Rather than just “getting through” to clients, we can focus on building a genuine connection and truly hearing what’s going on with them. To really help our clients, it requires their collaboration, and when clients feel involved and invested in their case, trust and cooperation follow—resulting in better outcomes for everyone involved.

Decoding database reports: A good investigator uses database details as pieces of a larger puzzle, verifying and cross-referencing each element to uncover accurate, actionable information. So, the next time you receive a database report, don’t hesitate to ask your PI for help interpreting it. With a bit of patience and know-how, those reports can lead to incredible insights—no tea leaves required. 🍃

The magic of the witness analysis report is that it combines all the areas of investigation you’ve uncovered and puts them into a single document. Looking at all of the information in one place helps you understand what’s really going on and find patterns of behavior or information. When we conduct these analyses on a victim or witness, the insights are often transformative.

Don't sleep on social media! Conduct social media investigations in EVERY case. When socials became mainstream, it was quickly every investigator's dream come true, saving us so much time. A large percentage of individuals have some form of social media. If you don't look, you're missing out.

Attorneys: Understanding and harnessing the full capabilities of private investigators can supercharge your legal work and boost your reputation in the field.

In every investigation, one rule stands above the rest: always visit the crime scene.

Before heading out, review the online materials—crime scene photos, diagrams, and police reports from the discovery packet.

These resources provide a good foundation, but they can't substitute for the insights gained from being on-site.

If you work in the legal field, you are working with traumatized people—your client, witnesses, accusers, and even you. All of us have experienced trauma in some form or fashion. It’s part of being a human.

Understanding how trauma affects people is crucial for effective and compassionate communication. That's what trauma-informed interviewing is all about. But what is it and why is it important?

“It’s a loser case.”

You might think the evidence is stacked against your client—caught on camera, a well-investigated federal case, a snitch's testimony, or even a confession. But here's the thing: deeming these cases as “unwinnable” could be a HUGE mistake.

You MUST investigate the investigation. Otherwise you’re buying into the police and prosecution narrative blindly. In criminal defense investigations, police records are among our most valuable resources and if you don’t have as many as you can get your hands on, you’re missing out on critical details. These records can shape our strategy, highlight discrepancies, and deepen our understanding of the case.

No matter the type of investigation, call for service reports or CAD (short for Computer-Aided Dispatch) reports are a powerhouse for getting details you can’t find elsewhere. These records are generally available to the public through the police records division and simple to request, making them an incredibly low risk, high reward investigative task.

We are thrilled to share the recent developments in the Christa Pike case. Christa, the only woman on Tennessee’s death row, has long endured the cruel and isolating conditions of solitary confinement. Thanks to the remarkable efforts of attorney Angela Bergman and the dedicated team at Bass Berry Sims, our client’s reality has shifted. This outcome is not only a victory for Christa but also an important statement on humane treatment within our criminal legal system.

You don't need a big budget or fancy equipment to create your own sentencing videos that speak volumes to decision makers. With some basic tools and a straightforward process, you can make videos that tell your client's story in a powerful way.

In serious criminal cases, it's crucial to present your client's life story in the most impactful way possible. Sentencing videos are a powerful tool to do just that—offering a vivid glimpse into your client's life and the support around them. Think of them like a mini-documentary about your client. 

Encountering dogs during investigations isn't merely a possibility. It's a given. And how we handle these encounters can influence not just our safety but also the success of our investigations. 

We’ve made a quick guide to managing those 4-legged encounters with care and maybe finding unexpected companionship along the way!

In our previous blog post, we showed you where to find potential private investigators. The next crucial step is vetting them to make sure they're the right fit for your case. Let’s look at the steps you can take to help you assess whether a PI can meet your high standards and specific needs.

Finding the right private investigator can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack—especially when you're looking for someone who aligns perfectly with your needs on a specific case. It's important to look beyond a basic Google search to find a qualified professional who can truly add value to your case. Here’s how you can find investigators in your jurisdiction that meet the high standards required for your case work.

Jury selection is a critical phase of the trial process where having a private investigator on hand can make a big difference. Here are a few ways an investigator can become an indispensable asset during jury selection, revealing information you might never have considered.

In criminal cases, the power of forensic evidence can’t be overstated. It has the potential to change lives, as it did for our client LaShanda Person. Imagine being charged for a crime you didn't commit, facing a death sentence you don't deserve….

This was LaShanda’s reality until her attorneys hired AK Investigations and our team stepped in. Her story is a powerful reminder of why we do what we do, and why investigators are such a critical part of a defense team.

In the realm of private investigations, attorney leadership is key to success. Here’s our 6-step quick guide for how to direct an investigation.

The right investigative tools are crucial for a solid case. When working with an investigator, not all deliverables are equal. Here are the top 5 work products you should request from your investigator.