Does every criminal case need a private investigator? The simple answer is – no. Investigators can absolutely be helpful in major criminal cases, but in less ‘serious’ matters, i.e. misdemeanors, an investigator may simply be overkill and not worth the money.

There is no doubt that investigators can assist in interviews and can often lock stories down. This is important because, as can be expected, attorneys cannot testify in their own case. So, if a witness’ story changes, an investigator may be able to be used to impeach the witness. This is so because unlike the attorney, the investigator who interviewed the witness can testify.

Sometimes private investigators can assist in the attorney’s negotiations because she may uncover information that officers didn’t ultimately locate or obtain. Investigators can also, perhaps, come up with new angles in a case that an attorney simply didn’t see or consider.

The reality, though, is that often the cost v. benefit ratio of retaining the services of a private investigator is not worth it when the case is only involving matters that are ‘minor’ in nature. Whether to use an investigator must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. It certainly doesn’t hurt to have an investigator if money is no object. But if money is of concern, then perhaps the case can be handled without the assistance of an investigator, as the result of the case may be the same regardless of whether there was an investigator on board or not.

If you or a loved one is in a bind as a result of a criminal charge, immediately contact a Seattle Criminal Attorney. A Criminal lawyer is not going to judge you and understands that everyone makes mistakes. Hiring a Seattle Criminal Lawyer to help can – at a minimum – reduce penalties and can help direct people on how to best deal with their criminal charge, and many times even get them dismissed. So, it should go without saying that someone cited for a misdemeanor or felony should hire a qualified Seattle Criminal Lawyer as soon as possible. Criminal charges can cause havoc on a person’s personal and professional life. Anyone charged with a crime in Washington State should immediately seek the assistance of a seasoned Seattle Criminal Lawyer. SQ Attorneys can be reached at (425) 359-3791 and/or (206) 441-0900.