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.
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.
Even if you haven’t been charged, you still have the right to:
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.
Here’s what law enforcement often does:
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.
One of the biggest mistakes we see? People who think they can explain things and make it all go away.
The truth is:
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.
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:
Law enforcement can’t question you if you have legal representation. So don’t give them the opening.
There’s no deadline for how long police can investigate. It could take:
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:
The sooner you have legal guidance, the better. Waiting around and hoping it goes away isn’t a strategy. It’s a risk.
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:
Here’s a quick checklist:
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.
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.
J. Ryan Brown Law, LLC
J. Ryan Brown Law, LLC
