Attorney-directed case review

Find the leverage before the case moves further.

The Initial Case Scan is a focused outside review for serious felony defense files when counsel needs a faster read on plea leverage, motion possibilities, investigative gaps, and weaknesses in the State's theory.

Start with a free case-fit call. If the file fits, I help identify what matters, what may be overstated, and what deserves attention before the next negotiation, motion deadline, or trial-preparation decision.

Built for defense attorneys. Former homicide detective. No obligation on the call.

Serious felony files Homicide and death cases Time-saving triage Plea and motion leverage Client-funded case prep

What the Initial Case Scan is for

It is a practical first pass for counsel who needs to know where the file is vulnerable, where the State may be overstating the evidence, and what issues may create leverage.

The scan should help answer: what matters now, what may be missing, what could support negotiation or motion strategy, and whether deeper review is worth the time and expense.

It also fits the way many defense firms already budget serious cases: outside investigative review can be included as a routine case-preparation line item at acquisition, subject to the firm's engagement terms and billing practices.

Good fit

  • Reports and discovery that need fast triage
  • Messy chronology or unclear timeline
  • Homicide, overdose death, violent felony, or serious felony files
  • Plea negotiations where counsel wants stronger factual leverage
  • Cases where potential motions, gaps, or neglected investigative actions need to be spotted quickly

Built to save attorney time early

The scan is designed to catch the practical issues before the case gets more expensive: negotiation leverage, motion paths, neglected investigative steps, unsupported assumptions, and weaknesses that may be buried in the reports.

For firms that use outside review regularly, this can become a predictable case-preparation item discussed at intake instead of an unplanned expense later.

Intake-budget friendly

Many firms add investigative review as a routine line item in the case-preparation budget and pass that cost through to the client where appropriate. That lets counsel get a second investigative read without eating the time or cost personally.

What I look for on the first pass

Leverage points

Facts that may help plea negotiations, expose weak assumptions, or change how counsel frames the next conversation with the State.

Motion possibilities

Search issues, statement issues, identification concerns, discovery problems, and other areas counsel may want to evaluate for motion practice.

Gaps and overstatements

Neglected investigative steps, missing records, unsupported conclusions, timeline problems, and places where reports may overstate what the evidence proves.

Simple process

1. Free call

Talk through the case posture and whether a scan makes sense.

2. Core materials

Counsel sends the reports, key discovery, and immediate deadlines most likely to drive the next decision.

3. First pass

I review for leverage, motion possibilities, gaps, overstatements, and neglected investigative actions.

4. Decide next move

Counsel gets a clearer view of what may help negotiation, motion strategy, or targeted follow-up.

Not sure if the file fits?

Book the free call. If the case is not a fit for an Initial Case Scan, I can tell you quickly and point you toward a better next step.

Book a Free Call