How Our Sacramento Criminal Defense Team Uses Private Investigators, Expert Witnesses, and Data to Win Cases Others Settle
When hiring a criminal defense attorney in Sacramento, ask whether they utilize expert witnesses and investigative resources like we do. At Chastaine Jones, our approach to criminal defense is anything but ordinary. We go beyond the evidence provided by law enforcement to build stronger, smarter legal strategies for our clients.
Why Criminal Defense Investigations Matter
Chastaine Jones works with top private investigators and expert witnesses to uncover evidence that law enforcement often overlooks or ignores.
Too often, once law enforcement identifies a suspect, their investigation stops. They rarely pursue leads that might point to a different conclusion or establish a client’s innocence. This means they may fail to collect statements from all relevant witnesses or neglect physical evidence that doesn’t fit their theory.
The Role of Criminal Defense Investigators
An experienced criminal defense investigator is critical to developing a strong defense. At Chastaine Jones, our investigators:
- Interview witnesses others ignore
- Secure and preserve key physical evidence
- Conduct on-the-ground research law enforcement may miss
- Assist in trial preparation and plea negotiations
Time is of the essence. The sooner an investigation begins, the more evidence we can preserve before it’s lost or forgotten.
For a deeper look at your rights and investigation procedures in California, visit the California Office of the Attorney General – Criminal Law Division.
Using Expert Witnesses to Challenge the Prosecution
Expert witnesses provide key insights in areas like:
- Forensics
- Medical analysis
- Psychology
- Ballistics
- Digital technology
These experts can challenge flawed prosecution theories, explain complex topics to a jury, and provide alternative interpretations of the evidence. This can lead to better plea deals—or even full acquittals.
Learn more about the importance of forensic evidence from the National Institute of Justice.
Digital Evidence in Criminal Defense Cases
Today, digital forensics is one of the most powerful tools in a defense attorney’s arsenal. Our firm works with specialists who analyze:
- Phone records
- Text messages
- Internet search history
- Social media posts
These experts can expose faulty assumptions in the prosecution’s case or uncover evidence of witness bias, dishonesty, or motive.
We also explore digital evidence during sex crime defense and other serious felony matters, where credibility and context can change everything.
A Smarter Approach to Criminal Defense in Sacramento
At Chastaine Jones, we never take the District Attorney’s version of the facts at face value. We challenge assumptions, test evidence, and conduct our own investigations to give our clients the best possible defense.
If you’re looking for a criminal defense attorney in Sacramento who uses every available tool—including expert witnesses, private investigators, and digital evidence—contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Private Investigators in Criminal Defense
A criminal defense attorney may hire a private investigator to uncover facts that law enforcement may have overlooked or ignored. Investigators can find witnesses, gather evidence, verify timelines, and help build a defense that challenges the prosecution’s narrative. At Chastaine Jones, we use private investigators to develop the strongest defense strategy possible for our clients.
A criminal defense attorney may hire a private investigator to uncover facts that law enforcement may have overlooked or ignored. Investigators can find witnesses, gather evidence, verify timelines, and help build a defense that challenges the prosecution’s narrative. At Chastaine Jones, we use private investigators to develop the strongest defense strategy possible for our clients.
Yes. As long as the evidence is lawfully obtained, a private investigator’s findings can be used in court. This may include photographs, video surveillance, interviews, or documents that support a client’s defense. Our legal team ensures all evidence is collected in accordance with California law so it’s admissible.
In California, licensed private investigators can legally conduct surveillance, interview witnesses, collect documents, and research records. However, they cannot trespass, wiretap phones, or impersonate law enforcement. Our team works with professional investigators who understand and follow all legal boundaries.
Private investigators can work on a wide range of cases, including criminal defense, family law matters, insurance fraud, and missing persons. In criminal defense, they focus on uncovering evidence that supports the defendant, challenges the prosecution’s claims, or identifies alternate suspects.
If a private investigator is trying to contact you, it could be related to a legal case where you are a witness, person of interest, or have useful information. In a criminal defense case, investigators often seek out individuals who can provide context, alibis, or clarification of events.
A criminal investigator typically works for law enforcement and investigates crimes on behalf of the state. A private investigator is independently hired—often by attorneys—to gather evidence or information for private legal matters, including defense cases. At Chastaine Jones, we rely on independent investigators to ensure no stone is left unturned in our client’s defense.
Yes. Photos taken by a licensed private investigator may be admissible in court if they were taken legally and are relevant to the case. These images can be powerful tools in challenging prosecution claims or establishing alternate narratives.
The length of a private investigation depends on the complexity of the case and the amount of information needed. Some investigations may take only a few days, while others can span several weeks. We begin investigations immediately upon taking a case to ensure critical evidence is preserved.
You have the right to ask a private investigator to identify themselves if they approach you. However, confrontations are discouraged. If you’re uncomfortable or unsure why a PI is contacting you, it’s best to consult with your attorney before engaging further.