Diane Hernandez
Orlando,Florida
Summary
Motivated professional with extensive experience in state and federal investigations. Demonstrates strong problem-solving skills and a proven ability to build effective relationships with clients and team members. Committed to supporting team success and driving positive outcomes.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Criminal Defense Investigator
Law Office of Robert Wesley Public Defender Ninth Judicial Circuit
01.2021 - 01.2025
- Conducted investigations for criminal cases in preparation for trial which include locating, retrieving, reviewing and analyzing factual materials and records.
- Locate and interview potential witnesses to assist in building a defense theory. Including family members, law enforcement officials, teachers, neighbors, and businesses.
- Perform background checks through online research utilizing private and public database
- Train and manage interns from the University of Central Florida on investigative skills
- Lead investigator on high profile criminal cases
Investigator
Federal Public Defender Middle District of Florida
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Covered Federal jurisdiction cases in Orange County, FL.
- Traveled to conduct face-to-face interviews with clients, family, neighbors and friends.
- Gathered and reviewed in-depth confidential records for mitigation purposes.
- Facilitated relationships within community and housing programs.
- Prepared over 100 detailed and factual mitigation reports for Court sentencing.
- Scheduled evaluations with expert professionals within various industries.
Criminal Defense Investigator
Law Office of Robert Wesley Public Defender Ninth Judicial Circuit
01.2013 - 01.2019
- Conducted over 2,000 criminal defense investigations from arrest to post-convictions in felony, misdemeanor and traffic cases.
- Retrieved and reviewed surveillance videos for over 300 cases, some of which resulted in nolle prosequi.
- Planned and created strategies on capital cases involving murders, drug trafficking, sex crimes of which the outcome were downgrade charges or lesser sentences.
- Prepared accurate reports containing findings and conclusions.
- Work closely with attorneys and mental health staff as lead investigator on death penalty and capital cases.
- Extensive and ongoing training participation regarding death penalty and mental health mitigation. Maintain accurate confidential client files and reports.
Criminal Defense Investigator
Law Office of Robert Wesley Public Defender Ninth Judicial Circuit
01.2004 - 01.2007
- Maintained accurate confidential client files and reports
- Preserved numerous files and organized a variety of photographic and demonstrative aids.
- Conducted service of process and testified in court.
- Built relationships within local and State agencies to facilitate access to witnesses and records.
Investigator
Legal Aid Society New York
01.2013
- Canvassed crime scenes for evidence such as: surveillance video and witnesses.
- Collaborated with attorneys in studying and analyzing discovery along with confidential files in preparation for trial defense.
- Conducted internet research on numerous social media websites such as: Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL05-2003
Skills
- Microsoft Word
- Communication
- Critical thinking
- Analytical
- Organization
- Task prioritization
- Multitasking Abilities
- MS office
- Public speaking
- Relationship building
Languages
Spanish
Limited
Certification
- Criminal Board Certified Criminal Defense Investigator
Crime Scene Investigation Academy
Timeline
Criminal Defense Investigator
Law Office of Robert Wesley Public Defender Ninth Judicial Circuit
01.2021 - 01.2025
Investigator
Federal Public Defender Middle District of Florida
01.2019 - 01.2021
Criminal Defense Investigator
Law Office of Robert Wesley Public Defender Ninth Judicial Circuit
01.2013 - 01.2019
Investigator
Legal Aid Society New York
01.2013
Criminal Defense Investigator
Law Office of Robert Wesley Public Defender Ninth Judicial Circuit
01.2004 - 01.2007
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
University of Central Florida