The Justice Administrative Commission - JAC

Understanding the Justice Administrative Commission (JAC)

Florida's Justice Administrative Commission administers funding and payment for specified court-appointed legal services, which may include approved investigative work in eligible cases. It does not hire an investigator for a defendant directly.

What is the Justice Administrative Commission?

Court-appointed counsel identifies the investigative need, follows current court and JAC procedures and directs the investigation. Eligibility, authorization, rates and documentation depend on the appointment and current requirements.

How to Secure Our Investigative Services

Securing our investigative services through the JAC involves a straightforward process:

1. Retaining Our Services: Your attorney will start by retaining our services. We'll work closely with your lawyer to understand your case and determine the type of investigative work needed.
2. Funding Process: Counsel follows the applicable process for authorization and funding where required.
3. Scope Confirmation: Work begins after the engagement, billing requirements and approved scope are clear.
4. Investigation: The assignment may involve witnesses, records, scene work or mitigation, depending on counsel's instructions.
5. Reporting: We compile our findings into detailed reports and deliver them to your attorney, ensuring the information is clear and useful.

Working with Your Counsel

Collaboration between Roberts Investigative Services and your legal counsel is key to building a strong defense. Here's how we work together to support your case:

• Evidence Collection : We gather and verify evidence that supports your defense, making sure it stands up to scrutiny.
• Witness Interviews : Our team conducts thorough interviews with witnesses to obtain critical statements for your case.
• Surveillance : We perform surveillance to gather real-time data that could be essential for your defense.
• Expert Testimony : When needed, our investigators can provide expert testimony to bolster your defense strategy.

Indigent For Cost (IFC)

For those who qualify as Indigent For Cost (IFC), the JAC ensures that you have access to the legal and investigative resources necessary for your defense. The IFC program is designed to help individuals who cannot afford these costs. Here’s how it works:

1. Qualifying for IFC : Defendants must demonstrate financial need to qualify for IFC status, which involves a thorough review of income and assets.

2. Application Process : Your attorney will help you apply for IFC status and submit the necessary documents to the JAC.

3. Approval and Funding : Once you’re approved, the JAC allocates funds to cover the costs of your defense, including investigative services.

4. Accessing Services : With IFC status, you’ll have access to our full range of investigative services at Roberts Investigative Services, ensuring that financial constraints don’t compromise your defense.

For more details on the Indigent For Cost program, please visit the Justice Administrative Commission's IFC page.

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Defendants should ask their appointed attorney whether independent investigation is needed. Counsel may contact Roberts Investigative Services to discuss availability, scope and current JAC billing requirements.

If this is where you are right now, we can help with how we work with the JAC, criminal defense investigation and attorneys we support.