Domestic violence investigations may consist of the accused being asked questions by the police. Without proper guidance or awareness of their rights, a person being investigated may be prone to self-incrimination. That is why it is important to consult with an experienced attorney about Fairfax domestic violence investigations. Working with a domestic violence lawyer could prove to be a worthwhile decision. Do not wait, contact an attorney today.
Typically when a law enforcement officer responds to alleged domestic violence in Fairfax, they take a team approach to the investigation. This means a couple of officers trained in the use of interrogation techniques and domestic violence awareness techniques are going to investigate the case, gather evidence, speak to all parties involved, and try to make a decision about whether or not it is appropriate to arrest someone.
During Fairfax domestic violence investigations, a suspect has no legal obligation to give a statement or provide information to an officer. It is common for individuals who are under investigation to feel pressured, either consciously or subconsciously, to give their side of the story, or admit their role in the domestic violence incident.
Beyond giving their name and identifying information, a person is under no obligation to give a statement to the officer about what occurred. Many times an officer has made their arrest decision just from talking to a witness during the incident scene, but the statement of the accused may be a crucial piece in the prosecution of the case. They ought to keep in mind that they do not have to give that statement and it may not in their best interest to do so.
It is important to have a Fairfax criminal domestic violence lawyer on your side during every step of this investigation. Fairfax domestic violence investigations are not necessarily in the best interests of the person under investigation. The person does not have to answer their questions under many circumstances. The questions that may be asked could seem harmless, however, the purpose of the question might be to provide incriminating details to law enforcement. Having an experienced attorney that has been through investigations before on behalf of their client could greatly assist a person.
Additionally, the vast majority of people under investigation for domestic violence-related charges are going to be under investigation for the first time and they may not know what they may and may not say. They may not know what questions are going to be used to incriminate them, and they may not know the process. An attorney could guide you during the process and advise you on which questions to answer and which questions to ignore.
Sometimes people may take the blame when it is unnecessary, agree with statements they do not have to agree to, or are afraid to give officers their opinion about what happened when they should feel free to do so. Having an attorney involved who understands the domestic violence process and the investigations could greatly be of use. Do not hesitate to contact an attorney today.
Northern Virginia Criminal Defense Group