Do you have evidence?

For most people, the job of a private investigator or detective is only known to them from shows like, Magnum P.I., or if you are older,  my mom’s favorite, The Rockford Files.  

For me, the job entails reviewing facts that are already available, re-interviewing previous witnesses, and locating additional witnesses and evidence.  Court cases, regardless of criminal or civil, are won by the truth.  They are won by presenting the best evidence available to the jurors, and judges.  Our judicial system is built on fair and equal representation protected under the Bill of Rights. 

Evidence, comes in four categories.  The first most generally understood is real or tangible evidence, such as a weapon left at the scene.  The second is demonstrative evidence which is a model of what most likely occurred.  The third is documentary evidence which deals with, you guessed it documents.  The last is testimonial evidence or witness testimony.  

A private investigator has the responsibility of looking at what is there, and more importantly, what was left out.  A client must understand that a good investigator will find the facts, not find facts that are slanted the direction the client desires.  

In the most recent high profile case in Honolulu, the tangible evidence played a smaller role that the testimonial evidence.  Witnesses, especially eye witnesses often play critical roles in the course of justice.  Find the evidence and you may find a truth that has yet to be uncovered.