Criminal Defense Investigator

We are hiring an experienced, on-site Criminal Defense Investigator to serve as the lead investigative professional for our cases. This is not a back-office role — you will work shoulder-to-shoulder with our attorneys from intake through resolution, developing the facts, evidence, and witnesses that shape defense strategy and drive favorable outcomes for our clients.

The ideal candidate is a former law enforcement detective or seasoned criminal investigator who knows how cases are built — and therefore how they can be taken apart. You are equally comfortable canvassing a neighborhood for witnesses, dissecting a police report for procedural gaps, documenting a crime scene, and holding your own on the stand. Because you carry credibility, sound judgment, and (where licensed) a firearm, you will also serve as a trusted armed presence supporting the physical security of our office and personnel when needed.

Whiy this Role Stands Out

• Central to the mission. Your findings directly influence case strategy, plea negotiations, and trial outcomes — you are not a vendor, you are part of the team.
• Real ownership. You will lead the investigative function, build our standards, and have the autonomy to run your cases the right way.
• Variety and impact. Every case is different — from DUI and domestic violence to serious felonies and post-conviction work.
• Competitive pay + upside. A strong base salary, performance bonus potential, mileage reimbursement, and a full benefits package.
• A firm that values people. We invest in professional development and protect a culture built on integrity and mutual respect.

• Review case materials — client intake, police reports, arrest and charging documents, and all available discovery (statements, photos, video, forensic reports).
• Conduct preliminary client interviews to understand the facts, identify witnesses, locations, and evidence, and flag immediate needs such as bail hearings or emergency motions.
• Build a prioritized investigative plan for each case with clear tasks, timelines, and objectives, coordinated with the assigned attorney's legal strategy.

• Locate and interview defense witnesses, victims (where appropriate and permitted), bystanders, law enforcement personnel, and potential expert witnesses.
• Assess witness credibility, reliability, and bias — documenting consistency, potential motives, and strengths and weaknesses of each account.
• Prepare clear written interview summaries capturing date, time, location, participants, key statements, and relevant observations of demeanor.

• Visit and, when appropriate, re-visit crime scenes; document layout, lighting, visibility, and environmental conditions through photographs, measurements, and diagrams.
• Identify physical evidence and evidence that may have been overlooked, mishandled, or improperly collected.
• Coordinate with attorneys for legal authority to access locations and with forensic or digital-evidence experts when specialized analysis is required.

• Review and analyze police reports, witness statements, lineup procedures, and forensic materials (DNA, toxicology, fingerprints, digital evidence).
• Identify inconsistencies, omissions, procedural errors, and deviations from standard practice that create defense opportunities.
• Prepare summaries and annotations to support motion practice, plea negotiations, and trial preparation.

• Conduct lawful, ethical background checks and records searches — court files, DMV, criminal histories, and other public records.
• Obtain and organize medical, employment, and social-media records within legal and ethical boundaries; verify authenticity and store securely.

• Work directly with attorneys to develop defense theories, timelines, and chronologies, and to prepare witness outlines and exhibit lists.
• Assist with motions such as motions to suppress and discovery motions; provide regular updates on investigative progress and emerging risks.
• Serve subpoenas, coordinate witnesses, attend case-strategy meetings and court appearances, and testify regarding investigative findings when required.

• Conduct lawful, ethical surveillance and field investigations when authorized, with thorough documentation and respect for privacy and legal boundaries.
• Travel regularly within Maricopa County and, as cases require, statewide throughout Arizona for interviews, scene visits, court, and expert meetings.
• Adapt hours to trial schedules, urgent developments, and occasional evening or weekend court hearings.

• Serve as a trained, armed backup security presence for the firm's office, staff, and clients when needed — providing an added layer of safety in a practice that regularly interacts with high-stress situations and individuals.
• Exercise sound, de-escalation-first judgment at all times; any carry or protective response must comply fully with Arizona law and firm policy.
• Maintain the licensing, training, qualification, and insurance required to lawfully carry and to serve in this backup capacity.