[TX] Do I have to respond to SVU contacting me about an unknown investigation?

TX Criminal Law

Alex, Esq.

58,457 satisfied customers

View context

Solved

It would be at your discretion to do so and call. You are not obligated to, and if you do, you can inquire as to the basis for it and see if you want to continue. If not, and you are a person of interest, you can stop the conversation and retain counsel at that time. You do not have to speak about anything you do not want to. (18 U.S.C. § 3501)

If you do decide to call and if it's a formal interview, you need an attorney to represent you. I cannot tell you what to say if you are going to be questioned or interviewed by the police and you have no idea what this is in relation to. (TX Code Crim Pro § 2)

Legal Services Retainer Agreement

Create Document

Full Conversation

Hey, Special Victims Unit (SVU) came to my house asking about me and seeing if I was there or not, etc. The exact reason why they came to my house I’m completely unaware of, but I know that it’s Harris County Precinct 4.

Lexi, Chatbot

That sounds concerning, and I understand how unsettling it can be to have SVU visit your home. Can you tell me if they provided any specific reason or context for their inquiry?

The only thing I did that got me pulled over there a while ago was driving without headlights on in my neighborhood, but I went to court for that and got it expunged by paying some fees. So I’m not sure why they’re here now, and even then I don’t think SVU deals with driving infractions anyway. They are consistently calling me again and again trying to get a hold of me. This never happened any other time before, so I’m just really confused.

Lexi, Chatbot

Have you had any previous interactions or issues that could be related to this visit from SVU?

I don't know.

Lexi, Chatbot

Is there anything else the lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they'll be able to help with your SVU inquiry.

Yes.

Alex, Esq.

This is Alex, Esq. I've been a legal expert on the site for over a decade, and I'm here to help you understand your situation better. Let's work through this together.
I understand how confusing this situation must be for you. Could you tell me if you've had any other interactions with law enforcement recently, aside from the driving infraction you mentioned?

Nope, zero interactions with the law recently. All clean.

Alex, Esq.

And did you speak with them when they arrived?

I was not there, I was at work.

Alex, Esq.

So how did you know they came?

My uncle told me, and they had handed him a card saying Special Victims Unit and had my name saying please call.

I just wanted to know what correct step I should take. Also, if I do call or if we do speak, what exactly should I say and not say?

Alex, Esq.

Okay, when will I know then if it’s some case against me? What are the telltale signs? Before, I had been falsely accused by somebody, and the police had called me asking for my side of the story. Luckily, after my entire party and I gave evidence that the person I’m speaking to was lying, they haven’t called since.

Alex, Esq.

They may ask you to come in or start making claims or accusations.

Thought so, but them calling and asking for help on a case isn’t necessarily linked to them suspecting me? Because I don’t know, I’ve never seen SVU before or what they’re typically about. I tried researching what it's about, and it seems it covers sexual crimes, no? Or maybe I’m wrong. Plus, I feel like (my intuition here) them saying they want help on a case is meant to lull someone in. That's my impression.

Alex, Esq.

You do not have to call them at all.

Ok, interesting. But if they ask me to come in for an “interview” or whatever, that’s when you know it’s something bad? But also, my house being approached by an officer isn’t necessarily anything bad, yes?

Alex, Esq.

They were maybe looking to speak and see what you had to say. An interview is more formal, so it's a red flag.

I just wanted to know what correct step I should take. Also, if I do call or if we do speak, what exactly should I say and not say?

Alex, Esq.

You need an attorney to represent you. I cannot tell you what to say if you are going to be questioned or interviewed by the police and you have no idea what this is in relation to.

Alex, Esq.

58,457 satisfied customers

Criminal law, employment law, family law, landlord-tenant, and real estate law.

Welcome! Have a similar question?

By messaging AskALawyer, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.

Liz

Lawyer

4.75 (43,836)

[WI] Can offering Adderall during a recorded work call create legal risk, and can I report it without retaliation?

Answered 3 minutes ago

Liz

Lawyer

4.75 (43,836)

[CT] Does a pre-K childcare center make a corporate building “school grounds” under weapon laws?

Answered 3 hours ago

Dan

Law Partner

4.55 (30,122)

[TX] What legal options do I have to resolve a warrant for failure to appear without prior notice and avoid custody?

Answered 6 hours ago

Disclaimer

By messaging AskaLawyer.com, you agree to our Terms and have read our Privacy Policy.

The information provided on AskaLawyer.com is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the information presented, we make no guarantees regarding its completeness or applicability to your specific circumstances.

Use of this website does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and AskaLawyer.com or any of its attorneys. Communications through this website, including any responses from attorneys, are not privileged or confidential. For advice tailored to your individual situation, we recommend consulting a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

AskaLawyer.com disclaims any liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this site. We are not responsible for any third-party content that may be accessed through this website. Reliance on any information provided herein is solely at your own risk.