Section 3.22 Investigation of Client

• Library: Criminal Practice 2012 Supp

D. (§3.22) Investigation of Client

A background check of the client—family, employment, medical, military—and of friends, witnesses, and codefendants may help form an interim or final opinion of the case.

A view of the client from the criminal record background is also important.

Present rules of discovery usually make this information available. In federal cases, this information is usually forthcoming at the “omnibus hearing,” regardless of whether the government is going to rely on prior convictions.

In...