TN Supreme Court Rule 13 – “In the trial and direct appeals of all criminal cases… the court in an ex parte hearing may in its discretion determine that investigative or expert services or other similar services are necessary to ensure that the constitutional rights of the defendant are properly protected…”
In 1990, Inquisitor, Inc. recognized the need for quality investigative services for those indigent defendants. Since that time, we have provided assistance to defense attorneys and public defenders in over 250 capital cases in both State and Federal Courts not only in Tennessee but Kentucky, Oklahoma, Nevada, Arkansas, Indiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New York, and Ohio. We have also provided service on over 400 non-capital criminal cases ranging from robbery, to drug trafficking to aggravated assault to sexual assault.
Our services have included conducting extensive analysis of police investigations and discovery provided by the State; identifying and locating witnesses; preparing social history reports; and assisting the attorneys in preparing for both phases of the trial or for post-conviction proceedings. Our services have been provided at trial, post-conviction, and appellate levels, in both State and Federal Court proceedings. Our services have been approved in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas.
Fact Investigation
This phase includes a complete review and analysis of all discovery materials, forensic reports and detailed analysis of law enforcement reports. Inquisitor, Inc. investigators identify, locate and interview potential witnesses as well as perform a thorough background investigation of the client. Our staff is available for court testimony as well as trial strategy consultation.
Mitigation Investigation
This phase requires a complete social history investigation of the client including but not limited to: a compilation of all records relative to the client and the client’s family; and interviews of the client, client’s family, friends and co-workers. All documentation provided by Inquisitor, Inc. is prepared in anticipation of expert review and utilization.
When an attorney utilizes one of our private investigators in a criminal defense investigation, that investigator will take the time to understand the charges and the laws that relate to the crime. Once there's an understanding of the case in question, the private investigator will analyze the materials that the defense team has received.