San Diego, CA criminal defense attorney Sharon Appelbaum talks about the role strategy plays in managing an investigation. She explains that strategy is critically important, particularly in cases where trial is a likely outcome. Her firm approaches every matter with the possibility of trial in mind, especially for clients facing white-collar fraud or sexual misconduct allegations. Many of these clients are not interested in plea bargains because they maintain their innocence and there is evidence supporting their position. For clients seeking exoneration, the goal is to ensure their innocence is clearly demonstrated, making trial the most probable path.

From the outset, she and her team structure investigations and strategies with trial in mind. This involves deciding what information to protect, what can be used strategically, and what may be disclosed to the prosecution in a manner that could ultimately benefit the defense. She emphasizes that a firm experienced in trial advocacy considers these factors throughout the investigation, and this comprehensive approach is what sets her team apart.