Can I Be Charged If I Wasn’t Arrested?

Worried about potential criminal charges even though you weren’t arrested? You can be charged with a crime without ever being taken into custody. Pelley Law Office represents clients facing potential charges across Texas. Call (214) 560-1919 or contact us online to speak with our Texas criminal defense lawyer for a free consultation.

How Criminal Charges Work Without an Arrest

Many people think an arrest must happen before prosecutors can file charges. In reality, prosecutors can file charges based on a police investigation alone. Law enforcement may investigate alleged crimes, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and submit reports to the prosecutor without arresting you.

Once the prosecutor reviews the evidence, they decide whether to file charges. If they proceed, the court may issue a warrant for your arrest or a summons to appear in court. You might not learn about pending charges until weeks or months after the incident, leaving little warning before facing prosecution.

Common Situations Leading to Charges Without Immediate Arrest

Some situations commonly result in charges without an arrest:

• White-collar crimes: Fraud, embezzlement, or theft investigations often require a detailed financial review before charges.
• Sexual assault allegations: Prosecutors may wait for forensic evidence or witness statements.
• Accidents with injuries: Serious traffic collisions may lead to charges after crash reconstruction and medical review.
• Domestic violence reports: Police sometimes file reports that result in later charges.
• Drug investigations: Surveillance or informant testimony can trigger charges even without an arrest.

In these cases, you may not know an investigation is underway until you receive notice of filed charges or an arrest warrant. Speaking with a Texas criminal defense attorney from Pelley Law Office as soon as you learn of an investigation is crucial.

What to Do If You Are Under Investigation

If you suspect an investigation or hear that charges may be filed, act immediately to protect yourself. Never speak with police or investigators without your defense lawyer present. Anything you say can be used against you, even if you believe you are innocent.

Contact Pelley Law Office immediately. We can communicate with law enforcement on your behalf and may prevent charges from being filed. If charges are unavoidable, we can often arrange for voluntary surrender, which is less disruptive than an unexpected arrest.

Keep detailed records of all information related to the alleged incident, including dates, times, witnesses, and supporting evidence. Do not destroy any evidence, even if you think it might be harmful, as this could lead to additional charges.

Speak with a Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer from Pelley Law Office Now

Facing potential criminal charges is stressful, especially if you have not been arrested. Immediate legal help is critical. Pelley Law Office has decades of experience representing clients throughout Texas. We can intervene early, communicate with prosecutors, and work to prevent charges or reduce their impact. Call (214) 560-1919 or contact us online to speak with our Texas criminal defense attorney for a free consultation.

Contact Our Texas Criminal Defense Law Firm For Help Today

If you’re facing criminal charges in Texas, we’re here to help. Contact the experienced criminal defense lawyers at Pelley Law Office, L.L.P., today to schedule a free consultation.

We proudly serve Plano, Dallas, Sherman, and the surrounding areas.

Pelley Law Office L.L.P. – Plano Office
Address: 1312 14th St, Plano, TX 75074
Phone: (972) 608-0335
Hours: 24/7

Our firm is located near you. Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 33.0180322,-96.6952916,863

Pelley Law Office L.L.P. – Sherman Office

Address: 905 N Travis St, Sherman, TX 75090
Phone: (903) 813-4778
Hours: 24/7

Our firm is located near you. Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 33.6445846,-96.6113141,857