Police Investigations: Should I Obtain Criminal Defense Attorney Representation?

“Should I consult with an attorney, or hire an attorney, if I am being investigated by the police for a criminal offense?” The answer is yes, and yes. Do not speak to police officers prior to consulting with an attorney.

This is one of the more common questions that I receive. I answer in the affirmative for a very simple reason that you may already know the answer to: because everything that you say to the police can and will be used against you as they build a criminal case against you. This includes conversations with police officers at the scene of the crime, conversations with police over the phone (or text or email), conversations with officers in your home or outside of your home, and conversations with police officers at the station. (When I use the word “police” it applies to any local police officers and federal government agents.)

Felony Embezzlement Investigation and Larceny Charges Results in Non-Prosecution, Return of Seized Cash

FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY CASE RESULT: A felony embezzlement investigation with a search warrant that resulted in the seizure of cell phones and thousands of dollars in cash resulted in misdemeanor larceny charges brought against the client. Upon hiring counsel, the charges were non-prosecuted and the seized cash and [...]

Attorney Representation During Police Investigation

Police Investigations: Should I Obtain Criminal Defense Attorney Representation? “Should I consult with an attorney, or hire an attorney, if I am being investigated by the police for a criminal offense?” The answer is yes, and yes. Do not speak to police officers prior to consulting with an attorney. This [...]

Alexandria Virginia Rape Investigation Resulted in No Charges

ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA: Attorney representation during a rape investigation by the City of Alexandria Police Department resulted in no charges filed. Rape is a felony punishable by life in prison under Virginia law. Virginia Law § 18.2-61: Rape A. If any person has sexual intercourse with a complaining witness, whether or [...]

Arlington VA Rape Investigation Results in NO CHARGES

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA: Attorney representation during a rape investigation by Arlington County Police resulted in NO CHARGES filed. The client was cleared. Rape is a serious felony offense punishable by life imprisonment under Virginia law. Virginia Law § 18.2-61. Rape. A. If any person has sexual intercourse with a complaining witness, [...]

Attorney Representation During Police Investigation of Felony Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana Resulted in NO CHARGES

FAIRFAX VIRGINIA CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY REPRESENTATION RESULT: Investigation by Fairfax County Police Department into a Felony Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana case resulted in NO CHARGES for client after counsel intervention and representation during investigation. Read more about Virginia Drug & Marijuana Law here: Virginia Marijuana & Drug Charges, [...]

Attorney Representation During Police Investigation of Felony Burglary Resulted in NO CHARGES

FAIRFAX VIRGINIA CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY REPRESENTATION RESULT: Investigation by Fairfax County Police Department into a burglary case resulted in NO CHARGES for client after counsel intervention and representation during investigation. Read more about attorney representation and attorney intervention during criminal investigations:Attorney Representation During Police Investigations. [...]

Attorney Representation During Embezzlement Investigation Resulted in NO CHARGES

ARLINGTON VIRGINIA CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY RESULT: Defense attorney intervention and representation during an Arlington County Police Department’s investigation of a Felony Embezzlement case resulted in NO CHARGES filed against client. § 18.2-111. Embezzlement deemed larceny; indictment. If any person wrongfully and fraudulently use, dispose of, conceal or embezzle any money, [...]

Fairfax Misdemeanor Hit and Run Police Investigation Results in NO CHARGES

FAIRFAX VIRGINIA CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY CASE RESULT: Misdemeanor Hit and Run investigation under VA Code 46.2-896 for hitting unattended property and leaving the scene of the accident resulted in counsel successfully safeguarding client from Fairfax County Police, with law enforcement remaining unable to file charges or get a warrant. Read [...]

Fairfax Felony Hit and Run Police Investigation Results in NO CHARGES

FAIRFAX VIRGINIA CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY CASE RESULT: Felony Hit and Run investigation for leaving the scene of an accident with property damage and victim injuries resulted in an agreement with counsel and Fairfax County Police that no charges will be filed. Read more about Virginia Hit and Run Law: Virginia [...]

Embezzlement by Officer of Public Funds in Alexandria Va Resulted in NO CHARGES

ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA: Defense attorney intervention in a police department and prosecutor’s office investigation into allegations of Felony Embezzlement by Officer of Public Funds in Alexandria, under VA Law 18.2-112 resulted in NON-INDICTMENT. Client was saved from public humiliation and the legal costs of being criminally charged and having to fight [...]

Virginia Teen Accused of Felony Sexting Distribution of Child Pornography Charges Results in Government’s Non-Prosecution

ARLINGTON VIRGINIA CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY RESULT: Attorney representation during an Arlington County / City of Falls Church Police, and concurrent Federal investigation, of teenage “sexting” and distribution of child pornography charges – for teen sending nude photos via mobile devices and computers – resulted in promise from the Government for [...]

Huffington Post Interview with Marina Medvin: “Teens Who Take Nude Photos Of Themselves Can Still Be Treated As Sex Offenders”

The falling story appeared in the Huffington Post and is presented as it appears on their web site: Teens Who Take Nude Photos Of Themselves Can Still Be Treated As Sex Offenders In many states, they don’t have to share the photo to break the law. 09/09/2015 05:15 pm ET [...]

Alexandria Police Investigation of Teen Sexting / Distribution of Child Pornography Results in NO CHARGES FILED

ALEXANDRIA VIRGINIA CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY RESULT: Attorney representation during Alexandria Police investigation of teenage “sexting,” aka production and distribution of child pornography for teens sending nude photos of themselves via mobile devices, resulted in NO CHARGES FILED. The relevant code section for such charges would have been Va Code 18.2-374.1:1. [...]

Representation During Criminal Investigation by Alexandria Police for Assault and Attempted Malicious Wounding Results in NO CHARGES FILED

ALEXANDRIA VIRGINIA CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY RESULT: Attorney representation during Alexandria Police investigation for a Class 1 Misdemeanor Assault and Battery charge VA Code 18.2-57 and Attempted Malicious Wounding resulted in NO CHARGES FILED. Read more about Attorney Representation here: Attorney Representation During Police Investigation Read more about Assault and Battery [...]

Alexandria Virginia DUI and Hit and Run Investigation Results in 1 Charge, No Jail Time

ALEXANDRIA VIRGINIA DUI ATTORNEY RESULT: A DUI and Hit and Run investigation resulted in no charges filed for the Hit and Run, and no jail time issued on the DUI charge (which was punished only via standard minimum first offense penalties). City of Alexandria General District Court at 520 King [...]

Attorney Representation During Fairfax Police Investigation of Felony Hit and Run Results in NO CHARGES FILED

FAIRFAX VIRGINIA CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY RESULT: Attorney representation during a Fairfax Police investigation of Felony Hit and Run charges resulted in NO CHARGES FILED due to attorney interference. Read more about Hit and Run Law: Virginia Hit and Run Laws, Penalties and Defenses for Charges in Alexandria, Fairfax, Arlington. Read [...]

DWI Arrest After Hit and Run Investigation Results in NO JAIL Penalty, and DROPPED Charges

ALEXANDRIA VIRGINIA: Alexandria DWI charge under Va Code 18.2-266, charged during a Hit and Run investigation, resulted in no jail penalties and standard first offender treatment; two related charges were DROPPED. Hit and Run charges avoided. [...]

Keeping a Bawdy Place Charge DROPPED at First Hearing in Alexandria Virginia

ALEXANDRIA VIRGINIA CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY RESULT: Misdemeanor charge under Va Code 18.2-347 for Keeping or Frequenting a Bawdy Place, after related online prostitution advertising investigation, was DISMISSED at the first court date. City of Alexandria General District Court, 520 King Street, Alexandria Virginia 22314. § 18.2-347. Keeping, residing in or [...]

Virginia Felony Hit and Run Charges AVOIDED by Attorney Representation During Investigation

ATTORNEY CASE RESULT FOR ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA: Attorney representation during an Alexandria Police felony hit and run investigation, VA law § 46.2-894, resulted in non-prosecution. Client successfully avoided charges being filed against him. Although victim sought Alexandria Police assistance and police were about to request a warrant, attorney Marina Medvin’s representation [...]

Investigation of Accessory to Robbery, Obstruction of Justice, & Distribution of Marijuana RESULTS in Charge for Possession of Marijuana, which will be DISMISSED in Falls Church / Arlington VA

FALLS CHURCH / ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA: Attorney Medvin’s representation of the client during an investigation of the client for Accessory to Robbery and Distribution of Marijuana, lead to the client being charged with just Obstruction of Justice and Possession of Marijuana. The Obstruction charge was then dropped in court, and the [...]

Just because the police officer did not read you your Miranda rights, does not mean that your statements cannot be used against you. In fact, the rules guiding Miranda warnings are very specific and apply only when they are questioning you while you are in their custody (such as under arrest, or not free to leave). You can read more about Miranda rights and self-incrimination here.

Remember, a police officer’s or Federal agent’s job is to investigate an incident or a crime, to bring the appropriate charges, and to arrest the suspected culprit. Their job is not to help you. Police officers use lawful tactics in order to obtain information from you (which normally leads to charges and then a conviction based on your cooperation). These tactics range from saying supportive and caring things to make you feel comfortable, to intimidating you into talking to them based on threat of arrest, to scaring you into a confession by accusing your loved ones or friends of the crime and creating an opportunity for you to clear them and incriminate yourself.

Police Investigation Defense Attorney Consultation Call 888-886-4127

This article is written by top rated criminal defense attorney Marina Medvin – law offices in Alexandria and in Fairfax Virginia. She successfully represents individuals investigated by the police in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Vienna and Falls Church. Please call for a consultation request.

What Will My Attorney Do During the Police Investigation?

To begin with, your attorney will invoke your rights. We will then investigate the case, speak to the police or federal agents on your behalf (if deemed appropriate), and decide how to proceed. Every case requires unique analysis and every case will have it’s own appropriate course of action. Cooperation may be appropriate in one case, while complete stonewalling may be appropriate in another case. Sometimes a carefully crafted mix of the two tactics is most appropriate.

Virginia Police Departments

We have experience with Northern Virginia police departments:

Federal Agencies

We experience with the federal law enforcement agencies:

Common types of charges investigated by police officers through investigation:

Embezzlement and Fraud

Hit and Run

Drug Distribution and Possession with Intent to Distribute

Federal Conspiracy Charges – Drug Distribution, Wire Fraud, Etc.

Assault and Battery and Malicious Wounding

Teenage Sexting Charges

Date Rape Accusations, Sexual Assault

Internet Crimes, Hacking Investigations

Arson and Malicious Burning

Reckless Discharge of a Firearm and Hunting Violations

Unlawful Use of Force, Self-Defense

Political Crimes / Election Fraud (we have defended Democrat and Republican politicians)

alexandru parasca

February 9, 2022.

Marina Medvin is hard working, professional, courteous, and most of all, delivers superb results...:) I would not hesitate to go to Marina again, she keeps constant communications and keeps clients updated of case status.Very greateful for having her on my side.

michael stepakoff

January 21, 2022.

Marina Medvin is an absolute phenomenon. She possesses genius-level intelligence, outstanding knowledge of the law, a wealth of litigation experience, amazing drive and determination, faithful commitment to her clients, and remarkable professionalism. It’s plain to see why she holds the respect of her colleagues, both judges and lawyers, on all sides. Marina practically walks on water. She is a virtuous and principled person who has great compassion and a zealous determination to protect and defend her clients. She obviously loves what she does and approaches it, I suspect, not just as a job but as a “calling.” Not only is Ms. Medvin extremely diligent, but she has that unique ability to think creatively. She sees how to defend you, even when other lawyers would throw in the towel. She opens doors that others say can't be opened. Ms. Medvin is a straight-talker, she will not let you cling to unrealistic expectations, but she will find the way to defend you, and will fight for you in every way possible. Additionally, Ms. Medvin gives you the feeling that she sincerely cares about your well-being and is driven to succeed on your behalf. If you ever face a great crisis in your life, as I did, there are no guarantees. But it takes a lot of pressure off when you know you are in the hands of a superb, top-shelf attorney. Marina Medvin is that attorney. One of America’s finest.

Chaz Chastain

May 14, 2021.

Ms. Medvin, in spite of a trumped up charge against me and a highly dysfunctional judicial system, worked tirelessly to get my case dismissed and it was. Her knowledge of the law, her ability to precisely articulate my case before the judge and her professionalism worked so well in my favor. If anyone needs a defense lawyer I highly, highly recommend Ms. Medvin

Darren B

January 6, 2021.

5 star review! I’ve had the pleasure of working with Marina on a case and had nothing short of an absolute positive experience. She is professional, courteous, and gets to the point! She is very well organized in her case approach, is on-point in making her arguments, and is not afraid to listen to suggestions. I had a most solid and professional experience with Marina and the Medvin Law Firm and will look forward to any future legal endeavors together.

Jay Paul

November 21, 2020.

In search for help and guidance after the most unsettling and absolutely frightening experience of my life, I came across Ms. Medvin’s firm online and submitted a new client inquiry. Within an hour, Ms. Medvin PERSONALLY called me to talk with me and discuss my case. The first thing she asked me was “are you ok?”. I will never forget this. After a night of panic and incessant worry, her genuine concern — for someone who was not even a client yet — created an immediate level of trust and understanding, and for the first time, I felt at ease with everything going on. Ms. Medvin listened attentively and, in great detail, talked me through the intricacies of my case and the path forward. Throughout the process — from that day until the case was decided — she was readily available and communicated with me every step of the way. I always felt like a constant top priority to Ms. Medvin and that she was looking out for me in every way possible. Even though my case recently concluded, Ms. Medvin has remained in regular touch with me and has been helpful beyond what she was initially hired to do. I cannot recommend Ms. Medvin and her firm more highly and enthusiastically. Any person would be very hard-pressed to find a better ally and a more dedicated defender.

J Crazzy

October 6, 2020.

First hand experience I will say I was very impressed how professional and quick they were to answer my questions. Even during late hours I was about to talk to someone for advice. The advice given was very meaningful for my situation and they held nothing back, but were in my corner for the fight. This is what you want, not just someone to make a deal, but to fight for you. Definitely will use them again.

Matt Vespa

October 3, 2020.

Frankly, Medvin Law deserves six stars. Marina is a top-notch lawyer and a consummate professional. There's a reason why she's one of the best lawyers in the DMV area. She will hold a brief consultation, tell you what she needs from you regarding your case, and then goes to work. Her knowledge of the law is next to none and communication throughout your case will be excellent. Regarding any legal matters, I'd highly recommend her services. You're in very good hands with her.

Ron Coleman

October 2, 2020.

Marina is a superstar. We are working together on high profile cases and based on her skills, judgment, ethics and temperament I would not hesitate to trust her with the legal welfare of any of my clients - or that of myself or my family.

J A Craige

Marina Medvin is an accomplished attorney with years of experience. She is relied on for her knowledge and understanding of criminal law, and has been very successful in defending her clients. The Medvin Law Firm is my first recommendation to anyone for criminal representation.

Joseph Bowman

Marina Medvin is one of the hardest working and most diligent lawyers in Northern Virginia. I used to have a job which had me in court on a regular basis where I would see Marina work. When you see the same lawyers making arguments over and over for the same kinds of cases, you can tell when they're phoning it in or when they're not at their best. It was clear to me that Marina always brought her A game and took every single case seriously. She is the real deal and always fights for her clients.