Gathering evidence for a criminal defense can involve many different professionals and their skills. Often, suspects and attorneys hire private investigators to help examine potential witnesses and uncover facts.
We often hear about private investigators. They show up in our crime dramas and appear in news articles, but many people don’t know exactly what a PI is or what they do.
In this article, we provide information on how private investigators can support legal counsel with many aspects of a defense case.
What Is a Private Investigator?
A private investigator is someone you can hire to gather information on your behalf. They can work for private individuals, organizations, corporations, attorneys, and more. Private investigators can play a critical role in criminal defense cases.
They can help you uncover evidence such as:
- Physical evidence
- Witness statements
- Surveillance footage
- Documentation, both physical and electronic
Such evidence can help your defense team identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case and develop counter strategies.
The Advantages of Hiring a Private Investigator for Your Criminal Defense Case
Criminal defense cases are complex legal proceedings, and they often require extensive investigations. This is where a private investigator comes in handy.
They have access to resources that the general public does not. This allows them to uncover information that can seriously affect the outcome of your case. Private investigators can conduct thorough background checks, analyze crime scenes, interview witnesses, and track down valuable evidence.
Strategies Private Investigators Use to Gather Information
- Conducting surveillance
- Interviewing witnesses and sources
- Using specialized software to analyze data
After collecting and evaluating evidence, private investigators can prepare detailed, comprehensive reports. Your attorney can use this information to strengthen your case. When the PI pays strong attention to detail, they can be a valuable asset in a criminal defense case.
Selecting a Private Investigator for Your Criminal Defense Case
- Make sure the investigator is licensed.
- Ask about their experience with criminal investigations.
- Do some investigating of your own. Ask for references and check reviews to see the investigator’s success record.
- Consider the investigator's communication skills and availability, as you'll want to stay up-to-date on the progress of your case.
- Discuss the cost of the investigation up front. You want to avoid hidden fees or expenses that could derail your case. If your attorney hires the investigator, those expenses should be folded into your legal costs.
Balancing Privacy Rights and Public Safety
Hiring a PI comes with its own concerns. You want to make sure that they don’t cross any lines. Not only is this behavior immoral, but it can also damage your case.
It is important to work with a reputable and experienced private investigator who understands the legal limits. Gathering and disclosing information should not come at the cost of another’s privacy or safety.
You want to make sure that your investigator takes extra caution. That way, they won’t endanger your defense or anyone else involved. Don’t be afraid to stay involved with the case, regularly asking your PI how they obtained their information and double-checking the legality of their approach.
If your lawyer suggests or hires a PI for you, they should have already vetted the PI. Even so, stay involved and regularly ask both the investigator and your lawyer questions. You can never be too careful when fighting for your freedom.
Andrew J. Cornick, Attorney at Law is here to help thoroughly investigate your case and challenge the prosecution’s case against you. For a free consultation, you can reach our office by calling (540) 386-0204 or contacting us online.