WHAT CAN AN INVESTIGATOR DO FOR AN ATTORNEY IN THE PREPARATION OF
WITNESSES?
- Locate, interview and evaluate credibility
- Research background of victims, percipient witnesses, and experts
- Locate and interview case specific experts
- Canvass crime and/or arrest, and/or accident scene for additional witnesses
- Subpoena and prepare witnesses for trial
- Transport witnesses to and from court
- Take written or tape recorded statements
- Prepare declarations for witness signature
- Act as liaison between attorney and family members, particularly in cases involving special circumstances
TRIAL PREPARATION
- Prepare trial exhibits including maps, enlarged photos, diagrams, overlays, jury instructions, etc.
- Pick up and review records pursuant to subpoena duces tecum, court order, or signed release
- Prepare case chronology
- Assist with large case management
- Prepare reports as requested
- Prepare personal testimony as requested
- Prepare alphabetical witness summary with name, address, telephone numbers, and short statement of relationship to the case
EVIDENCE
- Measure, photograph, diagram and evaluate crime or arrest scene
- Review evidence with experts
- Collect evidence
- Transport evidence to court
- Witness physical line-up
- Review physical evidence at police department or DA’s office
- Pickup discovery
RECORDS
- Research public and court records including civil and criminal filings, real property, fictitious business statements, unsecured tax rolls, corporations, public filings, and other computer-related databases
- Research case specific topics such as epilepsy, electroconvulsive shock therapy, types of weapons, vehicles and others
- Subpoena and pick up records pursuant to subpoena duces tecum, court order, or signed release
- Review records and organize for use by attorney, including financial, medical, employment, school, probation, military, prison, and others
SURVEILLANCE
- Witnesses
- Victims
- Crime Scene
POST TRIAL
- Interview jurors
- Investigate jury misconduct
- Conduct pre-sentence or penalty phase interview of witnesses, family, and friends for mitigating or aggravating circumstances
- Conduct post-trial investigations based on new evidence, ineffective assistance of counsel, factual new evidence, etc.