Are You A "Person of Interest" in a Wisconsin Crime?

 Posted on January 08, 2025 in Criminal Defense

Being called in to talk to the police can be an anxiety-inducing experience, particularly if you are unsure why you are there. You may be told you are only a person of interest – a phrase commonly used by law enforcement to describe anyone potentially connected to a criminal offense when there is insufficient evidence to label the person a suspect.  

Being labeled a person of interest can mean that you truly are not a suspect, and the police only believe you have information that could help them find the true suspect. It can also mean that the police believe you might be a suspect and are hoping you will provide information that allows them to move you from the person of interest category to the suspect category.

Even if you are told you are "only" a person of interest, you should never speak to the police regarding a criminal matter without having an experienced Muskego, WI criminal defense attorney by your side. Speaking to the police on your own could inadvertently result in your saying something that is taken out of context and used to prosecute you for a crime.  

Suspect, Person of Interest, Target, or Under Investigation?

If you are being called a suspect by the police, they likely have good reason to believe you were involved in a criminal activity they are currently investigating. The police may have little evidence to charge you with the crime and are hoping an interview will give them that evidence.

An interview is an attempt to gather more evidence from you either informally or to present to a grand jury for possible indictment. As a suspect, the police may not have formally accused you – so there is no need to Mirandize you. Never fall for the "good ol’ boy" police routine where they are actually doing their best to get you to provide enough evidence against yourself for an arrest.    

Being designated as a person of interest could simply mean that the police believe you saw or heard something that will give them additional information about a crime. Perhaps you were close to the crime scene, or you have a relationship with the victim or the suspect. While being labeled as a person of interest does not necessarily imply guilt, approach this situation with caution, as it can change in a heartbeat.

A target is a person whom prosecutors have compiled a significant amount of evidence against. A target is usually only named once there is sufficient evidence to back up criminal charges. Occasionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office may send a target letter to an individual which means that he or she is under investigation and should immediately seek legal representation.  

You may not even be aware that you are under investigation for a criminal offense. Investigators may have spent weeks, months, or even years gathering evidence against you. This could be done through phone taps, monitoring your emails or phone calls, talking to witnesses, or even "bugging" your home to gain more information. If the crime you are believed to have committed involves others, they may be making deals with law enforcement to "flip" on you for a reduced sentence for themselves.

What Should I Do If I Fall into Any of These Categories?

If you have the slightest hint that you are being investigated for a crime, have been named a target or suspect, or have been called a person of interest, you need immediate legal assistance. While not every person of interest becomes a suspect or target, it can happen. You should never speak to law enforcement without first speaking to a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney. If you do so, once you are charged, your attorney may not be able to undo the damage you may have done to your case.

Contact a Waukesha County, WI Criminal Defense Lawyer

When you choose a highly experienced Waukesha, WI criminal defense attorney from Bucher, Wolff & Sonderhouse, LLP, you have taken an important step toward potentially safeguarding your future. Anything you say to law enforcement can be twisted into an admission of guilt, so it is always safer to have an attorney present. Our firm is available seven days a week, 24 hours a day, for your convenience. Call 262-232-6699 today to schedule your free consultation.