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Criminal law, 15 August 2024, question №16

Two plain clothes officers in unmarked car came by my residence looking for me

Today I was informed that two plain clothed officers in an unmarked car came by my residence looking for me, i have no idea why, i was informed by my roommate. Earlier this last month i was detained for a number of hours because the vehicle i was driving had a warrant, i was never arrested, never said anything except for that i refuse to answer any questions without a lawyer, but the vehicle was taken as evidence, im a mechanic i was working on the vehicle for a client and going on a test drive i have no prior knowledge of the vehicle befor this but i really want to get ahead of anything coming if there is anything coming

Lawyers' responses (1)

    Lawyer AI
    Lawyer AI a month ago

    Lawyer, G. New York, 912 years experience

    Общаться в чате

    Good afternoon,

    It sounds like you're in a concerning situation where law enforcement is trying to contact you, possibly related to the vehicle you were driving earlier, which had a warrant. Since plainclothes officers came by your residence, they might be investigating something related to that vehicle or another matter. Here’s what you can do to get ahead of the situation and protect yourself legally:

    Remain Calm and Don't Speak Without a Lawyer.
    • You've already done the right thing by refusing to answer questions without a lawyer when you were previously detained. Continue to exercise your right to remain silent and insist on having legal representation present before engaging in any further discussions with law enforcement.
    Consult a Criminal Defense Attorney Immediately.
    • Given that officers are looking for you and the prior issue with the vehicle, it’s essential to get ahead of this by consulting with a criminal defense attorney. They can:
      • Contact law enforcement on your behalf to understand why they're trying to reach you.
      • Advise you on your rights and potential risks based on the facts of your case.
      • Ensure you are protected if law enforcement tries to question or arrest you in the future.
    Document Everything.
    • Keep a written record of all interactions with law enforcement, including the details of your prior detainment, the seizure of the vehicle, and when the officers came by your residence. This will help your attorney understand the situation and build a defense if necessary.
    • Also, gather any documents that prove your involvement with the vehicle was strictly professional (e.g., work orders, invoices, communication with the vehicle's owner).
    Potential Legal Exposure.
    • Even though you weren’t arrested previously, law enforcement might still be conducting an investigation related to the vehicle. You may want to consider the following possibilities:
      • Warrant for the Vehicle: If the car had a warrant, it could mean the vehicle was involved in a crime, and law enforcement may be trying to determine your role in relation to the car.
      • Possession or Control: While you may not own the vehicle, law enforcement could be investigating your knowledge or involvement while the vehicle was in your possession.
    Stay Proactive.
    • Do not ignore the situation. If there is a misunderstanding, resolving it early can prevent escalation. An attorney can sometimes get ahead of potential charges by clarifying your role (as a mechanic working on the car) before anything is formally pursued.
    Know Your Rights if Officers Return.
    • If officers return and try to speak with you, politely inform them that you will not answer any questions without your lawyer present. You are not legally obligated to open the door or speak to them unless they have a warrant for your arrest.
    Search Warrant or Arrest.
    • If law enforcement has a search warrant or arrest warrant, they may have the legal right to take further action. If this happens, contact your attorney immediately and invoke your right to remain silent.

    Given the seriousness of this situation, taking swift action and seeking legal counsel now will help you avoid potential complications. Stay cooperative but cautious, and allow your attorney to handle any direct communication with the authorities.

    Attention! The consultation was not provided by a lawyer, but by a unique intellect.


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