You have not been arrested. You have not been charged. But something feels off.
Maybe a police officer called and asked you to “come in and talk.” Maybe someone you know got questioned about you. Maybe law enforcement showed up at your house—or worse, your job.
If you are asking “how do you know if you are under investigation?”, that is a sign you need to take the situation seriously.
At J. Ryan Brown Law, we help people across Georgia who are dealing with that exact uncertainty. This post breaks down the warning signs that you may be under investigation, what happens behind the scenes in Georgia criminal cases, and what steps you should take right now to protect yourself.
Yes. In fact, that is exactly how many investigations begin in Georgia.
Law enforcement agencies—including city police, county sheriffs, GBI, and federal agencies—can open a case without notifying you. They often build evidence for weeks (or months) before making contact or seeking an arrest warrant.
If someone has accused you of a crime, even informally, it is very possible that an investigation has already started.
If you are wondering how to know if you are under investigation, these red flags may indicate that law enforcement has already opened a case against you:
This is one of the most common signs. The officer may sound casual—even friendly—but make no mistake: this is not a social visit. It is a strategic move to get you talking, without a lawyer, and without giving you Miranda warnings.
Do not go to the station without speaking to a defense attorney first.
If friends, family, coworkers, or neighbors tell you they have been questioned by law enforcement, take it seriously. Investigators often start by interviewing people around you while building their case.
If you receive a letter from a prosecutor’s office or are subpoenaed for documents or a grand jury appearance, you are likely a subject—or target—of an investigation.
Unmarked cars outside your home. Unfamiliar faces near your job. Sudden attention to your social media. Surveillance is often used in criminal investigations before charges are filed.
This is often framed as a simple request. But if law enforcement asks for access to your phone, computer, or accounts, it means they believe there is something on there worth investigating.
This is no longer a hint—it is confirmation. If your property is searched, even without an arrest, you are under active investigation.
Certain types of offenses often involve weeks—or even months—of quiet investigation before police make contact. These include:
In many of these cases, police begin investigating based on just one accusation—not hard evidence.
You may not see what is happening behind the scenes, but investigators may be:
If they believe they have enough for probable cause, they may seek a warrant—or attempt to get you to confess without one.
No. If police want to speak with you, they are not doing it to clear things up—they are doing it to build their case. You are not required to go in, answer questions, or give them anything without a warrant.
Even if you think you are helping yourself by being cooperative, remember: innocent people say things that get taken out of context all the time. That is how people with no criminal history find themselves facing serious felony charges.
Always speak with a criminal defense attorney first.
It does not matter if the claim is false. If someone accuses you of a crime, you can still be investigated. In Georgia, the police do not need proof to start a case. They need a complaint, a tip, or even an anonymous call.
That means your best chance at stopping the situation from escalating is to act quickly and get ahead of it—before charges are filed.
Yes. In Georgia, an arrest can be made if there is probable cause—not proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Police only need enough evidence to believe you likely committed a crime.
That is why so many people are shocked to be arrested when there was never any solid evidence against them. It happens more often than you think.
If you think law enforcement is watching you, building a case, or asking questions, here is what to do next:
The earlier you act, the more options you have. In some cases, we have been able to shut down investigations before charges were ever filed. In others, we have intervened quickly to avoid arrest and resolve the situation behind the scenes.
If you are wondering how do you know if you are under investigation, trust your gut. The signs are often there—quietly, but clearly.
Whether you have been contacted by police, heard your name come up in a case, or simply feel the walls closing in, now is the time to take action.
At J. Ryan Brown Law, we represent people across Georgia who find themselves on the edge of the criminal justice system. We do not wait for charges to be filed. We get involved early, fight smart, and give our clients back control over their future.
Do not wait to be arrested. If you suspect you are under investigation, contact J. Ryan Brown Law today.
We will listen, evaluate, and help you take the next step before the State does.
J. Ryan Brown Law, LLC
J. Ryan Brown Law, LLC
