https://libraryofdefense.ocdla.org/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=Blog%3AMain%2FThe_O%27Connor_Criminal_Case_Checklist 2026-06-12T09:08:50Z Revision history for this page on the wiki MediaWiki 1.19.24 https://libraryofdefense.ocdla.org/index.php?title=Blog:Main/The_O%27Connor_Criminal_Case_Checklist&diff=8237&oldid=prev 2012-12-21T00:27:48Z

<p>Importing text file</p> <p><b>New page</b></p><div>What follows is Chris O'Connor's checklist for organizing a criminal case. The checklist was prepared by Chris for the recent OCDLA New Lawyer's Conference.<br /> <br /> '''General Case Assessment'''<br /> <br /> * Charging document<br /> * Information v. Grand Jury<br /> * Police reports (do you have them all?)<br /> * Probable cause affidavits<br /> * Jail documents /Recog Reports<br /> <br /> '''Charges'''<br /> <br /> * Charging documents<br /> * Statutes<br /> ** Max sentences/fines?<br /> ** Demurrers appropriate?<br /> ** Diversion programs available?<br /> ** Codefendants?<br /> ** Types of pre-trial motions (suppression)<br /> ** Charges the DA missed<br /> <br /> '''Pre-indictment negotiation'''<br /> <br /> '''Conflict Check'''<br /> <br /> '''Location awareness'''<br /> <br /> * Google Map<br /> * Google Street View<br /> * Weather Conditions<br /> * Lighting<br /> <br /> '''Client Assessment'''<br /> <br /> * Language (interpreter needed?)Determine custody status<br /> * Determine custody status<br /> ** Release issues?<br /> ** Bail issues?<br /> * Phone<br /> * Address<br /> * Back up contact information<br /> * Other active cases<br /> ** Other cases in county?<br /> ** Other probation/parole/PPS matters?<br /> * Criminal history<br /> * Education status<br /> * Medical status<br /> * Military status<br /> * Immigration status<br /> * Mental Health status<br /> <br /> '''Initial Legal Review'''<br /> <br /> * Jurisdiction correct?<br /> * Demurrer needed<br /> * Statute of limitations<br /> * Speedy trial issues?<br /> * Motion to suppress?<br /> * Do any defenses need experts/notices/motions?<br /> * Can client aid and assist in own defense<br /> * Initial sentencing assessment<br /> ** Max/Min penalties<br /> ** Presumptive penalties<br /> ** Mandatory minimums<br /> ** Consecutive/concurrent<br /> ** Same/Separate criminal episodes?<br /> ** Special rules<br /> ** Upward departures<br /> <br /> '''Witness Assessment'''<br /> <br /> * Witness list<br /> * Any statements from witnesses?<br /> * Any additional witnesses?<br /> * Impeachment material<br /> ** Criminal history<br /> ** Other statements<br /> * Special subpoenas needed? (medical records)<br /> <br /> '''Gather Additional Information'''<br /> <br /> * Any follow-up police reports<br /> * BOEC/ 911/ dispatch recordings<br /> * MDT data terminal logs<br /> * Facebook / Myspace /social media<br /> * News articles<br /> * Visit the scene<br /> * Visit the evidence in evidence locker<br /> <br /> '''Make a Timeline of the Incident'''<br /> <br /> * Movements/Actions possible in the timeframe?<br /> * Match the witness statements?<br /> * Any witnesses that would take exception to the timeline?<br /> <br /> '''Client Consultation'''<br /> <br /> * Client informed of charges?<br /> * Copy of [redacted] police reports provided to Client?<br /> * Review exposure on each count<br /> * Double check with client all of the following:<br /> ** Immigration<br /> ** Criminal history<br /> ** Mental health<br /> ** Military history<br /> ** Collateral consequences<br /> *** School<br /> *** Employment<br /> *** Licensing<br /> *** Driver's license<br /> ** Client info on witnesses<br /> <br /> '''File Discovery Demand'''<br /> <br /> '''Request Witness List'''<br /> <br /> '''Request Impeachment Materials on State Witnesses'''<br /> <br /> '''Investigation'''<br /> <br /> * Investigation needed?<br /> * Investigation request.<br /> * Witness list<br /> * Visit scene with investigator<br /> * Subpoenas to defense witnesses<br /> * Investigator to gather:<br /> ** 911 calls / police data records / dispatch logs<br /> ** Witness statements<br /> * Investigator to prepare:<br /> ** Exhibits (maps, photos)<br /> ** Reports<br /> <br /> '''Restitution?'''<br /> <br /> * Determine amount asked for<br /> * Outside expert needed to value property?<br /> * Civil compromise appropriate?<br /> <br /> '''Experts'''<br /> <br /> * Forensic expert (test/weigh drugs)<br /> * Psychologist<br /> * Medical doctor<br /> * Psychopharmacologist (drug interactions)<br /> * Expert to value property or damage<br /> * Sentencing mitigation - drug and alcohol evaluation and amenability to treatment<br /> * Eyewitness identification<br /> <br /> '''File Requests For Funds From PDSC'''<br /> <br /> * get your experts and investigators their $<br /> <br /> '''File Special Notices'''<br /> <br /> * Mental health defenses?<br /> * Self-defense?<br /> * Contested diversion?<br /> <br /> '''Turn Over Reciprocal Discovery'''<br /> <br /> '''File Legal Challenges/Motions'''<br /> <br /> * Motion to suppress<br /> * Demurrer<br /> * Speedy trial motions<br /> * Challenges to client's criminal history<br /> <br /> '''Mitigation Preparation'''<br /> <br /> * Client employment history<br /> * Treatment amenability<br /> * Expert reports<br /> * Client have $ up front for restitution?<br /> * Witnesses to speak on behalf of client at sentencing<br /> <br /> '''Reassess Case'''<br /> <br /> * Review options with client<br /> * Any other material needed?<br /> * Client understand rights and trial options?<br /> * Discussion re ''Bench v. Jury''<br /> * Discussion re client testifying<br /> <br /> '''Reassess Trial'''<br /> <br /> * What facts are coming into trial<br /> * Facts beyond change<br /> * What evidence can be suppressed/ excluded<br /> * Finalize motions in limine/ motions to suppress<br /> ** What exhibits will be in trial<br /> ** What witnesses will actually appear<br /> *** Client testifying?<br /> <br /> '''Negotiations / Alternate Resolutions'''<br /> <br /> * DA have witness statements or discovery you gathered?<br /> * Requested offer?<br /> * Reviewed offer with client?<br /> * Counteroffers?<br /> * Civil compromise possible/allowed?<br /> * Has client contemplated:<br /> ** Immigration<br /> ** Emigration<br /> ** Expungments<br /> ** Collateral consequences<br /> <br /> '''Plea Preparation'''<br /> <br /> * Got an offer on each count?<br /> * Reviewed paperwork with client?<br /> * Filled out appeal form<br /> * Sentencing mitigation materials<br /> ** Letters of reference<br /> ** Witnesses<br /> ** Job information<br /> ** Financial<br /> <br /> '''Trial Materials Preparation'''<br /> <br /> * Jury Instructions<br /> * Exhibits<br /> * Witness list<br /> * Motions in limine<br /> * Legal Resources<br /> * Jury instruction book<br /> * Evidence by Kirkpatrick<br /> ** Criminal Code<br /> ** Vehicle Code<br /> * Exhibits<br /> ** Audio player<br /> ** Video player<br /> * Interpreters<br /> <br /> '''Closing Materials'''<br /> <br /> * Closing letter<br /> * File appeal<br /> * Close file<br /> {{wl-publish: 2011-01-31 21:00:00 -0800 | abassos }}</div>

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