Why Is It Good to Hire a Defense Attorney That Works With Private Investigators

Understanding Why Investigators Matter in Criminal Defense

When you hire a criminal defense attorney in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, one of the strongest signs that the lawyer truly understands how to build a real defense is whether they work with qualified private investigators. Experienced defense teams—such as Attorney Michael Kotik, Attorney Amato Sanita, and SKA Law Group—use investigators because the prosecution’s version of events is rarely the full truth.

Under both Pennsylvania and New Jersey law, the prosecution must turn over discovery, which usually includes police reports, officer statements, lab results, body-camera footage (when available), and witness statements. But discovery only reflects the evidence the State or Commonwealth chose to collect and what they believe supports probable cause. It does not include all potential evidence, nor does it guarantee that the information presented is complete or accurate.

Many attorneys rely only on these materials. Stronger defense attorneys do not.

Why Relying Only on Discovery Is Dangerous

Discovery is essential, but it represents one side of the story. Police do not always interview every witness, request every available camera angle, or investigate alternative explanations for what happened. Officers also make mistakes, and sometimes witnesses misremember, exaggerate, or contradict themselves over time.

Criminal defense investigators help fill these gaps by independently examining the facts. This supports the defendant’s constitutional right to a fair trial and ensures the defense is not restricted to the prosecution’s narrative.

How Private Investigators Strengthen a Criminal Case Defense

Private investigators are trained to find and analyze evidence that may never appear in the prosecutor’s file. Their work often reveals information that challenges the government’s claims.

Common tasks investigators perform include:

• Interviewing Witnesses the Police Never Spoke To

Investigators can identify new witnesses, revisit original witnesses, and uncover statements that contradict or weaken the prosecution’s timeline.

• Obtaining and Preserving Surveillance Footage

Businesses often overwrite video within days. Investigators act quickly, which can be crucial in Pennsylvania and New Jersey where courts expect timely preservation requests.

• Visiting and Reconstructing the Scene

Measuring distances, lighting conditions, visibility, traffic patterns, or obstacles can expose errors in police assumptions.

• Reviewing Police Conduct and Officer Histories

Investigators can search public records, prior lawsuits, and disciplinary findings that may reveal credibility issues or patterns of misconduct.

• Analyzing Timelines and Physical Evidence

Investigators look for inconsistencies between body-camera footage, 911 calls, phone records, witness statements, and police reports.

• Locating Impeachment Evidence

If a witness has a motive to lie, prior criminal history, inconsistent statements, or a relationship with another witness, investigators can uncover it.

In both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, courts recognize the importance of effective investigation. The U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly held that defense counsel must conduct a reasonable investigation or make strategic decisions based on informed judgment (e.g., Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668). Strong investigative work supports that requirement.

When a Private Investigator’s Findings Change the Outcome

Often, the defense discovers facts that significantly differ from what the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or the State of New Jersey claims. Examples seen commonly in criminal practice include:

• Witnesses who recant or soften their statements

• Surveillance footage showing the defendant did not commit the act

• Evidence that suggests someone else may be responsible

• Police reports that omit critical details favorable to the accused

• Inconsistencies between multiple officer reports or witness narratives

The prosecution’s role is to build a case.
The defense attorney’s role is to challenge that case.
A private investigator provides the tools to do exactly that.

Different Types of Investigators Used in Criminal Defense

Private investigators supporting criminal defense work may include:

• Independent licensed investigators who contract case-by-case

• Former police detectives who understand investigative procedures

• Specialized agencies with forensic, digital, or surveillance expertise

• In-house investigators who work directly within a law firm

At SKA Law Group, the legal team—including Attorney Michael Kotik and Attorney Amato Sanita—works with investigators regularly to build comprehensive, fact-based defenses for clients throughout Pennsylvania Counties (Bucks, Montgomery, Delaware) and New Jersey.

How Investigators Protect Your Rights and Future

A skilled investigator can be the difference between conviction and dismissal, especially in cases involving:

• Assault charges

• Weapons offenses

• Drug possession or distribution

• DUI with disputed evidence

• Sex offense allegations

• Domestic violence cases

• Theft and property crimes

In both PA and NJ, many criminal charges rely heavily on witness credibility and officer testimony. Investigators can break down those assumptions and uncover the evidence needed to challenge probable cause, impeach witnesses, or support suppression motions.

Speak With SKA Law Group About Whether Your Case Needs an Investigator

If you are facing criminal charges, you deserve a defense team that does more than read the prosecution’s discovery. You deserve a team that actively builds your defense through independent investigation.

SKA Law Group will review your case, explain whether a private investigator is needed, and determine the strongest strategy for protecting your rights and future.