Can Police question person/s for any crime without filing any charges? Like a person of interest in a possible crime/fraud?

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Can Police question person/s for any crime without filing any charges? Like a person of interest in a possible crime/fraud?

Anonymous Jun 16, 2015 Criminal Defense 2 views 4 answers

If there is info/allegation that few individuals may be involved in a crime/fraud. Can the police question them without any official indictment or filing charges? Like a 'person of interest' ? What dos this mean? Can police just call or ask them to visit a police station to answer few questions without them being charged of any offence? Like can they(Police) ask their identities/past employment dates with a firm, their Tax records/w2/w4s? If these are asked by police can they refuse to answer them or give them any info they are seeking?

Cynthia Henley · Answer 1 · 2026-06-15T15:01:40+00:00

Police should question people before filing charges and make a decision whether it is proper to file charges rather than just go arrest people and then investigate. Police can ask any questions they want to ask. People can always refuse to answer any questions. They can even refuse to go to the police station (and they should not be talking to police without the lawyer.) But, a grand jury can subpoena records if they are investigating.

Larry Lex JohnstonCriminal Defense AttorneyHurst, TX · Answer 2 · 2026-06-15T15:01:40+00:00

Larry Lex JohnstonCriminal Defense AttorneyHurst, TX

Larry Lex JohnstonCriminal Defense AttorneyHurst, TX · Jun 15, 2026

The police can ask you what color underwear you are wearing if they want. The question is whether you should answer or not - the answer, by the way, is NO.

0 upvotes

Matthew Oberlin WilliamsCriminal Defense AttorneyCleveland, OH · Answer 3 · 2026-06-15T15:01:40+00:00

Yes, police can ask for anything they want and can question people prior to charging them. You do not have to consent to talking to them or turning over any records, and you probably should not. If you are the target of an investigation, now is the time to get a lawyer.

Steven James WrightCriminal Defense AttorneyMinneapolis, MN · Answer 4 · 2026-06-15T15:01:40+00:00

Police officers have the same right to ask questions as anybody else as part of their investigation. You have the right not to answer, but you need to express it clearly: "I will not answer any questions." You should also consider talking to a local criminal defense attorney. Most offer free consultations, and it's common practice for lawyers to get involved even before charges are filed.

Can Police question person/s for any crime without filing any charges? Like a person of interest in a possible crime/fraud?

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