Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

public defender investigator

I just found out that the investigator for the public defender lied about not being able to interview a crucial witness. I just talked to the witness and he actually called them to help me and they didn't call him back and the investigator filed a report that wasn' t at all true ie. he went and some guy wouldn't talk to him and he left. According to my witness, noone every came to talk to him and he was beyond appalled. What recourse do I have??? Is this what the tax payers are paying for?


Asked on 6/18/09, 3:30 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

Re: public defender investigator

I'm surprised to learn that public defenders even pretend to send investigators. I thought all they did was sell guilty pleas to defendants.

I guess you get what you pay for.

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Answered on 6/18/09, 3:37 pm
Brian Dinday Law Offices of Brian R. Dinday

Re: public defender investigator

If that is in fact what happened, yes, that is appalling. But the LEGAL issue is this: would that witness have cleared you? You don't say. If not, then the lack of diligence and honesty to you did not hurt you, did it?

And I do not concur with sarcastic comments about the Public Defenders. They do a tremendous job, but are unfairly overworked. The best private lawyer in California could not do a good job with 200 cases on his desk.

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Answered on 6/18/09, 4:47 pm


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