Investigative Support for Defense Attorneys
More Time. More Resources. A Stronger Defense Team.
Criminal defense attorneys are responsible for managing demanding caseloads, court appearances, legal research, motion practice, negotiations, client communication, and trial preparation. Even when additional investigation could benefit a case, counsel may not have the time, personnel, or investigative resources necessary to pursue every potential lead.
Criminal Defense Services Inc. provides dedicated investigative support designed to strengthen the work of defense counsel—not interfere with it.
Our Open Case Division works alongside retained and appointed attorneys to conduct thorough, organized, and defense-focused investigations. We understand that the attorney remains responsible for legal strategy and representation. Our role is to help develop the facts, identify potentially useful information, and provide counsel with clear investigative findings that can be evaluated and used as appropriate.
The Benefit of Adding CDS to the Defense Team
A Dedicated Investigative Team
Cases are not dependent upon the availability of a single investigator. CDS has a team of investigators, operational support, and established internal systems for managing complex investigations, records, discovery, witnesses, deadlines, and case developments.
Time to Investigate Thoroughly
Meaningful investigation takes time. Our team can focus on reviewing discovery, following leads, locating records, researching involved parties, identifying inconsistencies, and examining issues that may otherwise receive limited attention because of counsel’s competing obligations.
Access to Investigative Databases and Research Tools
CDS maintains access to professional investigative databases and research resources that assist with locating individuals, confirming information, identifying relevant records, conducting background research, and developing additional investigative leads.
Comprehensive Discovery Review
Our investigators review available discovery with an investigative—not merely procedural—focus. We look for inconsistencies, missing information, conflicting accounts, overlooked witnesses, unsupported assumptions, timeline issues, credibility concerns, and potential areas requiring further investigation.
Witness Location and Interviews
When legally permissible and authorized, our investigators can locate and interview witnesses, document their statements, pursue new leads, and identify information that may support the defense or require additional review.
External Records and Independent Evidence
Important information is not always contained in the prosecution’s discovery. Depending upon the case, our investigation may include seeking surveillance footage, public records, business records, photographs, digital information, agency records, social-media evidence, or other independently available materials.
Organized Investigative Reporting
Counsel receives a professional investigative report explaining the work completed, information developed, and potential areas for further consideration. Relevant supporting exhibits are organized so counsel can efficiently review the findings and determine how they may fit within the defense strategy.
Continued Case Support
Our involvement does not necessarily end when the initial investigation is completed. When requested and within the agreed scope, our team can assist with follow-up investigation, newly developed leads, witness issues, case preparation, and additional factual questions identified by counsel.
A Collaborative and Professional Relationship
CDS respects the attorney-client relationship and counsel’s role as the legal decision-maker. We do not provide legal representation, replace defense counsel, or direct legal strategy.
Our investigators work within the scope authorized by counsel, maintain professional communication, and provide factual findings for counsel’s independent evaluation. We welcome attorney input regarding priorities, areas of concern, witnesses, and specific investigative needs.
Support for Retained and Appointed Counsel
CDS may assist privately retained attorneys as well as appointed counsel when investigative services have been authorized or funding has been approved by the court.
Depending upon the needs of the case, services may include:
- Full independent criminal-defense investigations
- Targeted investigation of specific factual issues
- Discovery and evidence review
- Witness location and interviews
- Timeline development
- External records research
- Background and credibility research
- Review of law-enforcement conduct and available agency records
- Identification and organization of potentially helpful or newly discovered information
- Follow-up investigation as the case develops
- Professional reports and supporting exhibits
Give Your Case the Investigative Attention It Deserves
Bringing CDS into a case gives defense counsel access to an established investigative team, professional resources, dedicated time, and an organized process for developing the facts.
Whether you need a full independent investigation or assistance with a specific issue, we are available to discuss the case, counsel’s objectives, and the appropriate investigative scope.
Spanish-speaking investigative services are available.
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