The last thing on your mind may be facing criminal charges or being identified as a criminal suspect. However, the reality is that many of those who face charges are caught off guard.
In terms of forming a defense strategy, the earlier that you realize you have been identified as a suspect, the better. Here are a couple of ways that you might be able to tell.
Unannounced police visits
There are some jurisdictions that try to implement community-based policing. This means that you may see officers on a regular basis. They may even come to your home to introduce themselves. Nonetheless, on the whole, unannounced police visits may be a cause for concern. This is especially the case if officers ask to come in for a look around.
In such instances, it’s likely that they are attempting to gather evidence. It’s important to remember that officers cannot enter your residence without consent. The only exceptions to this are if they possess a valid search warrant or have probable cause to believe that there are “exigent circumstances,” like someone being in danger or evidence being destroyed.
Electronic surveillance
Law enforcement utilize technology to gather evidence on suspects. This may include things like phone tapping and social media monitoring. Typically, they need a warrant and court approval to engage in such activities. If your phone is being monitored, you may notice static on the line, sudden volume changes and other unusual noises.
Social media plays an important role in life for most people, and law enforcement are aware of this. While it is a controversial subject, the police have been known to monitor social media activity by creating fake accounts and sending friend requests. You should treat unusual friend requests with caution.
If you believe or are informed that you have been identified as a suspect in a criminal investigation, it’s important to seek legal guidance as soon as possible. This will help you protect your rights.