Criminal Defense
Eric S. Cullen is a licensed Private Investigator who specializes in criminal defense, appeals, and post-conviction relief statewide. Mr. Cullen has worked on some of the toughest and highest profiled cases in recent history, and is court appointed in both Federal and State Courts. Mr. Cullen works with some of the best attorneys in the state, and continues to provide the edge attorneys need to better defend their clients in a court of law.
In the criminal justice system, when someone has been charged or indicted with a crime, the deck always seems to be stacked against them. By the time a State District Attorney or a United States Attorney has charged or indicted an individual, they have received Discovery, which contains most, if not all of the work done by law enforcement. It is not unusual, especially in serious criminal matters, to have upwards of fifty law enforcement officials that have had some involvement in an individual’s case, not to mention the number of witnesses that are listed in the Discovery. A good investigator can assist the client’s attorney in breaking down the information, identifying ignored evidence, contacting and questioning prosecution witnesses, and locating and interviewing ignored or new witnesses.
The need for a good Private Investigator varies from case to case. In most cases where a Private Investigator would be beneficial, it is crucial to hire the Private Investigator early in the process, preferably before the Preliminary Hearing. Reasons for this include:
* Witness memories fade with time. It is important to lock down statements early
* Sometimes a witness can be interviewed by investigators before being questioned by the police. This is always beneficial
* Witnesses can be more easily located. Over time, addresses and phone numbers change
* There are time constraints on certain things that could be subpoenaed, such as videos, phone records, and other items of importance
Witness Interviews
When it comes time to interview witnesses in a case, it is important to:
* Know how to address witnesses in every situation
* Know how to navigate different areas of town
* Know people in different areas that can assist in locating and possibly greeting a witness
* Know the facts of the case from both the prosecution’s and the client’s/defense’s points of view
* Ensure the client is covered if the witness lies or gives an inconsistent statement. The investigator can be called to verify information as provided during an interview. An attorney cannot call themselves to testify in the same situation
Many times a client does not recognize he or she needs the services of a good Private Investigator for their case, nor do they know how to obtain the services of a good Private Investigator. It is up to the client whether or not an investigator is employed for their case. It is always recommended that a Private Investigator be hired using the client’s funds. However, if a client is proven indigent, he or she can have their attorney request court funds for investigative services. These are typically granted.