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When officers in one California town wore body cameras, complaints against police fell 88%. http://on.wsj.com/1q5nWyy
What do you think? Would it be a good idea for all police officers to wear body cameras?
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Investigators can provide critical assistance to attorneys in the search for all of the facts possible in order to provide the best representation of his/her client. Attorneys who fail to discover and present all of the facts could be held liable for professional misconduct, accused of ineffective counsel and even face disciplinary sanctions.
That's why using a licensed professional investigator is not just another expense, but rather is a vital investment designed to unearth all of the facts possible related to the case. Law schools don't prepare attorneys to do investigations, which take time that most attorneys can better use practicing law. A skilled investigator can free up an attorney by developing facts, securing evidence and helping out in a number of other ways. Attorneys should choose a professional investigator carefully, by asking for a referral from a colleague or to contact organizations such as Michigan Council of Professional Investigators Before engaging services of a professional investigator, make sure you know what experience and services they provide, such as: Interviewing techniques Serving as a fact or expert witness Statement taking Utilizing sophisticated databases Having government contacts Dealing with reluctant or adverse witnesses Access to other experts in various forensic disciplines Knowledge of other private investigators in other geographic locations for subpoena and other services Another reason to hire an investigator: If an attorney interviews a critical witness, who then later changes his story on the witness stand, how will that attorney go about trying to impeach that witness? An attorney whose testimony is necessary in a case is usually disqualified from participating – except as a witness – in the trial. Make sure you investigator is licensed in the state in which they are asked to work. Licensing requirements vary from state to state. Most investigators charge a flat rate or an hourly rate, not unlike attorneys, with expenses like mileage, etc. invoiced separately. If an attorney contracts directly with the investigator, the attorney is responsible to pay if the client bails and fails to pay. Attorneys are wise to make sure the client provides sufficient funds to cover the investigation before an investigator is hired. If the attorney is court-appointed, tell your investigator bills will be approved and checks cut by the court since the court budget is covering that cost. Attorneys should set clear boundaries for their investigators, such as "never pay for information from a potential witness.” Also, talk about the theory of the case so the investigator knows your objectives. A good investigator can assist you with ideas that may not occur to an attorney. Lastly, be realistic. Unlike in films, real-life private investigators cannot conclude a case in the time period of one TV show ... thorough investigation takes diligence and adequate time. www.sentinelinvestigations.net @PIsentinel |
AuthoRAlan Blanchard, Ph.D., owner of Sentinel Investigations, LLC, is a skilled interviewer and professional investigator, who has successfully assisted defense attorneys prepare for felony cases in Grand Rapids, Lansing, and across West Michigan and Mid-Michigan. Archives
December 2019
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