When a person is facing criminal charges, a thorough and independent investigation can be critical to building an effective defense.
Duces Tecum Investigative Services provides professional criminal defense investigations for defense attorneys and their clients throughout Florida. We work to uncover facts, locate witnesses, identify inconsistencies, document evidence, and develop information that may assist attorneys in preparing and presenting their cases.
Law enforcement investigations are conducted for the purpose of investigating alleged crimes and developing evidence for prosecution. A
criminal defense investigator approaches the case from a different perspective—examining the evidence independently and pursuing information relevant to the defense.
Our objective is simple:
follow the facts wherever they lead.
Criminal Defense Investigation Services
Every criminal case presents different circumstances. We tailor our investigative approach to the allegations, available evidence, defense strategy, and specific needs of the attorney.
Our criminal defense investigative services may include:
Witness Location and Interviews
Witness testimony can significantly affect the outcome of a criminal case. We assist attorneys by locating witnesses, conducting interviews, documenting statements, identifying additional witnesses, and developing information that may have been overlooked during the initial investigation.
When appropriate, investigators can obtain written or recorded statements and provide detailed reports documenting investigative findings.
Crime Scene Investigation
The physical location where an alleged offense occurred may contain important information that is not apparent from police reports alone.
We can visit and document crime scenes to evaluate factors such as:
- Visibility and lighting conditions
- Distances and lines of sight
- Physical obstructions
- Access and exit routes
- Surveillance camera locations
- Nearby residences or businesses
- Scene measurements and photographs
- Environmental conditions
- Potential witness locations
Crime scene documentation can help attorneys evaluate whether witness accounts, police reports, photographs, and other evidence are consistent with the actual physical environment.
Police Report and Evidence Review
A criminal defense investigation frequently begins with a careful review of available reports and discovery materials.
Our investigators can assist in identifying inconsistencies, conflicting statements, unanswered questions, investigative gaps, and areas requiring additional investigation.
Information contained in police reports should not automatically be assumed to tell the complete story. Independent investigation may uncover witnesses, records, photographs, video, or other evidence that provides additional context.
Surveillance Video and Digital Evidence
Video evidence can disappear quickly. Many businesses and residential security systems retain recordings for only a limited period before automatically overwriting them.
When appropriate, we work to identify potential sources of surveillance footage from businesses, residences, traffic cameras, doorbell cameras, and other systems.
Early involvement of a private investigator may improve the opportunity to identify and preserve potentially important evidence before it is lost.
Background and Records Research
Understanding the individuals involved in a criminal case may reveal information relevant to the defense.
Depending on the circumstances and applicable law, investigative research may include public records, court records, criminal histories, civil litigation, addresses, property information, business records, social media, and other lawful sources of information.
Our investigators conduct research with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance, and proper documentation.
Skip Tracing and Witness Location
Witnesses sometimes move, change telephone numbers, avoid contact, or provide incomplete identifying information.
Our
skip tracing services use professional investigative resources, public records, database research, and other lawful methods to locate witnesses and other individuals whose whereabouts are unknown.
Once an individual is located, we can coordinate with defense counsel regarding the appropriate next steps.
Photographs, Measurements, and Scene Documentation
Conditions at a location can change rapidly. Buildings are renovated, vegetation grows, signs disappear, lighting changes, vehicles move, and surveillance systems are replaced.
Documenting a scene as early as possible can preserve information that may become important later.
We can provide photographs, measurements, diagrams, observations, and detailed investigative reports to assist counsel in understanding and presenting the physical circumstances surrounding an alleged offense.
Independent Investigation Matters
Police officers and prosecutors may conduct extensive investigations, but their responsibilities differ from those of the defense.
A defense investigator independently examines the case with questions such as:
Were all witnesses identified?
Were witness statements consistent?
Could a witness actually see or hear what they claimed?
Does physical evidence support the allegations?
Is surveillance footage available?
Are there additional records that should be obtained?
Were alternative explanations adequately investigated?
Does the evidence support the timeline described in the reports?
Even seemingly minor details can become significant when evaluating the evidence as a whole.
Supporting Criminal Defense Attorneys
Duces Tecum Investigative Services works with criminal defense attorneys as part of the defense team. We understand that investigators must provide useful, organized, and properly documented information that attorneys can incorporate into their case preparation.
Our investigative work may assist counsel with:
- Pretrial investigation
- Witness development
- Witness interviews
- Evidence verification
- Scene documentation
- Timeline development
- Record research
- Locating difficult-to-find witnesses
- Identifying inconsistencies in statements
- Trial preparation
- Litigation support
We communicate with counsel throughout the investigation so investigative resources can remain focused on the issues most important to the defense.
Criminal Defense Investigations Throughout Florida
Duces Tecum Investigative Services is a Florida-licensed private investigation agency providing criminal defense investigative services throughout the state.
We assist attorneys with cases ranging from misdemeanor allegations to serious felony prosecutions and can coordinate investigative assignments in multiple Florida jurisdictions.
Our familiarity with investigative procedures, public records, witness interviewing, evidence documentation, and litigation support allows us to provide attorneys with practical investigative assistance from the initial stages of a case through trial preparation.
Confidential and Professional Investigative Services
Criminal defense investigations require discretion, professionalism, and attention to detail.
We recognize the sensitive nature of criminal cases and handle investigative assignments professionally and confidentially. Our investigators focus on obtaining accurate information rather than making assumptions about guilt or innocence.
The investigator's role is to
find, verify, document, and report the facts so defense counsel can make informed decisions about the case.
Why Hire a Private Investigator for a Criminal Defense Case?
Hiring an experienced
Florida criminal defense investigator gives defense counsel an independent resource for examining the allegations and developing evidence.
An investigator can go beyond the information contained in discovery by returning to the scene, locating witnesses, conducting interviews, researching records, searching for additional evidence, and investigating questions raised by the defense.
The sooner an investigation begins, the greater the opportunity may be to preserve evidence and locate witnesses while events are still relatively fresh.
Contact Duces Tecum Investigative Services
If you are a criminal defense attorney seeking professional investigative assistance, **Duces Tecum Investigative Services** is prepared to help.
Whether you need a witness located, an interview conducted, a crime scene documented, surveillance footage identified, records researched, or a complete independent investigation of the allegations, we can develop an investigative strategy based on the needs of your case.
FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION
At
Duces Tecum Investigative Services, we understand that every case is unique. That's why we offer a free, no-obligation initial consultation to discuss your situation, answer your questions, and help you determine the best course of action. Whether you're an attorney seeking investigative support or an individual in need of professional investigative services, we'll take the time to understand your objectives and explain how our experience can help. You'll receive honest, straightforward guidance, a clear understanding of the investigative process, and an opportunity to determine whether our services are the right fit—without any upfront cost or commitment.
