Criminal Defense Investigation Services in Arizona
In a criminal case, the quality of the defense investigation can determine the outcome. Chris Hickman is a licensed Arizona private investigator with over 31 years of law enforcement experience — which means he has spent three decades understanding exactly how police build criminal cases, and exactly where those cases have weaknesses.
Lone Rock Investigations provides independent criminal defense investigation throughout Arizona, working with defense attorneys and defendants to locate witnesses, review evidence, identify inconsistencies, and produce court-ready documentation that supports the defense. Chris has served as a consultant on nationally televised cases including Fatal Attraction on the ID Network and CBS 48 Hours — bringing the same investigative depth to every Arizona defense case he takes.
Independent Investigation for the Defense
Police investigations are conducted on behalf of the state, with the goal of building a case for the prosecution. A defense PI investigates on behalf of the defendant — with the specific purpose of finding what the police missed, what was not pursued, and what supports an alternative account of the facts.
This is not about undermining law enforcement. It is about ensuring that the defendant receives a complete, fair investigation — not just the version of events that leads to a conviction. In Arizona, defendants have the right to independent investigation, and exercising that right through a licensed, experienced investigator is one of the most effective tools available to the defense.
Why Chris Hickman’s Law Enforcement Background Matters
Most private investigators come from one of two backgrounds: law enforcement or general investigation. What is less common is an investigator with over 31 years of active law enforcement experience who then crossed to the defense side — and that is exactly what Chris brings to every criminal defense case in Arizona.
He knows how police investigations are conducted because he conducted them. He knows how reports are written, how evidence is documented, how witnesses are interviewed, and where shortcuts are taken. He knows what a thorough investigation looks like — and he knows when one falls short.
That institutional knowledge, applied from the defense perspective, gives Chris a significant advantage in identifying what was missed, what was not followed up, and where the prosecution’s case may be vulnerable to challenge.
Why Chris Hickman’s Law Enforcement Background Matters
Most private investigators come from one of two backgrounds: law enforcement or general investigation. What is less common is an investigator with over 31 years of active law enforcement experience who then crossed to the defense side — and that is exactly what Chris brings to every criminal defense case in Arizona.
He knows how police investigations are conducted because he conducted them. He knows how reports are written, how evidence is documented, how witnesses are interviewed, and where shortcuts are taken. He knows what a thorough investigation looks like — and he knows when one falls short.
That institutional knowledge, applied from the defense perspective, gives Chris a significant advantage in identifying what was missed, what was not followed up, and where the prosecution’s case may be vulnerable to challenge.
What a Criminal Defense PI Does in Arizona
The specific work depends on the case, but criminal defense investigation in Arizona typically involves:
- Witness location and interviews — finding individuals who were not contacted during the original investigation, or re-interviewing those whose accounts may be incomplete
- Alibi investigation — independently verifying or establishing an alibi through records, surveillance footage, or witness accounts
- Scene investigation — visiting and documenting crime scenes to assess physical factors relevant to the defense — sightlines, distances, lighting, access points
- Evidence review — examining police reports, forensic documentation, and physical evidence for procedural errors, inconsistencies, or missing information
- Background investigation — researching witnesses, alleged victims, or other parties whose credibility or history is relevant to the defense
- Canvassing — conducting neighborhood and area interviews to locate individuals who may have observed relevant events but were not contacted by police
- Court-ready reporting — producing written documentation that meets legal standards and can be used directly by defense counsel in court
What Evidence Can a Defense PI Uncover?
The answer depends on the specifics of the case. In general, a defense investigator can pursue any avenue of investigation that is legal, ethical, and relevant. Common findings in Arizona defense cases include:
- Witnesses who were present but never interviewed by police
- Surveillance footage from businesses, traffic cameras, or residences in the area that was not requested or reviewed during the original investigation
- Inconsistencies between the official police report and the physical evidence at the scene
- Prior statements, credibility issues, or background information about prosecution witnesses
- Alibi witnesses or documentation that places the defendant elsewhere at the relevant time
- Physical evidence that was documented but not fully analyzed, or that contradicts the prosecution’s timeline
Everything Chris does is conducted within the law. Evidence obtained through illegal methods is inadmissible and harmful to the defense. Legal compliance is not a constraint — it is the foundation of effective defense investigation.
Working With Arizona Defense Attorneys
Chris works directly with criminal defense attorneys throughout Arizona, from the Phoenix metro area to Tucson, Flagstaff, and communities across the state. He understands the demands of legal timelines, the standards for admissible evidence, and the importance of producing documentation that is clean, organized, and immediately usable by counsel.
When engaged by an attorney, Chris coordinates directly with the legal team from the start. He follows the attorney’s direction on investigative priorities, delivers written updates as the investigation develops, and provides a final report in the format needed for the case.
Defense attorneys who need a reliable investigative resource — for a current case or as a standing partner for future cases — are welcome to contact Chris directly to discuss how he works and what he can bring to your practice.
Criminal Defense Investigation Across Arizona
Lone Rock Investigations serves criminal defense cases throughout Arizona. Primary areas include Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Tucson, Flagstaff, Prescott, and surrounding communities. Chris is licensed in both Arizona and Montana and can handle cases that cross state lines or involve proceedings in either jurisdiction.
For cases in rural Arizona or smaller communities, contact us to discuss coverage. Most Arizona locations are within our service area.
FAQ: Criminal Defense Investigation in Arizona
Can a private investigator help with a criminal defense case in Arizona?
Yes. A licensed PI can conduct independent investigation on behalf of the defendant and their attorney — locating witnesses, reviewing evidence, investigating alibis, canvassing scenes, and producing admissible written reports. Defense investigation is a legitimate and often essential component of a complete defense strategy in Arizona criminal cases.
When should a defense attorney bring in a PI?
As early as possible. The sooner an independent investigator begins, the better the chance of locating witnesses before memories fade, accessing surveillance footage before it is overwritten, and identifying evidence before it becomes unavailable. If charges have been filed or are anticipated, now is the right time to engage a defense investigator.
How does a defense PI coordinate with the attorney?
Chris works directly under the direction of defense counsel. He follows the attorney’s priorities, provides regular written updates as the investigation progresses, and delivers a final report in the format the attorney needs. All communication between Chris and the attorney is protected under the attorney-client relationship when he is engaged by counsel.
Is a defense PI's evidence admissible in Arizona court?
Yes, provided it is gathered legally. Chris conducts all investigations within Arizona law — no illegal surveillance, no unauthorized access to private records, no methods that would compromise the evidence or the case. All reports are prepared to legal documentation standards and are suitable for use in Arizona court proceedings.
How much does defense investigation cost in Arizona?
Cost depends on the scope of the case, the investigative hours required, and any associated expenses such as travel or database access. Chris provides transparent, upfront pricing before any work begins — no hidden fees and no surprise invoices. Contact us for a confidential consultation and a cost estimate based on your specific case.