Sandra Keys
East Amherst,NY
Summary
Accomplished Chief Legal Investigator with a proven track record at East Baton Rouge City-Parish, excelling in legal research and ethical practices. Enhanced trial preparation processes, significantly improving case outcomes. Skilled in technology, with a knack for detailed report writing and witness interviews, ensuring comprehensive support to prosecutors and justice delivery.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Legal Investigator
East Baton Rouge City-Parish
04.2023 - 07.2024
- Supervise and train two junior investigators to help prosecutors in trial preparation, and to help them build confidence in the completion of their assigned duties.
- Secondary duties remain the same as before promotion.
Legal Investigator
East Baton Rouge City-Parish
05.2017 - 04.2023
- Prepare and organize criminal cases for trial or status conference.
- Review criminal files for anticipated problems in prosecution.
- Assist prosecutors in courtrooms with legal paperwork.
- Locate and contact victims/witnesses and police officers prior to, and on court dates.
- Interviewed victims/witnesses prior to court dates, and informed prosecutors of any updated information.
- Access computerized police records and report, case management systems, CLEAR Information Technologies System, and other databases. Process and update information specific to case files.
- Contact other local/state/federal agencies as needed for trial preparation.
- Download police reports, run criminal history reports, driving records, and any necessary alcohol/drug lab reports. File this information in proper case file.
- Communicate verbally or electronically with the police Court Liaison Officer regarding the status of subpoenaed police officers on docketed matters.
- Conduct internal investigations as assigned by the Parish Attorney's Office and write clear and concise reports regarding findings and conclusions.
- Assist prosecutors and office clerical staff with case files, reports, and other duties as needed on a daily basis.
- Process and deliver evidentiary paperwork and evidence to defendant's attorney of record as requested by the City Prosecutor.
- Updated how the office obtains video evidence and how it is distributed to prosecuting and defense attorneys, and other agencies.
- Request and process any video evidence needed for a case electronically by use of Axon video system. Share video evidence with appropriate attorneys and/or agencies.
- Built a strong network of contacts within various legal agencies to support investigative efforts when needed.
Probation Officer
East Baton Rouge City-Parish
12.2008 - 05.2017
- Conducted intake interviews with adult offenders who had been convicted of crimes, but were not yet sentenced.
- Prepared written reports for judges on offenders, his/her crime, and assessed any further supervision needs.
- Once an offender was sentenced to a period of supervised probation, maintained contact with the offender and monitored his/her progress in completing probation requirements, i.e. drug screen results, compliance with house arrest and/or interlock device, and substance abuse recovery needs.
- Filed necessary legal paperwork and attended court hearings if an offender is non-compliant, made recommendations for further actions.
- Supervised a specialty court caseload, i.e. Sobriety Court, an alcohol abstaining program. Monitored a participant's progress with court-ordered requirements, i.e. drug screen results, compliance with house arrest and/or interlock device, and substance abuse recovery needs.
Juvenile Probation Officer
Jefferson County Juvenile Probation Department
09.2002 - 08.2008
- Conducted intake interview process with new/repeat juvenile offenders when a new offense occurred.
- Maintained contact and built positive rapport with a juvenile offender throughout offense processing procedure whether or not the juvenile was in custody.
- Managed caseloads effectively by prioritizing tasks, utilizing time management skills, and maintaining organized case files.
- Participated in court hearings for detained juveniles to explain if further detention was necessary.
- Prepared paperwork to move juveniles and their offenses through the legal process.
- Prepared court reports about a juvenile to give a judge insight into that juvenile at the time of the incident. Made recommendations for the future needs of the juvenile while maintaining public safety.
- Transported detained juveniles to various medical appointments and/or further placements.
Education
Master of Arts - Criminal Justice Management
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TXBachelor of Science - Psychology
Louisiana State University And A&M College
Baton Rouge, LASkills
- Legal Research
- Case analysis
- Trial preparation
- Background Checks
- Witness location
- Ethical and honest
- Detailed report writing
- Witness interviews
- Legal knowledge
- Technology-savvy
Timeline
Chief Legal Investigator
East Baton Rouge City-Parish
04.2023 - 07.2024
Legal Investigator
East Baton Rouge City-Parish
05.2017 - 04.2023
Probation Officer
East Baton Rouge City-Parish
12.2008 - 05.2017
Juvenile Probation Officer
Jefferson County Juvenile Probation Department
09.2002 - 08.2008
Master of Arts - Criminal Justice Management
Sam Houston State University
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Louisiana State University And A&M College
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