De Jure Investigations
Criminal Defense Investigations
Strategic investigative analysis supporting attorneys and clients in criminal defense and complex evidentiary matters.
10 Years CA Licensed PI · 15 Years Criminal Defense
Dual-State Licensed (CA + WA)(818) 860-2492 — Call or Text
About
De Jure Investigations provides criminal defense investigation services to attorneys and private clients throughout Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, Santa Barbara, the Inland Empire, and surrounding California jurisdictions and counties. Statewide availability for serious felony and federal cases.Founded by Victoria D'Cotledge — a California-licensed private investigator with 10 years of PI experience and 15 years in criminal defense — the practice focuses exclusively on defense-side investigative work. Victoria also holds a Washington State Investigative Agency License and served as a King County (WA) Public Defense Investigator, bringing a dual-state perspective rare in the California market.De Jure Investigations works primarily with criminal defense counsel handling serious felonies, violent crimes, sex offenses, drug offenses, DUI/DWI defense, assault, domestic violence cases, fraud, and federal matters. Investigative work has supported attorneys appearing before the Los Angeles Superior Court, federal courts, and other California jurisdictions.The practice emphasizes lawful, ethical, and structured investigative methodology grounded in legal research, evidentiary analysis, and court-ready documentation.
Services
Investigative Analysis
Structured examination of information and evidence in criminal defense matters, including felonies, violent crimes, sex offenses, drug offenses, DUI/DWI, assault, domestic violence, fraud, and federal cases.
Witness & Client Interviews
Identification, location, and structured interviews of witnesses, clients, and confidential sources to clarify facts and develop evidentiary understanding.
Crime Scene Investigation
On-site investigation, photography, measurements, and documentation of crime scenes, incident locations, and physical evidence relevant to defense strategy.
Evidentiary & Documentation Review
Systematic review of discovery materials, police reports, forensic evidence, surveillance footage, and case documentation to identify inconsistencies, oversights, and defense opportunities.
Background & Credibility Research
Investigative research to identify relationships, financial patterns, witness credibility issues, and hidden connections relevant to case strategy.
Mitigation & Social History Research
Comprehensive background research to support sentencing mitigation, including family history, mental health, employment, education, and community ties.
Attorney Investigative Support
Investigative coordination and research supporting motion practice, suppression hearings, negotiation strategy, and trial preparation.
Professional Context
Victoria D'Cotledge is a California-licensed private investigator (CA PI License: PI 188372) with 10 years of PI practice and 15 years of criminal defense investigation experience across federal and state matters.She also holds a Washington State Investigative Agency License (No. 26008420) and served as a King County Public Defense Investigator, working alongside defense attorneys on felony, misdemeanor, and DUI/DWI cases.This dual-state experience provides a breadth of perspective uncommon among California investigators.Her professional background includes criminal defense evidentiary review, structured case analysis, witness development, investigative research, and litigation support for attorneys in both private practice and public defense systems.Prior professional work included service as a federal investigator with experience in security clearance investigations — providing an understanding of federal investigative methodology and standards.De Jure Investigations is based in Santa Clarita, California, and serves criminal defense attorneys throughout Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, Santa Barbara, the Inland Empire, and surrounding jurisdictions and counties. Statewide availability for serious felony and federal cases.
Professional standards
All investigative work is conducted lawfully, ethically, and with disciplined analytical methodology in compliance with the California Business and Professions Code governing private investigators.Victoria D'Cotledge carries professional liability insurance and delivers structured, court-ready documentation.De Jure Investigations provides investigative support and research services and does not provide legal advice or representation.
Contact
Confidential InquiryFor investigative services or general professional inquiries, please use the contact form below.
(818) 860-2492 - Call or Text
[email protected]
19141 Golden Valley Rd | Santa Clarita, CA 91387
CA PI License: PI 188372