The police cannot charge someone on a whim. To do so, they first need compelling evidence that amounts to probable cause.
Unless the police have directly witnessed a crime, they usually need to conduct an investigation. This is the process of assessing the facts they have been presented with and gathering potential evidence.
Are there warning signs that you may be under criminal investigation?
Have you had a visit?
One obvious way to tell that you may be under investigation is if the police visit you at home. However, they may not make it obvious that you are a suspect. For instance, they may knock on the door and ask to come in for an informal chat. They might even suggest that you aren’t in any trouble at all.
The problem is, if you talk to them and let them in, you may have consented to them gathering evidence against you. That’s why it’s important to remember your Fifth Amendment rights to remain silent and your Fourth Amendment protections against unlawful searches and seizures.
Signs of surveillance
Another tactic that law enforcement employs is surveillance. This can occur in several ways. You may spot a police car at your workplace. Or, you may see unusual vehicles parked near your home and other places you frequent. Surveillance can also occur online. You may get strange friend requests on social media, for example. While it is a controversial subject, law enforcement has been known to set up fake social media accounts to conduct surveillance.
The police are allowed to investigate alleged crimes, but they must also follow the law. If you suspect that you may be under surveillance, seeking legal guidance is essential.