Criminal Defense

Although we have been hired to work on various cases because of our investigative instincts, experience, and identifiable expertise, our Investigators and Mitigation Consultants focus a lot on Criminal Defense and Post-Conviction Relief (PCR) Investigation. Regardless of the fact pattern, we will give you our best throughout every phase of the investigative process.

Our Agency Principal, Private Investigator, and Mitigation Consultant is Shane Harrington, PhD (WA 3828). Having worked throughout the Pacific Northwest, Attorneys have hired Investigator Harrington to analyze some of the most challenging and complex cases as they prepare for Trial; attempt to identify, locate, and secure new evidence when seeking PCR; or mitigate for a Client when their story needs to be told. Investigator Harrington's experience conducting interviews and preparing mitigation packages for violent criminal cases comprises this Agency's foundation.

Shawnna Morris (WA 4828), our lead Criminal Defense Investigator in Eastern Washington, is based in the Tri-Cities area. Investigator Morris works diligently to provide what is needed for every case. Her reliability and unceasing desire to serve her Clients is remarkable, and inevitably, Investigator Morris has become one of the most relevant and insightful investigators practicing today. It is an honor to know her, to work with her, and to have her as an essential part of our Investigative Team. Many of the Attorneys she works with say the same.

The most recent addition to our Investigative Team is Joshua Martin (WA 23021483), who lives in and works in Western Washington. Investigator Martin specializes in identifying, locating, retrieving, and synthesizing the various forms of evidence we are expected to secure, analyze, and provide to the multiple stakeholders in legal cases. He also conducts surveillance operations and serves legal documents. His well-developed expertise has provided significant insight as Investigator Martin endeavors to increase his working knowledge and expand his interview skills in criminal defense investigation.

Knowing this, it is essential to realize that comprehensive, thorough investigations and formulating strategic mitigation packages take time. Especially cases involving allegations of violent crime. In these cases, many Law Enforcement Officers, Witnesses, Experts, and Alleged Victims (s), their families, friends, etc., may need to be researched thoroughly, located, and eventually interviewed. In some situations, exculpatory evidence may be sought, found, preserved, and submitted to the Court via the Attorney-of-Record.

Please understand that the most beneficial remedies often occur in an investigation when we have exhausted all or most of the other identifiable possibilities. There is simply no way around it, with many factors, foreseen and unforeseen, impacting the outcome. And while many of our Clients seek a rapid resolution of their legal situation, it may not be probable, ideal, or remotely realistic.

This is why we ask for the time necessary to conduct a competent, thorough, and potentially exhaustive investigation, understanding that no one can guarantee its result. 

The only promise an Investigator can legitimately make is that they will pledge to do everything they are legally able to do, within reason, to help a Client favorably resolve their legal matter. Knowing this, an experienced, competent Attorney will determine the best course of action after thoroughly processing and analyzing the investigative findings.

The rule is that an Attorney will ultimately determine the defense strategy and coordinate the case flow. The Attorney will work directly with the Investigator. Although an Investigator may be involved in preparing a case for Trial, it is solely the Attorney's responsibility to provide legal advice, never the Investigator's. 

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Identifying and knowing what to do and, most importantly, what not to do is one of the many reasons why Harrington Investigations has become a premier, professional Private Investigator Agency. Trust that our Investigators will not quit or fail; if something is to be found that will help you, they are unceasingly committed to finding it under the Attorney's direction.

Most of the criminal cases assigned to our investigators include violent crime allegations. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), violent crime comprises murder, non-negligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault, followed by property crimes of burglary, larceny theft, and motor vehicle theft. Violent crimes are defined by the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program as those offenses that involve force or the threat of force. 

Some of the additional criminal cases investigated have included charges of theft, sodomy, reckless driving, negligent driving, physical control, shoplifting, driving under the influence (DUI), fraud, simple assault, no-contact order violations, identity theft, child molestation, kidnapping, animal cruelty, malicious mischief, sex trafficking, firearm possession, interfering with a health care facility, and harassment with threats to kill.​

If you require an experienced Private Investigator, Surveillance Operator, Mitigation Specialist, or Consultant, please contact us at (360) 499-2405 or shane@harringtonpi.com.

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