Essentials in Criminal Defense Investigations

Course Syllabus

This course is a comprehensive overview of the essential disciplines and techniques used by certified Private Investigators.

Topics covered in this course:

I. Attorney/Investigator Relationship

A. Communication
B. Investigative Report – Authoring and Delivering
C. Role of the Investigator

II. Burden of Proof & Elements of the Crime

A. Elements
B. Lesser Included Offenses
C. Mens Rea and Actus Reus

III. Discovery

A. Items Included in Discovery
B. Obtaining Items Not Included in Discovery
C. Best Practices – Organizing Discovery

IV. Investigations

A. Witnesses
B. Interviewing Witnesses
C. Crime Scene Investigation
D. Evidence Preservation

V. Experts

A. Types of Expert Witnesses
B. The Role of Investigator in Expert Retention
C. Best Practices – Selecting an Expert
D. Best Practices – Working with Expert

VI. Crime Scene

A. Types of Crime Scenes
B. Method of Investigation
C. Crime Scene Documentation
D. Best Practices – Crime Scene Investigation and Evidence Preservation

Register for this Course

Length: 1 Hour or 2 Hours
Cost: $79.99 or $99.99
Virtual Course: Link Provided

Click the date and time of the course you want to attend. Fill in the required registration form and make a payment to secure your place.

You will receive an email confirmation with detailed instructions about the course, and when you will receive your virtual course link.

Classes are limited in size. There are no refunds if you fail to attend.

Class has been approved for 1.0 – 2.0 continuing education units by the Alabama Private Investigator Board.

Certificates are issued immediately upon attending and completing the course. Participants must stay for the duration of the course to receive the certificate.

Prices subject to change.

Thank you again for taking the time to present your class to us.

Essentials of Criminal Defense course offers considerable amount of effective information for private investigators focusing on criminal defense investigations.

Brenda W.

I can say your class was very informative without being overly informative. I have only been a licensed private investigator just under a year. I have over twenty years experience as a paralegal in criminal defense with some of that in civil. Most of my experience has been in Georgia, so I am learning Alabama law. I attribute the abilities I do have on my experience in and around the courtroom as a paralegal. However, I am a baby and I am eager to know all I need in order to help my attorney’s and our clients. Jenna and Marie are new completely to criminal investigations. Jenna is my daughter and Marie is my daughter in law. I have attempted to teach them all I know. However, I can only give what I have, so we are very receptive to learning from others and we appreciate you and all you have done in your teaching to guide us in a direction to success.

I wish you well in your endeavor on teaching others. You certainly have the talent for it.

Eric M.

Thank you again for taking your time yesterday to break down the importance of basic criminal investigations. Your teaching was very enlightening and your passion was evident throughout the entire session. There are so many areas of investigations that an investigator needs to be well versed in.

After your class, I realized there is still so much to learn. My goal is to be as knowledgeable as you.

Justin A.,

Justin A.

What Students are Saying

What Students are Saying