[CT] Is a five-month interval between a search and arrest typical or long?
No, not necessarily. These cases can take time.
- Investigation: Seized items (phones, computers, documents, drugs, firearms) may go to labs for forensic testing. Lab backlogs can cause months of delay. Investigators may also interview witnesses and build the case.
- Prosecutor review: After the search, officers submit reports and evidence to the prosecutor, who decides if/when to file charges—often after the evidence package is complete.
- Requesting return of devices: You can ask the agency that conducted the search—best in writing so there’s a record (CT Gen Stat § 54-33f).However, they often won’t return items until the case is over or the item is no longer needed as evidence.
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Is five months a long time between a search and seizure and an arrest?
I understand you’re concerned about the timeline. Is this about you or someone you know?
Yes.
Have any charges been filed since the search and seizure?
No.
Anything else the criminal lawyer should know before I connect you?
No.
Hey there! I’m Benjamin, an attorney. Could you share more details? Anything specific worrying you about the timeline?
What is lawful? Like, is that an unusually long time?
No, not necessarily. These cases can take time.
- Investigation: Seized items (phones, computers, documents, drugs, firearms) may go to labs for forensic testing. Lab backlogs can cause months of delay. Investigators may also interview witnesses and build the case.
- Prosecutor review: After the search, officers submit reports and evidence to the prosecutor, who decides if/when to file charges—often after the evidence package is complete.
- Requesting return of devices: You can ask the agency that conducted the search—best in writing so there’s a record (CT Gen Stat § 54-33f).However, they often won’t return items until the case is over or the item is no longer needed as evidence.
What would be unrealistic? This is in CT, where I read they try for 60 days.
Thanks for sharing it’s Connecticut. Some places aim for timelines like 60 days, but delays happen for the reasons above. If they don’t have enough evidence, they keep investigating or decline charges.
I think because they got a search warrant, a judge found evidence.
It’s the other way around. Police submit an affidavit to a judge to get the warrant; then they use what’s seized to complete the investigation. When that’s done, they send the evidence/report to the prosecutor to decide on charges. The judge’s role there was issuing the warrant.
Ah. So in theory the investigation could be complete and now the prosecutor is reviewing?
Potentially.
But I won’t ever be told that—or told if charges are not pursued? I was told all info was extracted from the devices at the end of May. So May to September to review seems long, no?
No—that’s not a long time for forensic analysis and review.
Got it.
Put in the request and see if they release the phone. If it’s part of the investigation or logged as evidence, they probably won’t.
Thanks. I should probably have my attorney do it.
