How Long Do San Diego Police Investigations Take?

If you’re being investigated by the police in San Diego — or think you might be — one of the first questions that comes to mind is: how long is this going to last?

Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some police investigations wrap up in days. Others take months. In some cases, people don’t even find out they were being investigated until charges are filed weeks (or even months) later.

What Triggers a Police Investigation in San Diego?

San Diego police and sheriff’s deputies begin investigations for a variety of reasons:

• Someone reports a possible crime
• A routine traffic stop uncovers suspected illegal activity
• A search warrant turns up new evidence
• A school, employer, or mandated reporter files a complaint
• A digital trail — texts, DMs, IP address activity — raises suspicion
• Another person involved in a case gives your name to police

Not all investigations are based on solid evidence. Some are driven by allegations alone. But once your name is in a report, things can move fast — or they can drag on while law enforcement builds a case.

How Long Does a San Diego Police Investigation Typically Take?

Short answer: It depends.

But here’s a general breakdown based on the type of case:

Type of Case	Estimated Investigation Time
Misdemeanor theft, vandalism, simple assault	A few days to a few weeks
DUI, hit-and-run	Same day to a few weeks (usually fast)
Domestic violence	Hours to days (depending on witness access)
Sex crimes	Weeks to months
White collar/fraud	Several months to a year or more
Homicide	Ongoing; months to years
Drug sales/trafficking	Months (often with undercover work)
Internet crimes / cyber investigations	Several months or longer

Keep in mind: you may not be notified that you’re under investigation — even after police have already collected evidence, interviewed witnesses, or spoken to a DA/prosecutor.

What Happens During a Police Investigation?

Police don’t need your involvement to begin an investigation. In most cases, it starts quietly. Here’s what they may be doing behind the scenes:

• Interviewing witnesses or alleged victims
• Reviewing surveillance footage or digital evidence
• Pulling your phone records or social media activity
• Running forensic tests (in sex crimes or drug cases)
• Working with federal agencies in more serious cases
• Conducting pretext phone calls or controlled buys
• Monitoring your activity before making an arrest

By the time they reach out to you directly, they may already believe they have enough to arrest or charge you.

Does the DA Have a Deadline to File Charges?

Yes — but the time limit depends on the type of alleged offense.

This is known as the statute of limitations, and it sets a maximum amount of time prosecutors have to file charges after a crime is allegedly committed. For example:

• Misdemeanors: 1 year
• Most felonies: 3 years
• Sex crimes involving minors: Up to 10 years or longer
• Murder: No statute of limitations

If the DA doesn’t file charges before the statute runs out, they generally lose the right to pursue the case. But in many investigations, they’ll file at the very last minute — especially if they’re still building a case.

What Delays a Police Investigation?

Several things can slow down the timeline:

Lab Results

In cases involving DNA, drugs, or digital forensics, police may be waiting on results from a crime lab. These can take weeks or months.

Uncooperative Witnesses

If police are trying to get statements from reluctant or unresponsive people, that can delay how quickly the case moves forward.

Search Warrants and Digital Evidence

Getting access to cell phone data, bank accounts, or other private information takes time and often requires a judge’s sign-off.

The DA Reviewing the Case

Even if police finish their side of things, the District Attorney’s Office still has to review the report and decide whether or not to file charges. That can take additional time — especially for more serious or complicated cases.

How Will I Know If I’m Under Investigation?

You might not.

Sometimes, people find out because:

• A detective shows up at their home or calls them
• A friend or co-worker says police have been asking questions
• They get a notice to appear in court or for an interview
• A search warrant is executed at their home or work
• They receive a letter from the DA’s Office

If police or prosecutors contact you directly, do not talk to them without a lawyer. Anything you say can (and will) be used against you — even if you think you’re just “clearing things up.”

Should I Wait for the Police to Contact Me?

Absolutely not.

Too many people take the “wait and see” approach, hoping the situation will just go away. But if you’ve got even the slightest reason to believe you’re being investigated, the smartest thing you can do is speak to a criminal defense attorney right away.

Here’s why:

• Your attorney can often find out if you’re under investigation
• You may be able to avoid charges altogether by acting early
• A proactive defense can protect your rights and evidence
• You’ll be ready if and when the DA does decide to file charges

At our firm, we regularly help clients long before charges are filed — and in many cases, we’re able to stop the case from ever reaching court.

What If the Case Just Stalls?

Some investigations go quiet. No calls. No charges. No updates.

That doesn’t mean you’re in the clear.

In San Diego, it’s not uncommon for someone to get arrested or charged months after the original incident. Sometimes, police keep gathering evidence. Other times, the DA is simply waiting on lab results or statements. And in some cases, they delay things, hoping you’ll slip up and give them more to work with.

If you’re in that situation, it’s critical to stay disciplined — and to have someone in your corner monitoring things so you’re not blindsided.

You Don’t Control the Timeline, But You Can Control What Happens Next

The police don’t owe you updates. The DA doesn’t have to explain delays. And the longer you wait to get ahead of an investigation, the harder it gets to recover once charges are filed.

If you believe you’re being investigated — or even if you’re just not sure — you owe it to yourself to speak with a lawyer who understands how San Diego law enforcement and prosecutors operate.

At David P. Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys, we represent good people who are serious about protecting their future. Whether you’ve already been contacted by police or just want clarity on where things stand, we’ll help you figure out your next move — before someone else makes it for you.

Accused or Under Investigation in San Diego? Talk to Us First.

Don’t wait until charges are filed. Contact us today to schedule a case evaluation and take the first step toward protecting your freedom, your reputation, and your future.