Jody Ahrens

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Criminal Defense Investigator specializing in homicide and other Grade 4 felonies, with emphasis on reviewing law-enforcement investigations and locating, interviewing, and assessing witnesses. Employed continuously in criminal defense investigations since 2003; licensed California Private Investigator since 2021. Experienced in complex felony litigation support, evidence review, and coordination with court-appointed and private counsel throughout Los Angeles County and surrounding jurisdictions.

LICENSING & CERTIFICATIONS

• California Private Investigator / Qualified Manager – PI-189212

• Graduate, California Defense Investigators Training Academy

• Advanced Homicide Defense Training, California Attorneys for Criminal

Justice

CRIMINAL DEFENSE EXPERIENCE

Roberts & Roberts, Attorneys at Law – Los Angeles, CA

In-House Criminal Defense Investigator (2003 – 2021)

• Conducted investigative support for felony and misdemeanor cases,

including homicide, assault, and gang-related prosecutions.

• Interviewed clients, witnesses, and victims; prepared written summaries for attorney review.

• Assisted with evidence analysis, scene documentation, and jury-preparation materials.

• Worked closely with trial counsel to locate exculpatory evidence and develop alternative defense theories.

Platt College – Anaheim, CA

Adjunct Instructor, Criminal Justice (2016 – Present)

• Teaches coursework in criminal procedure, evidence, and investigative methods.

• Provides practical instruction drawn from field experience in homicide and felony defense investigations.

Pretrial Investigations – Los Angeles, CA

Criminal Defense Investigator (2021 – Present)

• Conducts homicide and major-felony investigations for retained and appointed counsel.

• Reviews police reports, discovery, and forensic evidence to identify inconsistencies and impeachment material.

• Locates, interviews, and obtains statements from civilian and law-enforcement witnesses.

• Prepares comprehensive defense reports, timelines, and trial exhibits for courtroom use.

• Coordinates with experts, mitigation specialists, and attorneys to develop

defense strategy.

MCLE INSTRUCTION

Continuing Legal Education Instructor – Alternative Sentencing in Criminal Cases

Develops and presents MCLE-accredited training for attorneys and defense

investigators focusing on sentencing alternatives, mitigation strategies, and community-based rehabilitation programs.

EDUCATION

• A.A. – Coastline Community College

• B.A. – University of North Dakota, Magna Cum Laude

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

California Defense Investigators Association • California Attorneys for Criminal Justice

• California Public Defender’s Association • Los Angeles County Criminal Courts Bar Association

• California Association of

Licensed Investigators