Pre-Charge Criminal Investigation Defense Attorney
The Law Office of Nicholas P. Frye, P.C. provides dedicated and personalized criminal defense legal representation for clients in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the State of New Hampshire, in both State and Federal courts.
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Many criminal cases begin long before formal charges are filed. In Massachusetts and New Hampshire, individuals are often first contacted by police during the investigation stage, when detectives are gathering statements, reviewing evidence, and determining whether a complaint application will be filed.
Because statements made during this stage may affect whether charges issue and how a case proceeds if it enters court, speaking with an attorney before responding to investigators can be especially important.
Our office represents individuals at every stage of a criminal investigation, including situations where police request interviews before any court date has been scheduled.
Signs You May Be Under Criminal Investigation
In many cases, individuals first learn they are under investigation when contacted by detectives requesting information about an alleged incident.
Common indicators of an investigation include:
- requests for a voluntary police interview
- contact from a detective by phone or email
- notice that police are attempting to speak with witnesses
- execution of a search warrant
- notification that an incident report has been filed
- contact from a court regarding a complaint application
Investigations frequently begin weeks or months before charges are filed.
Requests for Voluntary Police Interviews
Investigators sometimes request voluntary interviews before seeking a criminal complaint.
These requests may involve allegations such as:
- assault-related incidents
- domestic violence allegations
- firearm-related investigations
- theft-related allegations
- sex offense investigations
- disputes involving neighbors or acquaintances
Statements made during these interviews may later become evidence in court.
Complaint Applications Before Arraignment
In many Massachusetts cases, investigators submit a complaint application instead of making an arrest.
Complaint-stage procedures frequently involve:
- clerk magistrate hearings
- summons notices
- review of probable cause before arraignment
Resolving a case at this stage may prevent a criminal complaint from issuing.
Search Warrants During the Investigation Stage
Search warrants are commonly used before charges are filed and may involve:
- phones
- computers
- residences
- vehicles
- online accounts
Evidence obtained during search warrant investigations frequently becomes central to a criminal case.
Grand Jury Investigations in Serious Felony Cases
Serious felony allegations in Massachusetts are often presented to a grand jury before indictment.
Grand jury investigations commonly involve allegations such as:
- firearm-related offenses
- violent crimes
- robbery allegations
- serious assault charges
- sex offense investigations
- homicide investigations
Because grand jury proceedings occur before charges become public, early legal representation may allow important issues to be evaluated before indictment.
Why Early Legal Representation Matters
Early legal intervention during the investigation stage may allow defense counsel to:
- respond to investigator contact appropriately
- evaluate allegations before charges issue
- address misunderstandings early
- prepare for complaint hearings
- prepare for possible grand jury proceedings
- coordinate strategy before arraignment
At The Law Office of Nicholas P. Frye, we represent individuals throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire during pre-charge criminal investigations and work to address allegations at the earliest possible stage whenever appropriate.
