point to an active drug investigation targeting you or someone in your household.
2. Law Enforcement Makes Contact and Asks Questions
Police may also tip their hand by making direct contact and asking probing questions about your activities.
For example, officers may come to your door claiming they received a complaint from a neighbor about suspicious activity on your property. In reality, they are fishing for evidence to use against you.
Police may also call you and ask you to come to the station to answer questions about an ongoing investigation. However, you are under no obligation to submit to questioning or provide any information without first consulting with a criminal defense lawyer.
Any statements you make could be used against you. So it’s essential to politely decline to answer questions and immediately contact a criminal defense attorney if law enforcement starts asking about potential illegal activities.
3. You Receive a Friend Request From Someone You Don’t Know
Increasingly, police are turning to social media platforms like Facebook as an investigative tools.
Officers may create fake profiles and send you friend requests to try and gain access to your profile information, photos, posts, and private messages.
Accepting a friend request from someone you don’t know personally could inadvertently provide law enforcement with evidence to build a case against you.
So be wary of connecting online with strangers. Review your privacy settings to limit what officers could potentially see if they obtained access to your accounts.
4. Police Attempt to Search Your Home or Business
One of the clearest signs that you are under investigation is if law enforcement shows up at your door with a search warrant.
Police can only conduct searches after obtaining a warrant with evidence demonstrating probable cause to believe criminal activity is occurring on the premises.
If officers ever come to your home or business requesting permission to “take a look around,” politely refuse and immediately contact a lawyer. Valid warrants do not require your consent.
What is a Pre-file Investigation?
Before filing formal charges, police and prosecutors often conduct extensive investigations to gather enough evidence to justify an arrest. This is known as a “pre-file” investigation.
During pre-file investigations, law enforcement uses various covert tactics like surveillance, undercover operations, phone taps, and confidential informants to build their case.
Police may secretly investigate a suspect for weeks or even months without their knowledge. Oftentimes, the first indication that an investigation is underway is when the police show up at your home or workplace to make an arrest.
What To Do If You Suspect You’re Under Investigation
If you believe you are being investigated for drug offenses, remain calm and take proactive steps to protect yourself:
- Do not speak about the investigation publicly or post on social media – this can provide investigators with leads. Keep details limited to conversations with your lawyer.
- Politely decline to speak if police attempt to question you – tell them you will not answer anything without your lawyer present.
- Begin documenting everything related to the charges and your interactions with law enforcement. Details matter.
- Contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately – an experienced legal advocate will handle communications with the police and prosecutor while safeguarding your rights.
- Follow your lawyer’s counsel on how to navigate the investigation strategically. Their insight is invaluable for building your strongest defense.
Protect Your Rights with a Tough Ohio Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you believe you have caught the attention of police and may be under investigation for drug crimes, The Botnick Law Firm can help protect you. Their seasoned Ohio criminal defense lawyers offer trusted counsel and dedicated legal advocacy. Contact their team to set up a case evaluation now. They serve clients across Ohio facing criminal charges.
