Being the subject of a police investigation can be intimidating, even if you haven’t been charged. Whether you’re hearing rumors or noticing strange behavior from law enforcement, you might ask yourself: Am I under investigation? If you’re seeing certain warning signs, acting early to protect yourself is crucial.
At Luftman, Heck & Associates, our experienced Cincinnati criminal defense lawyers can help you understand your situation, invoke your rights, and avoid serious consequences.
If police have contacted you or someone close to you, call LHA immediately at (513) 338-1890 for a free consultation.
6 Common Signs You’re Being Investigated by Police in Cincinnati
Before the prosecutor files formal criminal charges against you, law enforcement will open an investigation into the criminal offense in question. The investigation process is generally as follows:
- Police review forensic evidence
- The evidence leads police to potential suspects
- Law enforcement questions suspects
If law enforcement officials believe they have enough evidence to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, they will turn your case over to the state’s prosecutor so formal criminal charges can be filed against you. However, there may be signs that you are under investigation for a criminal offense in Cincinnati before your arrest.
Some of the pre-charge investigation signs you can look out for include the following:
1. Police Contact Friends, Family, or Coworkers
If police begin contacting your spouse, roommates, friends, or colleagues with “routine questions,” this is often a quiet but intentional part of a criminal investigation. Law enforcement may be trying to verify your whereabouts, character, or daily habits to link you to a specific event or crime.
For example, they might ask your coworker if you were at work on a certain date or ask your partner whether you own certain items. This tactic is frequently used in white-collar cases, theft investigations, or sex crime allegations where direct evidence is minimal. If this happens, it’s not random—you are likely on their radar. Don’t wait for formal charges. Call an attorney right away to protect your rights.
2. You’re Asked to Visit the Police Station
Being invited to the station for a “casual chat” is rarely casual. Police use this tactic when they don’t yet have probable cause for arrest but hope you’ll say something incriminating. They may say, “You’re not under arrest” to make you feel safe, but **everything you say can be used to build a case against you.**
In reality, you’re walking into a high-stakes interview where trained interrogators can legally lie to you, exaggerate evidence, and pressure you to confess or contradict yourself. Even an innocent person can get trapped. Always respond respectfully and say, “I’d be happy to cooperate, but I’d like to have my attorney present.”
3. You Notice Police Cars Watching You
Unmarked or marked police vehicles parked near your home, place of work, or frequently visited locations could mean surveillance. Officers may be observing your behavior, tracking your routine, or even following you to see who you associate with.
This is especially common in drug investigations, financial crimes, or cases involving multiple suspects. If you consistently see the same vehicles in odd places or feel like you’re being watched, trust your instincts. Document what you notice and contact a criminal defense attorney immediately.
4. Strangers Start Following or Messaging You Online
Social media is a powerful tool for law enforcement. Investigators often create fake accounts to monitor your posts, watch for incriminating activity, or contact you and your network under false pretenses. If you suddenly receive friend or follow requests from people with no mutual connections or odd profiles, be cautious.
They may be looking for evidence of associations (e.g., tagging someone in a photo), lifestyle (e.g., alcohol or drug use), or even admissions (e.g., joking about illegal behavior). Avoid engaging, adjust your privacy settings, and inform your attorney. A small misstep online can be used to justify a search warrant or arrest.
5. You’re Served with a Subpoena or Search Warrant
A subpoena for records or a physical search warrant is a clear escalation. Law enforcement now has judicial approval to compel evidence—meaning you’re past the early investigative stage. Even if the warrant isn’t for your arrest, **it confirms you are involved in a case, possibly as a suspect.**
You might be served a subpoena for your phone, bank records, or digital devices. A search warrant might target your car, apartment, or online accounts. In either case, do not resist or interfere—but do not say anything either. Call your lawyer before you answer any questions or turn over materials beyond what’s required.
6. Your Employer or School Gets Inquiries About You
If police contact your HR department, supervisor, or academic institution, it usually means they are digging deeper into your background. They might ask about your work attendance, access to certain areas or files, or whether you were present at a specific time.
This can be especially damaging in sensitive jobs—like finance, healthcare, or education—where even the suspicion of criminal activity can lead to administrative consequences. Employers might place you on leave or launch their own internal investigation. It’s critical to get ahead of this with legal representation to control the narrative and protect your career or student status.
What to Expect When Cincinnati Police Investigate You
Police don’t usually arrest someone the moment a crime occurs. In most cases, law enforcement needs to investigate a reported offense, gather evidence, and identify suspects. This process can unfold over days, weeks, or months before any charges are filed.
- Review video surveillance or physical evidence
- Collect forensic materials
- Interview alleged victims and witnesses
- Run background checks or monitor suspects
If they believe you may be involved, you could be contacted directly, or they may quietly try to gather information by speaking to your family, neighbors, or coworkers first.
What to Do If the Police Contact You
If the police visit your home, call you, or ask you to come to the station for “a few questions,” do not speak with them without a lawyer. Even if you aren’t formally charged, you could say something that implicates you or weakens your defense.
Police may already have evidence or believe you’re involved. Their goal isn’t just to get information—it’s to build a case. Having a defense attorney present protects your rights and prevents misunderstandings from turning into criminal charges.
Should You Cooperate with Police if You’re Under Investigation?
You might feel tempted to explain your side to “clear things up.” But cooperating without a lawyer can backfire. Under both Ohio and federal law, police are legally allowed to lie during an investigation. They may say:
- “We just need to ask a few questions.”
- “Your friend already told us everything.”
- “This is your chance to avoid jail.”
These tactics are designed to pressure you into talking—sometimes even confessing to something you didn’t do. Always talk to a defense lawyer first.
Do You Have to Meet with Police & Answer Questions?
In most circumstances, you do not have to meet with police and answer their questions. You have specific rights when you are under police investigation. These include:
- You Don’t Have to submit to police questioning – If police ask you to come down to the station for an interview, you can obtain the officer’s contact information and then reach out to your attorney.
- You have the right to remain silent – When police hope to question you, politely say you’re invoking your right to remain silent and that you would like an attorney.
- You have the right to an attorney – Whether you are a suspect in a criminal investigation or police simply want to question you, you have the right to an attorney. It’s critical to protect yourself when so many are wrongfully accused.
A Lawyer Can Advise You Before Charges Are Filed
When you believe you are under police investigation, your lawyer can help you:
- Understand your rights when you are being investigated
- Understand the severity of the potential charges you are facing
- Work with police to clear up the matter
- Work with the prosecutor to get the charges against you reduced or dismissed if formally filed
- Prepare a compelling defense strategy at trial
If you believe you are the subject of a police investigation in Hamilton County, or if you suspect that you will be charged with a crime, make sure you have a dedicated legal defender fighting for you.
Cincinnati Police Investigation FAQs
When you’re concerned that you may be a suspect in a Cincinnati police investigation, you may have questions about what to expect and how to prepare.
We have answered the more common questions surrounding Cincinnati police investigations below. If you have additional questions, reach out to LHA to further discuss your concerns.
How Long Can the Police Detain Me Without Charging Me?
If you are not free to leave police custody, you are being detained. Under the law, the maximum time police can keep you in custody is 48 hours. However, these 48 hours do not include weekends or holidays.
In theory, you could spend up to 72 hours in police custody without being charged before the police have to release you.
How Long Do Investigations Take?
The time it will take to conduct a police investigation can vary considerably depending on the case. It can take as little as a few months to a year to resolve the investigation for many criminal cases. But for felonies, you have the right to a speedy trial within 270 of the date of your initial arrest.
Should I Go to the Station With the Police?
No. Unless the police are placing you under arrest, you should not go down to the police station without speaking with your attorney. At that point, your attorney may agree to meet with you to figure out how to answer law-enforcement questions surrounding any investigation they may have open.
Are Police Allowed To Lie?
Yes, both the Ohio Supreme Court and the United States Supreme Court have agreed that police have the right to lie to suspects during questioning as part of their investigative techniques.
It is not unusual for police to tell suspects that they have more evidence than they do, that a friend of theirs has turned on them, or that they can get you a deal if you work with them. They are often hoping that by lying, you will either confess or say something to incriminate yourself.
What Is the Difference Between Misdemeanor and Felony Charges?
The main difference between misdemeanor and felony charges is that misdemeanors will often carry less harsh penalties than felony charges will. For example, if you were to be convicted of a first-degree misdemeanor, you could spend up to six months in jail. But if you were convicted of a first-degree felony, then you could spend life in prison.
Think You’re Being Investigated? Call a Defense Lawyer Today
If you are under police investigation or you suspect that you are being investigated by police, and you do not know where to turn for help, reach out to an experienced Cincinnati criminal defense lawyer at Luftman, Heck & Associates.
We can help you protect your rights and defend yourself if formal charges are filed. Contact our office by phone at (513) 338-1890 or through our convenient contact form when you are ready to retain a powerful legal advocate.
