In your criminal case in Jefferson, Arapahoe and Douglas County, locating and interviewing defense witnesses is essential to detail what happened and whether government witnesses are telling the truth. When money is tight, you might be asking whether you should invest in a private investigator or save the money.
We recently won a complicated Sexual Assault, 18-3-402, jury trial in Grand County. Our client spent two – three thousand dollars on having fifteen to twenty witnesses interviewed in person and by phone. One important witness was interviewed three times. Our private investigator, Diana Matus, from the Grand Junction and Montrose area, with an email of [email protected], did an outstanding job locating and following up on witnesses. She interviewed hard to locate people and those who were easy to find, and prepared detailed reports. Some were willing to talk and others did not want to get involved. The investigator’s work saved my client a life-time of trouble as a sex offender. As the lawyer in this sex case, I was able to invest my time doing the legal research and motions while investigator Diana Matus tracked down leads. We were a great team.
Except in limited circumstances, your Colorado criminal defense attorney should not be interviewing witnesses. If the witnesses change their story or allege the lawyer is trying to get them to testify a certain way, your lawyer might become a witness in your case. Then, you have to hire a new lawyer for your Adams, Denver or Grand County Sexual Assault case. There is a rule in Colorado courts that a lawyer cannot be a witness in the case when they are also the defense attorney.
Investigators talk to people all day long and are experienced at getting people to talk, follow up on questions, and seek out other leads. While lawyers have the ability to do this work, we sometimes lack the street smarts to find witnesses and develop evidence essential for your defense. Plus, investigators have more time to spend on witness interviewing. A good private investigator is worth the hourly investment of around $80 – $100.
So, to answer the question, yes, they are worth the money. They can save your life and the $500.00 or $5,000.00 you might pay them for a serious sexual assault, Robbery, C.R.S. 18-4-301, or Bribery 18-5-401, case is well worth the investment. Don’t take chances with your life to save money. Be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and call the experienced criminal defense lawyers at the O’Malley Law Office, P.C. Together, with a private investigator on our team, we can protect your future.