Criminal defence investigator in Cheshire and Staffordshire
Support for criminal defence solicitors and their clients, from an ex-frontline police officer.
Evidence-gathering for the defence
I work with criminal defence solicitors, and with their clients, to gather evidence that can support a defence. I am an ex-frontline police officer, and I am based in Shavington, Crewe.
The work is practical and often time-sensitive. CCTV is frequently overwritten within days, and witnesses can be harder to find once they have moved on. I can start promptly, including evenings and weekends.
What I can help with
- Tracing defence witnesses and taking statements from them
- Finding and securing CCTV before it is overwritten, by requesting a copy from the premises or the system operator
- Scene visits, with photographs and measurements
- Serving witness summonses
- Background research on prosecution witnesses from public and open sources only
- An ex-frontline police officer's view on police procedure and disclosure
I do not approach or contact prosecution witnesses. Any research about them is limited to information that is already in the public domain.
Legal Aid-friendly, evenings and weekends
My rates are Legal Aid-friendly. I am available evenings and weekends, which often helps when a statement needs to be taken after work, or when CCTV has to be secured quickly.
As a criminal defence investigator in Cheshire and Staffordshire, I cover Cheshire, Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent regularly — including Crewe, Nantwich, Chester, Warrington, Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stafford, with their Crown Courts and magistrates' courts — and I take instructions elsewhere in the United Kingdom by arrangement.
Defence investigation questions
Who can instruct you for defence work?
Criminal defence solicitors, and their clients. I gather evidence to support the defence and report back to the instructing solicitor or the client, as agreed.
Do you work on Legal Aid cases?
Yes. My rates are Legal Aid-friendly, and I can discuss what is needed before you instruct me.
Which areas do you cover?
I cover Cheshire, Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent regularly, and I take instructions elsewhere in the United Kingdom by arrangement.
Are you available outside office hours?
Yes. I work evenings and weekends, which often helps with witness statements, scene visits and securing CCTV promptly.
Do you contact prosecution witnesses?
No. I carry out background research from public and open sources only. I do not approach or contact prosecution witnesses.