Page 63 - CFDI Guide

THE CFDI REVIEW AND ANALYSIS

The purpose of Review and Analysis by the CFDI is more focused than the standard process for criminal

defense – the concentration includes specifics to Death and SBI investigations in criminal defense. This
section will cover the process in general for most types of felony Criminal Defense Investigations, with

additional sections to follow specific to focusing on the Official Investigations Reviews and Analysis
presented in prosecution discovery, Child Reviews and Analysis, Blunt and Sharp Force Trauma Reviews

and Analysis, Asphyxia Reviews and Analysis, and Gunshot Wound / Firearms Reviews and Analysis.

This process will ascertain the evidence, what the evidence tells and does not tell, and how the evidence
applies to criminal defense. This will then be directed to the defense team to apply and further develop

the defense strategy. If possible, as with all criminal defense discovery review and analysis, this is to be

completed before the onset of preliminary hearings to better prepare for all stages of the judicial process,
put the defendant in a better position, and work for dismissal of charges, plea negotiations, or strengthen
trial strategy. The following categories are the details the CFDI is focused on:

• Case Initiation
• Identification and Assessment of the Decedent / Victim

• Photographs, Videos, and Audio Evidence
• Description of the Scene

• Case Investigation

• Medical History
• Social History

• Evidence and Disposition

• Disposition of Body and Personal Effects
• Case Summary

The materials reviewed will not be in the order presented below. During the CFDI’s process, and in their
own reporting, this order or similar will be presented. Each section should have the applicable Who, What,
When, Where, Why, and How components. For specific common cases the CFDI may be involved in,

presented are specific recommendations in the categories of:
• Identification and Assessment of the Decedent / Victim

• Photographs, Videos, and Audio Evidence
• Case Investigation

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