Criminal Investigation

Leonard and Associates Investigations conducts a systematic examination and inquiry of the case presented by the prosecution against the defendant. To achieve an impartial investigation, we review the law enforcement investigation, interview the defendant, and locate and interview witnesses. The crime scene is examined and background investigations are conducted on those individuals involved in the case. In recent years, a number of defendants who have been convicted in a court of law have later been exonerated of all charges. A successful defense by both attorneys and support staff, which includes the investigator, could aide in preventing these miscarriages of justice.

Leonard & Associates will scrutinize specific aspects of the prosecutor's case to determine if the case against the defendant is weak or deficient in any key area. Attorneys call upon us to conduct a comprehensive criminal defense investigation which may support a defendant's alibi, develop alternate suspects, or pursue other potential defense theories.

Without question, our roll as members of the defense is as difficult as it is crucial. It is very important for a criminal defense investigator to maintain the highest degree of ethical conduct at all times. We follow these standards while performing our duties as criminal defense investigators. We conduct all investigative tasks in a professional, ethical, and moral manner. All investigations are conducted within the law. We remain impartial and objective at all times. We protect and do not discuss confidential information with anyone other than other defense members.

Our investigative skills include:

• Uncover evidence and obtain complete statements from victims, witnesses, defendants and suspects.
• Detect and uncover discrepancies and inconsistencies during the course of an interview.
• Record accurate, concise and detailed notes.
• Connect intervals of time and actions.
• Develop contacts and sources of information.
• Accomplish accurate diagrams and photographs.
• Collect, process, identify and classify evidence.