A criminal investigation is not a marginal matter. From the moment the authority (Police, Antitrust Authority, the Securities Authority, the Tax Authority or others) has made contact, you are under investigation and at the first time it usually surprises the interrogee and catches him unprepared, so that even the first sentence that comes out of his mouth can may decide the fate of the interrogee. So, beyond the need to contact a lawyer, what else should you know?
First contact - Not in every case of an inquiry you are interrogated as a suspect and you may only be required as a witness. Try, as much as possible, to find out what the subject of the investigation is. Don't be afraid to "stand up for yourself" in order to get explanations from the speaker on the other end of the line, but also don't be rude or over-clever. It is critical to get in touch – immediately – with an experienced criminal lawyer for advice prior to the investigation. Remember that you must tell the lawyer all the truth and as many details as possible, so that he can help formulate the tactic. Everything you say to the lawyer is confidential. Note! You may be being listened to, so it is important to meet the lawyer in person and not to volunteer confidential information over the phone.
Beware of hallway conversations - As long as you are suspected of a crime, the interrogation is deemed a "cautionary interrogation" and it begins with the interrogator detailing what the suspicions are (and if you do not understand the suspicions, do not be ashamed to ask for a detailed explanation) and make sure that the suspect understood them and understood that he does not have to say anything and that anything he says may be used against him in Court. However, sometimes before the investigation begins, the interrogator starts with a general conversation that may cause the suspect to give incriminating information without noticing. Thus, if the police gave a "ride" to the suspect on his way to the station, a conversation with a nice policewoman may be recorded afterwards and may be used as evidence. A person sitting next to you in the hallway or in a cell may also be part of the investigation.
It is important to tell the truth or to maintain the right to remain silent - In cases where the answer may be incriminating, it is important to remember that it is permissible to refuse to answer the question, even if the investigators make it clear that it will be used against you in Court. Silence at the police, by itself, does not constitute direct evidence against you, even if the investigator will tell you the opposite, and even if the investigators will not hesitate to say that your criminal lawyer does not understand and is only getting you into trouble. During the interrogation, make sure that the interrogator writes down every word you say, at the end of the interrogation read carefully everything that was recorded, do not rush to leave and make sure that everything you said was written down and correctly. If there are any mistakes, correct them in your own handwriting and sign next to the correction. It is imperative that you review every document mentioned during your interrogation and do not assume that there are documents or papers that you signed, that you wrote or that are addressed to you - ask to see everything, and if they refuse to allow you to review the evidence - tell the investigator that you will not be able to answer his questions on the matter. In complicated or lengthy investigations, such as money-laundering, securities and antitrust offenses, it is important to demand that the interrogation be recorded, so that there is no doubt about what was said or did not say. Under to the instructions of the State Attorney, you are allowed to bring a recording device to the interrogation, but you must notify the interrogator in advance, otherwise you will be charged with obstructing the interrogation. At the end of the interrogation, it is required that they put the interrogation recording in a sealed envelope and return the recording device to you. Keep in mind that you don't have to consent to a search on your computer or mobile or allow the investigators to use it. A mobile is a computer for all intents and purposes, and in order for investigators to search it and check recent calls and SMS's they need a special Court warrant. You don't have to agree to undergo a polygraph either, but if the truth is with you, there is nothing to fear and you should probably agree thereto.
There are many other rules, but most importantly, remember that at any stage you are not only entitled to consult with a lawyer, but it is also important that you do so. If you commenced the interrogation without one, you have the right to demand to pause it until you consult with a criminal lawyer and do not answer further questions until you have exercised your right to consult with a lawyer. Moreover, it is important not to settle for a cheap and inexperienced lawyer, but it is essential that the lawyer be one who speaks your language, has extensive experience and also comes from a firm with experience in business fields. "Saving" at this stage will cost much more in the future, and not only in money!