California Criminal Defense Investigation Services

The Investigative Group provides criminal-defense investigation services for attorneys and their clients throughout California, with particularly deep experience in Sacramento and Northern California.

A defense investigation should examine facts objectively, develop and verify information for counsel, and document work carefully. Our licensed investigators assist with witness development, locates, scene inquiries, timelines, discovery-related follow-up, mitigation, and other lawful investigative assignments.

Attorneys may call 916.934.4736 or request a confidential consultation.

California Criminal Defense Investigation Services

  • Witness identification and interviews: Locating people with relevant knowledge, conducting structured interviews, and obtaining statements when appropriate.
  • Scene investigation: Documenting locations, sight lines, lighting, distances, access points, camera locations, and other physical conditions.
  • Timeline development: Comparing reports, records, witness accounts, photographs, and other sources to identify conflicts and unanswered questions.
  • Discovery follow-up: Working from counsel’s review of reports and discovery to pursue defined factual leads.
  • Background research: Lawful research relevant to witness identity, potential bias, motive, credibility issues, affiliations, or ability to observe.
  • Video and record-source inquiries: Identifying potential surveillance systems, photographs, business records, and other sources for counsel to evaluate or preserve.
  • Locate investigations: Finding witnesses and documenting reasonable efforts when a person is difficult to locate.
  • Mitigation and social-history investigation: Developing records, witnesses, and background information requested by defense counsel.

A Focused, Attorney-Directed Investigation

The investigator’s role is not to assume guilt or innocence and never to promise a particular result. The work should test facts, identify additional sources, preserve useful information, and help counsel make informed strategic decisions.

We coordinate with the legal team regarding the assignment, deadlines, priority leads, contact restrictions, reporting format, budget authorization, and urgent developments. Investigators should avoid contaminating witness recollections, making improper promises, or contacting represented parties without counsel’s direction.

Why Early Investigation Can Matter

Video can be overwritten, memories can change, physical conditions may be altered, and witnesses can become difficult to locate. When counsel identifies a legitimate preservation or investigative need, timely action may protect information that would otherwise be unavailable later.

Early involvement does not mean pursuing every possible lead. A disciplined plan prioritizes the questions most likely to affect counsel’s evaluation of the case.

Experienced Investigative Leadership

TIG is led by Erik Farahmand, a California licensed private investigator and qualified manager who retired after more than two decades in law enforcement. His experience includes service as a police officer, investigator, detective, supervisor, and county-level Program Manager overseeing enforcement and customer-service divisions.

  • California Private Investigator License #188844
  • Experience working with attorneys and sensitive legal matters
  • Objective reports distinguishing observations, source statements, records, and unverified information
  • Direct communication and clearly defined authorization
  • Statewide service with deep Sacramento and Northern California experience

Frequently Asked Questions

Should a defendant hire an investigator directly?
If you already have an attorney, consult that attorney first. Counsel may want to define the assignment and retain the investigator directly.

Can an investigator guarantee that charges will be dismissed?
No. An ethical investigator cannot guarantee a legal outcome. The investigator develops and documents facts for counsel to assess.

Can you interview a witness who already spoke with police?
Potentially, when the contact is lawful and authorized by counsel. The approach should avoid suggestion, pressure, promises, or contamination of the witness’s recollection.

Where do you provide criminal-defense investigation services?
TIG serves attorneys and clients throughout California, including Sacramento, Folsom, Roseville, El Dorado Hills, Placer County, El Dorado County, and surrounding Northern California communities.

How are criminal-defense investigations priced?
Rates depend on the assignment, hours, urgency, travel, records, and complexity. Review our California investigation cost guide.

Related Resources

Read how a private investigator can assist a civil or criminal case, review our guide to hiring a California private investigator, or explore our Sacramento private investigator services.

Request a Confidential Attorney Consultation

Contact TIG to discuss the known facts, deadlines, discovery, witnesses, and an appropriate first investigative step.

Phone: 916.934.4736
California PI License: #188844
Consultation: Contact The Investigative Group

CA PI #188844

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Get in Touch

The Investigative Group
5000 Windplay Dr. Ste. 3-101
El Dorado Hills, CA, 95762

ph: 916.934.4736
Info@InvestigativeGroup.com

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