What Are My Rights During a Pre-Charge Investigation in Georgia?

If you think you might be under investigation, you probably have one big question: What are my rights, and how do I protect myself before it turns into formal charges? You’re smart to be asking. Too many people wait until it’s too late.

At J. Ryan Brown Law, we help people every day who are facing investigations. Some already know the police are looking into them. Others just got a call out of nowhere. If you’re in that situation, here’s what you need to know about suspect rights during investigation in Georgia—and what to do next.

You Don’t Have to Wait for Charges to Get Serious

Police and prosecutors can spend weeks—or months—building a case against you before you ever see a warrant or a courtroom. They might already have you on their radar. If they’re calling you, visiting your home, or talking to people you know, they’re likely fishing for confirmation.

That’s why your rights matter right now, not just later. The decisions you make during a pre-charge investigation can shape the entire outcome of your case.

Your Rights During an Investigation (Even If You’re Not Arrested)

Even if you haven’t been charged, you still have the right to:

• Remain silent. You don’t have to answer questions.
• Talk to a lawyer. You can refuse to speak to police without an attorney.
• Refuse a search. If they don’t have a warrant, you don’t have to let them in.

Police know this—but they’re hoping you don’t. They’ll say you’re not a suspect. They’ll act like they’re just trying to get your side. Don’t fall for it. Those conversations are rarely harmless.

How Police Try to Get Information Before Charges

Here’s what law enforcement often does:

• Leave you a casual voicemail asking to “chat.”
• Show up to your house or job unexpectedly.
• Contact friends, family, or coworkers.
• Invite you to “clear things up” at the station.

None of this is random. They’re watching how you respond, what you say, and who you talk to. Every little piece helps them put together a case—even if you’re completely innocent.

Don’t Try to Talk Your Way Out of It

One of the biggest mistakes we see? People who think they can explain things and make it all go away.

The truth is:

• You don’t know what they already have.
• You don’t know who else they’ve talked to.
• You don’t know if they’re bluffing.

Even innocent people say the wrong thing under pressure. Once you talk, you can’t take it back. And no, talking doesn’t make you look more innocent—it just gives them more to work with.

Should I Call the Police Back?

If a detective leaves you a message, here’s our advice:

Don’t call them back. Call a lawyer instead.

You’re not being rude. You’re being smart. Your attorney can:

• Contact the officer for you.
• Find out what the investigation is really about.
• Stop the police from pushing you into a trap.

Law enforcement can’t question you if you have legal representation. So don’t give them the opening.

How Long Can an Investigation Go On?

There’s no deadline for how long police can investigate. It could take:

• Days
• Weeks
• Months

It depends on the type of case. But remember, just because you haven’t been charged doesn’t mean they’ve stopped looking.

Also, Georgia’s statute of limitations still applies. For example:

• Misdemeanors: Typically 2 years
• Most felonies: 4 years
• Sex crimes or violent offenses: Could be much longer or have no limit at all

The sooner you have legal guidance, the better. Waiting around and hoping it goes away isn’t a strategy. It’s a risk.

Does Hiring a Lawyer Make Me Look Guilty?

No. It makes you look smart. Prosecutors and police expect it. In fact, many will stop contacting you directly once they know you have legal representation.

A defense lawyer can:

• Prevent you from saying something that could be misinterpreted
• Keep you from being pulled into a bigger case
• Help you take control before things spiral

What Should You Do Right Now?

Here’s a quick checklist:

• Don’t answer calls or texts from detectives
• Don’t talk about the situation with anyone but your lawyer
• Don’t delete anything—just save messages or emails that could matter later
• Don’t panic, but don’t delay

This is your life. You don’t get a second chance to handle the start of an investigation. You need to protect yourself from Day One.

If You Think You’re Being Investigated, Call Us Today

At J. Ryan Brown Law, we deal with pre-charge investigations every single day. We know how Georgia law works. We know the tactics police use. And we know how to shut it down before it becomes a case.

Don’t sit around wondering. Don’t try to guess what’s coming. Let us give you real answers and help you take the right next step.

Suspect you’re under investigation? Call J. Ryan Brown Law today. Your future is worth the call.