We are all familiar with the yellow “Crime Scene Do Not Cross” tape. So familiar, in fact, that we may forget that the taped off “scene” is not actually a crime scene unless a crime is proven. Until then, it is an event scene. That is an important distinction, because the term “event scene” reminds us that the situation is still unfolding. The investigation into an alleged crime is ongoing, and it is critical that the event scene be documented quickly, accurately, and objectively. Hiring a qualified criminal defense investigator is the best way to make sure that happens.
The events that took place are troubling and unsettling, otherwise law enforcement would not be involved. Witnesses tend to be highly emotional, and their descriptions of people and details of what they think they saw are often not quite accurate, and sometimes dead wrong. The professional investigators at CLI know how to work past witness emotion and get to the core facts of the event. Our investigators are trained to recognize discrepancies in witnesses’ statements that law enforcement may miss because they are juggling multiple duties at one time. A classic example of this is a witness who reported looking out the window and seeing a dark colored sedan speed from the scene. This information might have been helpful if there had actually been a window at the scene, but there wasn’t.
Were all event witnesses interviewed by law enforcement? How do you know for sure? When you’re dealing with life and death issues for your client, you can’t afford to let any witness slip away unnoticed. CLI investigators specialize in identifying and locating undisclosed or previously unidentified witnesses. We apply our expertise to help you clarify witness observations prior to deposition and our interview skills to obtain an impression of a witness’ credibility. We frequently discover peripheral circumstances from our contact with witnesses. Information about living arrangements, substance abuse, and influence from victim or other witnesses can help or hurt your case. We give you the facts you need in order to prepare for court.
Our investigators will visit the location where the offense is alleged to have occurred, take photographs, and provide a rough sketch of the location to you. If a sketch by law enforcement is included in the discovery, we review that sketch for accuracy. Whenever possible, we inspect the scene at the same time as the event took place, in order to accurately recreate the scene. Our investigators document all discrepancies or items of interest not reflected in the police reports, so that you have all the information you need to develop your case.
Our investigators have examined hundreds of event scenes and conducted hundreds of interviews. Call us at 561-687-8381. We are here to help you gather the facts you need to succeed for your clients.