Standard Information Criminal Lawyers Collect When Taking on a Case
When someone faces criminal charges, the first step towards building a strong defense is for their lawyer to gather essential information about the case. Criminal lawyers rely on various sources and types of data to develop a comprehensive understanding of the situation and circumstances surrounding the charges the person is dealing with. There are typically some standard types of information or evidence that are collected by criminal defense attorneys when they take on a case.
Here at the Joslyn Law Firm, we have a team of experienced lawyers, paralegals, and other staff who will do all they can to fight for your rights. We extensively investigate any case we take on, making sure to leave no rock unturned for the sake of our clients. If you live in or near the Columbus, OH area and are dealing with criminal charges, we urge you to reach out to our law firm to set up a free case consultation. Contact us online or call (614) 444-1900.
Basic Information Collected in Criminal Cases
With any criminal case, there is some basic information that needs to be collected. This includes the client’s personal information, such as their full name, date of birth, address, contact information, employment status, and any other relevant details. Understanding the client’s background helps the lawyer tailor their defense strategy to fit their specific circumstances. The next thing is to document all the details surrounding the client’s arrest. This includes the date, time, and location of the arrest, as well as the law enforcement agency involved. Additionally, lawyers gather information about the charges filed against the client and the circumstances leading up to the arrest. Criminal defense attorneys will also interview their clients to obtain detailed statements about the events leading up to the alleged offense. These statements help lawyers understand the client’s perspective and identify any mitigating factors that may support their defense.
Documents That Can Help in a Criminal Case
There is a lot of paperwork when it comes to any court case. A seasoned criminal defense attorney will work to get their hands on all of the following documents that can be used to build a strong defense case.
Police Reports and Documentation – Police reports are crucial documents that provide valuable insight into the prosecution’s case. Criminal lawyers obtain copies of these reports to understand the evidence against their client, including witness statements, observations made by law enforcement officers, and any physical evidence collected at the scene.
Court Documents – Our criminal defense attorneys at our Columbus law firm also collect all relevant court documents related to the case, including charging documents, bail orders, search warrants, and subpoenas. These documents help our lawyers track the progress of the case through the criminal justice system and identify any legal issues that may arise during proceedings.
Evidence That is Collected By Criminal Defense Attorneys
One of the most important elements in a criminal defense case is the collection of evidence, particularly evidence that can help show the innocence of the person who has been charged. Some key pieces of evidence include:
- Witness Information – Witness testimony can play a significant role in a criminal trial. Lawyers collect information about potential witnesses, including their names, contact information, and statements regarding the events in question. Witness testimony can corroborate the client’s version of events and strengthen their defense.
- Audio/Video/Photographs – We live in a world that is constantly being recorded, as such there are many circumstances where there is photographic evidence that can be collected and used to help strengthen a client’s defense. This can include police officer’s body cam footage, security camera footage from surrounding businesses, dash cam footage from a vehicle, even the footage or photos taken by witnesses on their phones. This evidence can be invaluable in showing the accurate circumstances of an alleged crime.
- Forensic Reports – These comprehensive documents provide an analysis, and conclusions regarding evidence that has been collected related to the case. These reports provide invaluable insights into the evidence collected, including its authenticity, and relevance. By thoroughly examining the forensic report, defense attorneys can identify weaknesses or inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case, challenge the reliability of evidence presented, and come up with effective arguments to support their clients’ innocence or to reduce the charges against them.
- Physical Evidence – Much of the time there are physical items that can be used to support a person who has been accused of a crime, this could include fingerprints, bullet casings, a weapon, and much more. This evidence can show alternative theories as to how a crime has been committed or who could be responsible, casting doubt on the guilt of a client.
- Service Records/Logs – It is important to look into the officers and equipment that was used when making an arrest. There can be service infractions, problems with the officer’s training, or equipment has not been properly maintained that can all impact the outcome of a case. For example breathalyzers need to be calibrated and checked that they are working properly every seven days in the state of Ohio, if this check has not been completed that needs to be shown when preparing defense.
- Legal Research – Legal research is another essential aspect of preparing a defense strategy. Criminal lawyers conduct research on relevant statutes, case law, and legal precedents that may apply to their client’s case. This research helps lawyers identify potential defense arguments and legal avenues to pursue on behalf of their clients.
Contact A Criminal Defense Attorney Near You
Criminal defense attorneys collect a wide range of information and documentation when taking on a case to build a strong defense strategy. By gathering personal information, arrest details, police reports, court documents, witness information, evidence, conducting legal research, and obtaining client statements, lawyers can develop effective defense strategies that will help their clients and provide the best possible defense. Here at the Joslyn Law Firm, we make sure to do our due diligence for every client we take on. We will fight to make sure your rights are protected, making sure we take every effort to identify mitigating factors or applicable defenses to have your charges reduced or even dismissed.
Contact us online or call (614) 444-1900 for a consultation about your criminal charges in Franklin County and surrounding counties, including Pickaway County, Madison County, Delaware County, Licking County and Fairfield County in Ohio.
