Joining the Los Angeles County Superior Court Private Investigator Panel: A New Chapter in my Defense Investigations

Los Angeles, CA—Throughout my career as a criminal defense investigator, I’ve had the opportunity to work on numerous cases, including several pro bono efforts for those who couldn’t afford a skilled and aggressive investigator. The work involved in criminal defense investigations is not only expensive but also incredibly time-consuming and, at times, exhausting.

In many cases, clients are not always forthcoming and can lead you on a wild goose chase, which makes the work even more challenging. Sometimes, the best you can hope for is uncovering mitigating circumstances that disprove any evil intent. Other times, you’re fortunate enough to encounter cases where people are truly innocent, unfairly targeted due to sloppy police work. Unfortunately, when that happens, the cover-up by authorities often begins.

Historically, the compensation for investigators working indigent defense cases has been too low to justify the time and effort involved. However, recent changes have made it financially viable, and that convinced me to join the Los Angeles County Superior Court’s Private Investigator Panel. Although these indigent cases frequently involve clients accused of some of the most heinous and repulsive crimes, they are still entitled to a fair trial and an aggressive defense investigation.

The best part of joining this panel is that I will still have the freedom to take on private cases as I always have. I will be working cases both in Arizona as usual.  I look forward to working with a team of defense attorneys dedicated to representing indigent defendants. Thankfully, the courts have evolved since the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Gideon v. Wainwright, 372 U.S. 335 (1963), which mandated that legal representation be provided to those who cannot afford it.

I consider it a privilege to be part of this effort and to contribute to ensuring that justice is served for all, even those who are destitute. For me, this represents a new chapter in my career, one that aligns with my belief in fairness and the pursuit of truth, no matter the challenges.