Being the subject of a criminal investigation can be scary. You may be unsure of the criminal justice system and want to know how this will impact your life. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help guide you through the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected.
The lawyers at Kohlmeyer Hagen, Law Office Chtd. are known for excellent legal representation. We know criminal law and can help you navigate the justice system. If you are facing criminal charges, contact us today for assistance with criminal investigations in Mankato.
A criminal investigation begins when a crime is committed and reported to Mankato law enforcement. Once a call is made, law enforcement will then investigate the crime. They will gather evidence at the crime scene, such as fingerprints, DNA evidence, and video footage. Law enforcement will also take photographs and gather any additional physical evidence that they find. The police will talk with eyewitnesses, victims, and other people in the area to determine if they saw anything suspicious occur.
Law enforcement may determine that evidence is located somewhere other than at the crime scene. When this occurs, the police will request that a judge issue a search warrant. In the meantime, they are expected to follow all available leads to gather evidence. After the investigation is complete, the evidence will be turned over to the prosecutor, who will determine if charges should be brought against the accused. If charges are filed, the individual may be required to appear in court to defend against the alleged charges. An experienced lawyer can protect a defendant’s legal rights throughout the criminal process.
During a criminal investigation, law enforcement in Mankato may request a search warrant from a judge if they believe evidence is located at a different location. For example, they may request a search warrant if there has been a robbery and they believe the stolen items are in a specific home.
To obtain a search warrant, the court must determine that there is probable cause to issue the warrant. Probable cause is when law enforcement can show a judge that there are sufficient facts to support the belief that evidence of a crime can be found at a specific location. Law enforcement must complete an affidavit or sworn statement demonstrating why they believe they have probable cause for the warrant. A judge will then review the documents and determine if there is a fair probability that the items can be found at the location requested in the warrant. A knowledgeable attorney can review a search warrant to see if law enforcement had probable cause.
Criminal law is complex, and it can be difficult to know if law enforcement is violating your rights. A diligent attorney can review the facts of the case to ensure that law enforcement conducted their criminal investigation within the scope of the law.
The lawyers at Kohlmeyer Hagen, Law Office Chtd. have over 50 years of experience helping people who have been charged with crimes. If you are facing criminal charges, it is important to seek legal representation as soon as possible. At our firm, we understand the criminal legal process and are dedicated to helping individuals navigate criminal investigations in Mankato. Reach out to our team today to discuss the facts of your case.
