Get Ahead of Criminal Charges Before They’re Filed

Have you recently been contacted by law enforcement or been involved in an incident involving the police? If you believe you’re under investigation or police have contacted you about a possible crime, now is the time to act.

You don’t have to wait for an arrest to get legal help, in fact, the earlier you involve an attorney, the more control you have over what happens next. Emily Shouse, Criminal Defense Attorney provides discreet, strategic representation for clients in Hartford, Manchester, Middletown, New Britain, Danielson, New London, and the rest of Connecticut, who are under investigation or suspect they may be charged with a crime. My goal is to protect your rights, guide you through every interaction with law enforcement, and whenever possible, prevent charges from ever being filed.

What Is Pre-Arrest Representation?

Pre-arrest representation means hiring a criminal defense attorney before formal charges or an arrest occur.

In many cases, police and prosecutors conduct investigations for days, weeks, or months before making an arrest. During that time, you may be subjected to the following:

• Contacted by detectives and investigators

• Asked to come in “just to talk”

• Aware that a warrant or subpoena may be coming

• Notified that someone has made an accusation against you

Having a lawyer on your side at this stage can make a profound difference in not only your likelihood of getting arrested, but also the strength of the state’s against you, if you are arrested. A lawyer can often prevent damaging statements from becoming evidence used against you or even prevent unnecessary arrests.

Why Early Legal Help Matters

Without a lawyer, anything you say to police, even casually, can be used against you later. Whether it’s a casual phone conversation with police or a formal interrogation, the police officers’ job is to gather evidence for their case, and you may be subject to confusing and misleading questions or even falsehoods in the pursuit of that mission.

When you hire me early in the process, I can:

• Communicate directly with investigators so you don’t have to

• Stop police questioning and interrogations before they happen

• Gather evidence and witness statements to support you defense

• Advise you on decisions like agreeing to be questioned by police, making statements to insurance companies, etc.

• Negotiate with investigators and prosecutors to prevent or reduce potential charges

• Prepare for an arrest, if unavoidable, in a way that protects your reputation and minimizes the impact

Many clients come to me worried and uncertain, but together, we can take control of the situation before it spirals into something that is out of control.

Types of Cases Where Pre-Arrest Representation is Extremely Important

I assist clients during investigations involving:

• Allegations of assault or domestic violence

• Sex crimes or internet crimes

• Drug-related investigations

• Financial or fraud investigations

• Theft, burglary, or property crimes

• DUI or evading investigations

• Any situation where police have made contact with you or requested to interview you

If police want to “ask you a few questions,” that’s the time to call me, not afterward.

Discreet, Strategic, and Focused on Results

I handle every pre-arrest case confidentially and with respect for your privacy. My focus is on preventing escalation, minimizing exposure, and keeping your name out of the courtroom whenever possible. I have successfully helped numerous clients from damaging their inevitable criminal case as well as prevented arrests altogether.

If you believe you’re under investigation or have already been contacted by law enforcement, don’t wait. The steps you take right now can determine what happens next.

Contact Emily Shouse, Criminal Defense Attorney today for a confidential consultation. I can help you understand your rights and start building your defense, before it’s too late.