Criminal defense investigators routinely play a key role in assisting attorneys uncover reasonable doubt when defending clients against serious criminal allegations pre and post trial. Many individuals are acquitted of charges and have convictions overturned for a variety of reasons. A thorough investigation by a skilled private investigator specializing in criminal defense investigations can be the most important part of your defense.
When an individual has been charged with a crime there are many things at stake, most importantly your reputation and freedom. In addition, you could have a criminal record that follows you for life making it extremely difficult to find employment, housing, and other necessities upon your release. And you could be required to pay restitution, which could make it more difficult to get back on your feet. Worse, you might be charged with a serious crime that could imprison you for the rest of your life.
Once an individual charged with a crime has found a skilled defense attorney to represent them, a private investigator specializing in criminal defense investigations may also be added to the defense team to assist in reviewing evidence, establishing alibis, locating witnesses, conducting interviews, and other supporting tasks.
It’s important to remember that the state attorney prosecuting your case is relying on evidence gathered by law enforcement that have vastly more resources available to them than you will have in your defense. Hiring a private investigator specializing in criminal defense investigations can be the difference between going free and going to jail.
The Fifth Amendment to the Constitution guarantees an individual the right to due process. Having a skilled defense team can increase your chances of making sure your case is properly investigated and defended. The prosecution’s team consists of the trial attorney, police investigators, experts, and other witnesses, which could potentially give them a great advantage over your attorney when presenting evidence in a court of law. Exercising your guaranteed right to due process allows an independent evaluation of the evidence and investigation to be conducted. An experienced private investigator can be a great asset to your case. The police don’t always get it right.
Serious Charges Withdrawn and Man Released from Prison
In one recent criminal case in Reading, PA, as a private investigator I assisted criminal defense attorney Elizabeth Ebner who was representing a client charged with the robbery and shooting of another individual. The client was incarcerated for nearly 8 months awaiting trial while adamantly maintaining his innocence. Based on the information in the police reports and her client asserting his innocence and providing helpful information not thoroughly investigated by the police, Attorney Ebner hired me to assist her in establishing the client’s alibi by conducting an independent investigation. Upon the completion of my investigation, the newly developed information was presented to the prosecuting attorney for review before going to trial. The evidence we provided was evaluated and led to the withdrawal of the charges and immediate release of the client from prison.
I worked in law enforcement for over twenty years having investigated many complex cases, and have a great deal of respect for the profession. But I also know that there are many reasons police investigations are challenged, and can ultimately result in a favorable outcome for the individual charged with a crime because of a skilled defense team.
Reichart & Associates Investigative Services, LLC
Reading, PA Private Investigators
Serving Reading, Philadelphia, Lancaster, Lebanon, York, Schuylkill, Pottstown, Chester, Pottsville, Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, Harrisburg and all of eastern Pennsylvania.
The information contained in this article is copyrighted material and cannot be reposted wholly or in part without prior consent of the owner.
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