So, you pay the bail bondsman, your attorney, and now an investigator?

It is crucial and in most, if not in all of this firm's cases, that we use the services of an investigator.  It is important that you know why we use the services of this valuable resource to assist you in getting the best result.

When the attorney initially gathers all of the arrest reports, tapes, and other evidence in the case, it is primarily written in the first person of law enforcement, the witness for the people who are prosecuting you.  It is understandable that they have an interest in your prosecution and their job is to enforce the laws, not to fight zealously for your defense.

Therefore, it is logical that you would want a person who has the experience of a law enforcement officer to validate, or test the veracity (or truthfulness) of the police reports, and of the witnesses that are giving statements to the police.  Frequently, if asked in a different way, witnesses will give a completely different answer to the same question.  Sometimes witnesses, upon reflection, will say that they overreacted or embellished. 

It is also important to have an investigator get a statement from a witness who says that law enforcement has told them not to speak with the defense, if that is the case.  Or, have the investigator inquire as to why a witness prefers not to speak with them.  Why a witness will not speak with the defense is almost as important as the witnesses that will speak freely.

In my opinion, it is the talented investigator who can decipher who is telling the truth, who is hiding more information, who has those bad things in their closets, and ultimately who will be one who will be valuable for your best defense.  Keep in mind that each investigator has his or her strengths and weaknesses. Some are organized and are perfect for a certain kind of case. Others are information "diggers" and can get information where no one else can get it. Some investigators are great writers and reporters (giving testimony). Ideally, your investigator has a little of each in him or her.

The real value of an investigator is if you have secured a statement from a witness, and later on the stand they testify differently.  What is an attorney to do?  Your investigator can testify to the original statements and therefore provide you with your best possible defense.

No matter what your situation, it is always important to ask your attorney if they will be using the assistance of an investigator, a valuable and crucial member of your defense team.