Criminal Defense Services

When people are accused of a crime they may face the possibility of conviction and jail time. A private investigator, assisting a criminal defense attorney, may be able to find evidence of your innocence. The police are only looking for evidence of guilt. A knowledgeable attorney will use the services of a private investigator to help defend your case.

It is the job of the police and the prosecution team to prove a suspect’s guilt. Your defense attorney, sometimes with the assistance of a licensed private investigator, will try to prove your innocence. The defense team initially wants to make sure that the client’s rights were not violated and that evidence against the client was not obtained illegally.

The private investigator will first take the time to understand the charges and the laws pertaining to those charges. The investigator reviews the materials obtained from the prosecution and look for any inconsistencies. Details will be pulled out and checked for accuracy. The job of the investigator is to assist in the collecting of evidence to be used in the defense of the client while the attorney focuses on the legal proceedings and other cases that they have.

The defense also wants to try to uncover any missed evidence. Witnesses will be interviewed and/or re-interviewed. A crime scene investigation may be conducted looking for overlooked evidence. The area can be canvassed for any witnesses that were not found before. Background searches can be done to develop the general credibility of the witnesses as well as the client.

Records may need to be obtained. These can include, but are not limited to, police records, court records (civil & criminal), property records, medical records, and financial records. Statements, which may be informal or formal and verbal, recorded or written, may be obtained as well.

What if the client is found guilty? If there is an appeal, the defense attorney may direct the investigator to continue the investigation. But for the sentencing phase of the case, the investigator can prepare what is known as the Pre-Sentencing Report. A Pre-Sentencing Report is required, although not from the defendant. This means that the prosecution will present a report that may be slanted in an effort to get the maximum sentence. The defendant can present one of his/her own. This report will include a background investigation, interviews with friends, family, associates, and even the victim of the crime. The defense will attempt to show such things as a consistent job history, tight ties to the community, a close family and support network, etc. The goal is to present the defendant in the best possible light in an effort to obtain the minimum possible sentence.

For the best criminal investigation services in Reading PA, contact the private investigators at The KODA Group offering private investigative services throughout Berks County and Pennsylvania.