What to Do If You Are Under Criminal Investigation in Connecticut

Few things are more stressful than finding out you’re under investigation for a crime. Maybe the police left a card at your door. Maybe a detective called you “just to ask a few questions.” Or maybe you heard through a friend or coworker that law enforcement is asking about you.

This is a critical moment. What you do right now can make the difference between walking away without charges—or facing an arrest, court dates, and a permanent criminal record.

I’m Allan F. Friedman, a Connecticut criminal defense lawyer with over 30 years of experience. I tell clients this all the time: if you think you might be under investigation, act immediately—before it’s too late.

Waiting until you’re arrested is a huge mistake. By the time charges are filed, the state has already built a case against you. Getting a lawyer involved early can:

• Stop questioning before you say something that hurts you.
• Present evidence or explanations that convince prosecutors not to file charges at all.
• Protect your reputation, career, and family from the fallout of a public arrest.

I’ve prevented clients from being charged simply by stepping in early. Acting fast can change everything.

Sometimes it’s obvious—you’re contacted directly by police or served with a search warrant. Other times, it’s more subtle. Common signs include:

• Police calling or visiting you “just to talk”
• Friends, family, or coworkers being questioned about you
• Receiving a subpoena for records or testimony
• Being contacted by a detective on social media or at work

If any of this is happening, do not assume it’s harmless. By the time police reach out to you, they have already built part of their case. They are not looking to clear your name—they are gathering evidence to charge you.

I cannot stress this enough: anything you say to law enforcement can and will be used against you.

Police may act friendly, but their job is to gather evidence. Even innocent statements can be twisted to fit their theory of the case. I’ve seen good people talk themselves into arrests they could have avoided if they had simply stayed silent.

You have the right to remain silent. Use it.

Investigators use proven strategies to get people to talk or slip up. Be aware of:

• “We just want to hear your side of the story.” – This is designed to make you believe they’re neutral. They’re not.
• “If you cooperate, things will go easier for you.” – In reality, statements often lead to charges, not leniency.
• Surprise visits at work or home. – They want to catch you off-guard and without legal counsel.
• Implying they have more evidence than they do. – Detectives frequently bluff to see what you’ll reveal.

Recognizing these tactics—and refusing to engage without counsel—protects you from walking into a trap.

Once police believe they have enough evidence, they present the case to a state’s attorney (prosecutor). The prosecutor decides whether to:

• File charges immediately by applying for an arrest warrant
• Request additional investigation from the police
• Decline to prosecute if evidence is weak

This is where having a lawyer early can make a huge difference. If I get involved before a charging decision is made, I can often present evidence, legal arguments, or mitigating factors that convince the prosecutor—or even the police—not to move forward at all.

One of the most powerful things I do for clients under investigation is stopping charges before they’re filed. Here’s how:

• Direct Communication with Investigators: I become the point of contact so you don’t speak directly to police.
• Strategic Negotiation: I can present evidence, witness statements, or mitigating circumstances that show why charges aren’t justified.
• Legal Analysis: I identify constitutional issues—such as illegal searches—that may discourage prosecutors from pursuing a weak case.
• Proactive Resolutions: In some cases, I’ve resolved matters privately with law enforcement—such as restitution in a theft allegation—leading to no charges at all.

Many of my clients have avoided arrests because I got involved early. Police and prosecutors are far less likely to pursue a questionable case when they know you have an experienced defense lawyer ready to fight.

A woman from Atlanta, Georgia, contacted me in a panic after learning she was under investigation in Connecticut for check fraud. She had been misled by someone she met online—later discovered to be operating from Nigeria—who convinced her to deposit a check into her bank account and forward part of the funds. She had no idea the check was fraudulent.

By the time she called me, a Connecticut detective was preparing to recommend criminal charges for larceny and fraud. I immediately gathered proof of her communications with the scammer, banking records, and evidence showing she was as much a victim as anyone else. I presented this information directly to the detective.

The result? The detective agreed she had been duped and decided not to press charges. My client avoided arrest, a felony record, and the ordeal of traveling to Connecticut to defend herself against something she didn’t do.

This case highlights why it’s so important to get legal representation early. When I can show law enforcement the full story before charges are filed, we can often stop a case in its tracks.

I regularly represent clients under investigation for:

• White-collar crimes: fraud, embezzlement, larceny, forgery
• Sex crimes: sexual assault, possession of illegal material, internet-related allegations
• Drug crimes: possession with intent to sell, operation of a drug factory
• Domestic violence: accusations of assault, harassment, or threatening
• DUI-related offenses: serious crashes, repeat offense investigations
• Gun and firearm offenses: illegal possession, transfer, or use of weapons

• Do Not Contact the Police: Politely decline interviews and do not respond without a lawyer.
• Do Not Talk to Others About the Case: Friends, family, coworkers—even texts and social media posts—can be used as evidence.
• Hire an Experienced Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyer Immediately: The sooner I get involved, the more I can do to protect you.
• Don’t Post Anything on Social Media

Don’t wait for the knock on the door. If you suspect you’re being investigated in Connecticut, now is the time to act. I can often stop charges before they’re filed and protect your rights from the very beginning.

Call me, Allan F. Friedman, at (203) 357-5555 or use my confidential contact form to schedule a consultation today. Early action can mean the difference between freedom and a criminal record.