How a Private Investigator Can Help an Appeal

Photo by João Silas on Unsplash

Photo by João Silas on Unsplash

Sadly, America’s legal system turns cases into lengthy, drawn-out processes that take years, if not decades, to conclude. An appeal gives you the chance to contest your sentence, and hiring a private investigator to help prepare for this critical court date makes all the difference. Private investigators often serve as assistants and even witnesses in court cases. Their unique position allows defendants to continue efforts to prove their innocence even after their original trial has concluded. They help lawyers review evidence and also help law enforcement collect and analyze new materials. These measures give defendants their best chance to succeed.

New Evidence

Many appeals introduce new evidence to a case that may change a judge or jury’s evaluation of the defendant’s guilt or innocence. The evidence isn’t always a literal smoking gun, although it is possible for a private investigator to find physical evidence. More often, a private investigator helps establish and verify timelines and alibis. If you know you were somewhere else, but do not have any evidence or witnesses to prove that fact, then you do not have a reliable alibi. Alone, this process provides the prosecution the wiggle room they need to secure a conviction. When you appeal, fresh evidence to prove you were somewhere else when a crime occurred is a case-changer. Private investigators excel at finding and interviewing potential witnesses, combing through official and unofficial registries, or merely looking in new places for things like CCTV footage, ticket stubs, etc.

New evidence may also introduce or incriminate another suspect. Prosecutors typically face a certain degree of pressure to bring a case to trial. To do that, they must have a defendant. Even if they don’t have substantial evidence of your guilt, they may believe you guilty due to lack of evidence incriminating other suspects. A private investigator is free to devote their resources to pursuing leads the police just did not prioritize as your case moved to trial. Any information about other suspects that establishes motive, opportunity, or another connection to the case can prove your innocence.

A New Perspective

Sometimes, your appeal relies on a new theory rather than any new evidence. An outside perspective can reveal serious problems with the prosecution’s case, timeline inaccuracies, and other issues with the evidence that convinced a judge or jury to convict you. It’s important to remember that a private investigator is a professional in their field. Many have prior experience in law enforcement or related fields. As a result, it gives you a huge advantage. Although your lawyer can look for legal reasons to appeal, a private investigator is the most likely third party to shed new light on old evidence. Possibly, any collected evidence could reveal a higher likelihood that another suspect committed the crime. It may not have been adequately analyzed the first time due to a lack of resources or unfortunate timing.

Revealing issues with existing evidence can be more effective than presenting new evidence. The legal system isn’t quick to release convicted criminals, after all, and it’s chronically underfunded, so no one is eager to revisit a case they considered closed. Pointing out issues with existing evidence forces the legal system to go back through everything with a fine-toothed comb. You are more likely to get off on a technicality or error than because you’ve been proven innocent by new evidence. By working through existing evidence with your lawyer, a private investigator maximizes your chance of success.

Support for Law Enforcement

When you and your representatives prepare for an appeal, rest assured that law enforcement is doing the same. Although the prosecution is bound to argue against you, the police are required to continue treating evidence impartially. An upcoming appeal may even trigger a reexamination of your case. By lending their skills and resources to local law enforcement, a private investigator can help police do their job better. Thus limiting the risk of officers overlooking new evidence or a potential witness because they do not have the manpower needed to follow up on it. By demonstrating a willingness to cooperate with law enforcement, you also help the perception of your case.

Appeals give convicted defendants hope and the opportunity to prove their innocence again in court. While legal representation is an integral part of preparations, a private investigator’s perspective and skills can transform your defense. No matter how serious your case, the right evidence can change the verdict. A private investigator helps not only prove innocence but also offers the skills needed to scrutinize and reevaluate existing evidence. All it may take is another pair of eyes to give your lawyers the tools they need to win your appeal. Defendants should never give up. Private investigators will provide you with your best chance of regaining your freedom.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.