We detail what constitutes a criminal investigation, who does these assignments, how to approach the work with the right attitude, and how to do all this while being a professional. You’ll learn to market to attorneys, review discovery, find & interview witnesses, develop case theories, and create stunning reports for attorney clients. Most importantly, you’ll learn why this work is meaningful, fulfilling, and vital to our justice system.

Learning Objectives

• Understand why criminal defense investigations are important, ethical work that serves a greater good.
• Identify ways to find work as a defense investigator: Networking with attorneys, getting appointed cases, and finding private-pay work takes time and patience. Learn ideas for getting your foot in the door.
• Learn how to do this work. Get into the nitty gritty of defense work, from first steps to trials to post-conviction investigations.
• Discover what you can expect from a career as a criminal defense investigator; a little bit of everything.

Course Outline

• The Why: Real cases, including wrongful convictions and exonerations, build the foundation for why this work matters and answer the hardest question defenders face.
• Getting the Gig: Practical advice on breaking in from an attorney, an ex-cop turned investigator, an entrepreneur, and an intelligence professional. Covers networking, appointed work, and private clients.
• Doing the Work: Everything from getting hired to testifying: studying a case, working through discovery, building witness lists, conducting and recording interviews, handling reluctant witnesses, writing memos, working with defendants, assessing crime scenes, and understanding mitigation.
• Closing: A candid look at the challenges of the career and a final argument for why it’s worth it.
• Quiz 

Key features of this course include:

• Blended learning: content with pre-recorded video lectures, webinars, professionally authored reading material, podcasts, articles, and case studies
•  Quiz/assessment (unlimited attempts)
• Certificate of Completion
• Online access for 6 months from the date of purchase