Criminal Defense

Build Stronger Defenses with AI Research

Claude analyzes case facts, drafts suppression motions, and researches sentencing guidelines so you can advocate more effectively.

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The Problems You Face Every Day

Reviewing Massive Discovery Productions

Criminal cases generate enormous discovery. Claude organizes evidence, identifies exculpatory material, and flags inconsistencies.

Motion Writing Under Tight Deadlines

Court deadlines are rigid. Claude drafts motions to suppress, dismiss, and compel from your case notes and legal theories.

Sentencing Research and Mitigation

Sentencing advocacy requires deep research into guidelines, departures, and comparable cases. Claude compiles this research.

Sample Claude Prompts for Criminal Defense

Suppression Motion Drafter

Draft a motion to suppress evidence based on constitutional violations.

Draft a motion to suppress based on the following facts:

Court: [COURT]
Case: [CASE NUMBER]
Evidence to suppress: [DESCRIBE THE EVIDENCE]
Constitutional basis: [e.g., Fourth Amendment search/seizure, Fifth Amendment confession, Sixth Amendment lineup]
Key facts: [WHAT HAPPENED DURING THE ENCOUNTER WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT]
Relevant authority: [ANY CASES YOU WANT CITED]

Structure:
1. Introduction and relief requested
2. Statement of facts
3. Legal standard for suppression
4. Argument — why the evidence was obtained unconstitutionally
5. Prejudice — why the evidence is material to the prosecution's case
6. Conclusion

Case Theory Analyzer

Develop and evaluate defense theories from case facts.

Based on the following case facts, identify and evaluate potential defense theories:

Charges: [LIST CHARGES]
Prosecution's theory: [SUMMARIZE]
Key prosecution evidence: [LIST]
Key defense evidence: [LIST]
Client's account: [SUMMARY]

For each viable defense theory:
1. State the theory
2. Which elements of the charge it attacks
3. Supporting evidence
4. Weaknesses and how to address them
5. Jury appeal — how it plays to common sense
6. Overall viability rating (strong/moderate/weak)

Sentencing Memorandum Outline

Structure a sentencing memorandum for mitigation advocacy.

Outline a sentencing memorandum for the following case:

Offense: [CHARGE AND CONVICTION]
Guidelines range: [IF KNOWN]
Requested sentence: [DEFENSE POSITION]
Mitigating factors: [LIST — background, circumstances, rehabilitation]
Client background: [RELEVANT PERSONAL HISTORY]

Structure:
1. Introduction and sentencing request
2. Offense conduct (defense perspective)
3. Personal history and characteristics
4. Mitigating factors under the sentencing framework
5. Comparable cases with similar sentences
6. Proposed conditions and rehabilitation plan
7. Conclusion

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Criminal Defense FAQ

Can Claude draft suppression motions?

Yes. Claude generates structured suppression motions with proper legal formatting, constitutional analysis, and case citations. Attorneys must verify all citations and adapt the arguments to local court practices.

How does Claude help with criminal discovery review?

Claude organizes large discovery productions by category, flags potential Brady material, identifies inconsistencies between witness statements, and highlights impeachment opportunities.

Is it safe to use Claude for criminal defense work?

Use Claude Team or Enterprise plans with zero data retention. Never include client-identifying information in prompts. Claude handles research and drafting structure — attorney judgment drives strategy.

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