Criminal Defense Investigations
Elizabeth L. Cook, Senior Investigator
After thirteen years as a criminal and civil litigation attorney, Elizabeth has returned to her roots in Criminal Justice by joining BSA as a Senior Investigator focusing on Criminal Investigations. She has developed a solid reputation for providing in-depth criminal defense investigations, including crime scene management analysis, crime scene documentation review, law enforcement report analysis, forensic evidence review, witness location and interviews, and forensic interview review. She also reviews pathology issues including time of death, cause of death, and gunshot wound evidence. Elizabeth's in-depth review of cases allows her to approach witness interviews in each case fully armed with not only the information already known to law enforcement, but a firm grasp of what the defense wants to know and how to go about finding it. Her experience in Criminal Defense litigation, from DUI defense to General Sessions to PCR's in murder and trafficking cases, has provided her with a unique understanding of the needs and issues facing criminal defense attorneys in today's courts.
We offer competitive rates and work within Commission on Indigent Defense regulations for appointed cases. Choose a defense investigator who has not only law enforcement experience, but experience walking in the attorney's shoes, as well.
Our staff includes three additional experienced Private Investigators in Lexington SC and Columbia SC. All Byrd, Stillinger & Associates Investigators are SLED-registered and insured, and regularly attend continuing education training to maintain the highest standards and ensure that we employ the most state-of-the-art techniques for our clients.
Why should you hire a PI to assist with your criminal cases?
SC Case Law
December 2008 - Ineffective assistance of counsel - failure to investigate.
"Petitioner argues that trial counsel was ineffective for failing to adequately prepare for petitioner’s trial, especially given the fact that counsel had ample notice this was an LWOP case. We agree. A criminal defense attorney has a duty to perform a reasonable investigation. "
March 2007- Ineffective assistance of counsel - failure to investigate.
“...at a minimum, counsel has the duty to interview potential witnesses and to make an independent investigation of the facts and circumstances of the case.” Troedel v. Wainwright, 667 F.Supp. 1456, 1461 (S.D.Fla. 1986), aff’d, 828 F.2d 670 (11th Cir. 1987) (emphasis in original).
April 2004 - Ineffective assistance of counsel - failure to investigate.
"Defense counsel could have easily discovered this ... evidence prior to trial but failed to do so."
Elizabeth’s BIO:
Registered Private Investigator
Criminal and Civil Investigations
Juris Doctor, University of South Carolina School of Law
Master of Public Administration, University of South Carolina
Bachelor of Science – Criminal Justice, University of South Carolina
Board of Trustees, Youth H.O.P.E. Foundation
Member, Richland County Bar Association Public Service Committee
Member, SC Workers' Compensation Educational Association
Member, SC Women Lawyers' Association
Member, American Mensa
Former certified law enforcement officer
Former civil and criminal litigator
Member of SC Bar since 1995*
2009-10 Continuing Legal Education Seminars Committee
2009-10 Continuing Legal Education Publications Committee
Testimonials
Byrd, Stillinger & Associates assisted me in a very important case. The investigator, Elizabeth Cook, was professional, reliable and ethical. I felt that she was interested in the case and could also look at things from a lawyer's perspective as well as an investigator's.
Approximate Caseload distribution (2008-2010)
| Murder/Manslaughter | 35% |
| ABIK/ABHAN/AWIK | 20% |
| Armed Robbery/Burglary | 20% |
| CSC | 15% |
| Other | 10% |
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