A Pre-File Investigation is when a criminal defense investigator investigates allegations of criminal conduct before the filing of formal charges. The purpose is to collect exculpatory evidence to present to the prosecuting agency to avoid charges from ever being filed. In the alternative, the result of the investigation could compel the prosecuting agency to file lesser charges.

Examples of Pre-File Investigations include:

1. A criminal defense investigator questions unidentified witnesses present during an altercation and locates corroborating video surveillance footage disproving alleged facts

2. A criminal defense investigator inspects the scene of the crime and documents a critical element at the scene that disproves an element of the alleged offense

While every case is different, it is favorable for you to hire a Criminal Defense Investigator to conduct a pre-file investigation. It is also beneficial to begin the investigative process as early as possible.