Life in Florida is usually a breeze, but lately, you notice peculiar things happening around you. You get weird friend requests on your social media accounts and see a van is constantly parked on your street near your place. Am I being investigated?? You wonder. The mere thought of it makes you break out in a cold sweat.

If you suspect you may be under police investigation in Florida, you’re probably feeling pretty stressed out right now. The uncertainty, the fear of the unknown, the sense that your every move is being watched… It’s a lot to handle.

However, by understanding the common signs of a pre-file investigation and getting a qualified defense attorney immediately, you can take steps to protect yourself and your rights.

Signs You’re Under Criminal Investigation in Florida

While you may feel like you’re being paranoid, there are a few signs of the pre-file investigation process that might mean you’re under a criminal investigation.

Receiving Strange Social Media Requests

Has your Facebook suddenly blown up with friend requests from people you don’t know?

Pay attention. This could be a big red flag. There are even cases where law enforcement officers create fake social media profiles to gather intel on suspects. They may pose as an attractive stranger, a long-lost classmate, or even a potential romantic interest.

Don’t fall for it. If something seems off about a social media request, trust your gut. Accepting that request could give investigators access to a treasure trove of personal information that could be used against you.

Police Officers Contacting Friends and Family

When you’re under investigation, law enforcement officers often cast a wide net. They won’t just focus on you—they’ll also reach out to your inner circle. Your friends, your family members, your coworkers—think of personal and professional relationships that might give information to help police officers build a case.

If you start hearing from loved ones that they’ve had police contact concerning you, it’s a strong indicator that you may be under criminal investigation, and you’ll need to contact a Florida criminal defense attorney right away.

Suspicious Unmarked Cars Parked Near Your Home

You’re going about your daily routine when you notice the same car parked across the street from your house. Day after day, there it is, like clockwork. Weird, right?

Unmarked police vehicles are a classic sign of surveillance. Undercover law enforcement agents will often park near a suspect’s home or workplace, sometimes for days or even weeks at a time, just watching and waiting in order to gather sufficient evidence.

If you start seeing suspicious vehicles lingering around your usual haunts, don’t brush it off. It could be a major red flag that law enforcement has you in their sights.

Increased Overall Surveillance

In addition to strange vehicles showing up wherever you are, surveillance can also look like:

• Live surveillance (of you, your home, anyone visiting you)
• Video surveillance
• Wiretaps (that are lawfully authorized)
• Combing through your trash to look for forensic evidence like hair, fiber, or fingerprint DNA

Financial Monitoring

Heightened scrutiny of your financial transactions causing frozen accounts, experiencing unexpected audits, or fielding inquiries from financial institutions could indicate that you may be under investigation.

Requests for Legal Records or Documentation

If you receive requests for records, documents, or other information related to any of your life activities, it’s possible you’re being investigated. This can include telephone records or items at your home, office, or car.

Unexplained Delays or Problems

If you experience unexpected delays, denials, or roadblocks with licenses, permits, or other legal records or documents, you might be under investigation.

Common Crimes That May Lead to a Pre-File Investigation

In Florida, many crimes could potentially trigger a pre-file investigation by law enforcement, such as:

• Sex Crimes: Sexual assault, rape, or exploitation of minors.
• Assault and Battery: Threatening or physically harming another person.
• drugs.
• Drug Offenses: Possession, distribution, or trafficking of illegal drugs.
• Cybercrimes: Hacking, computer fraud, or online harassment.
• Fraud: Deceptive practices for financial gain, such as identity theft, credit card fraud, or insurance fraud.
• Theft and Burglary: Stealing property or unlawfully entering a premises intending to commit a crime.
• Weapons Offenses: Possession of illegal firearms or other weapons.
• White-Collar Crimes: Embezzlement, money laundering, or insider trading.

If you have even the slightest inkling that you’re under investigation in Florida, it’s crucial to act fast. Don’t let precious time slip away—reach out to a skilled legal professional like Mike G Law, who can guide you through this challenging process and fight tirelessly to safeguard your future.

What to Do if You Suspect You’re Under Criminal Investigation

So, now what? First things first: don’t panic. That’s easier said than done, but freaking out will only make things worse.

Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent

If the police come knocking, your first instinct might be to start talking, try to explain yourself, and convince them you’ve done nothing wrong.

Resist that urge. Remember, you have the right to remain silent. Use it. Do not torpedo your case by running your mouth to the cops. You may think you’re helping, but in reality, you’re just giving the prosecution more ammo to use against you.

Politely inform the officers that you won’t be answering any questions without an attorney present, then keep your lips sealed until you’ve consulted with a qualified legal representative.

Take Yourself Off Social Media

Remember those shady friend requests we talked about earlier? Well, even if you’re savvy enough to decline them, your social media presence can still come back to bite you during an investigation. Prosecutors love combing suspects’ online activity, looking for anything they can use as evidence. That edgy meme you shared, that rant you posted after a few too many beers, those less-than-flattering photos from last weekend’s party…it could all be fair game.

My advice? Take a social media hiatus. Deactivate your accounts, or at the very least, crank up your privacy settings to the max, and don’t post anything. The less fodder you give investigators to work with, the better. I know it’s not easy to cut yourself off from the online world, but it’s a small price to pay for protecting your freedom.

Seek Legal Representation from an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney

The earlier you get legal counsel involved, the better your chances of a positive outcome. Do not wait until charges have been filed to make that call.

I am a former prosecutor who now specializes in criminal defense. I know the ins and outs of the Florida legal system and have a long track record of fighting for my clients’ rights. I offer free, confidential consultations, so you’ve got nothing to lose by reaching out.