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Matt J. DeSales, operating under PeliCAN RESEARCH (PI#28191), brings a wealth of expertise to the field of private investigation in California. Over 14 years of experience have been instrumental in aiding attorneys through the intricate processes of pre-trial investigations, encompassing both criminal cases across state and federal levels, as well as civil litigation. Specialized skills extend to conducting guilt and penalty investigations, particularly for indigent defendants facing potential death sentences, showcasing my commitment to due process and justice. Additionally, proficiency handling sensitive matters like medical malpractice and professional license disciplinary investigations, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the legal and ethical dimensions of such cases. Dedication to my craft ensures my clients receive thorough and meticulous investigative services, tailored to meet the demanding needs of legal proceedings. My work not only supports the legal framework but also contributes to the fair administration of justice.
The presence of a criminal record can indeed have a profound impact on an individual's career prospects and overall livelihood. Research indicates that individuals with criminal records face significant barriers to employment, particularly in fields that require occupational licenses. These barriers are not only codified in law but are also present in the form of implicit biases, leading to a reduction in employment rates for this population. The importance of a thorough investigation in criminal defense cannot be overstated. A defense attorney's ability to present a strong case is heavily reliant on the quality of the investigation conducted. This includes gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and challenging the prosecution's claims. In fact, the role of a criminal defense investigator is crucial as they work independently from law enforcement to ensure that the defendant's rights are protected and that all relevant evidence is considered. In cases where a client is under investigation or has been charged with a violent crime, preserving evidence is critical. The use of specialized services like PeliCAN RESEARCH can be instrumental in maintaining the integrity of digital evidence, which is increasingly important in today's legal landscape. Additionally, outsourcing certain tasks can provide defense attorneys with the necessary time to focus on other critical aspects of their practice, such as client meetings, appearances, and strategic planning for defense. It's clear that a multi-faceted approach, which includes a detailed investigation and strategic resource management, is essential for an effective defense and to mitigate potential long-term consequences of a criminal record.
At the core of PeliCAN RESEARCH's philosophy is the unwavering belief in the right to a vigorous defense, irrespective of the accused's circumstances. This principle, coupled with my empathetic approach and commendable work ethic, cements my reputation as a beacon of integrity and excellence in the field of legal investigation. PeliCAN RESEARCH stands as a testament to the power of truth and justice, backed by a track record of hard work and outstanding results. REFERENCES AVAILABLE.
The PeliCAN Always Finds His Fish!!
Matt J. DeSales (PI# 28191)
27702 Crown Valley Pkwy., D4, #224, Ladera Ranch, CA 92694
949.940.6498 | desales@pelicanresearch.com
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PEOPLE V. JOSE LARIN GARCIA (INF1900265)
Type: Appointed Guilt Investigator High Profile: Quad. Homicide Palm Springs Potential Exposure: Death Penalty Disposition: Not Guilty, Ultimately Condemned Counts: 4 + EnhancementsCount 1: PC §187(A) [Murder] - 9 to 3 Fovor Guilt, MistrialCount 2: PC §187(A) [Murder] - 9 to 3 Favor Guilt, MistrialCount 3: PC §187(A) [Murder] - 9 to 3 Favor Guilt, MistrialCount 4: PC §187(A) [Murder] - 8 to 4 Favor Guilt, Mistrial Retrial, Convicted & Condemned.PEOPLE V. PRIVATE (NOT FILED)
Type: Private Guilt Investigation Potential Exposure: Misdemeanor Disposition: RejectedContacted by legal counsel and instructed to conduct immediate defense interview of an alleged victim of §243 (e) (1) PC [BATTERY]. Conducted investigation of allegations of criminal conduct in less than 24 hours. Identified, preserved, and collected evidence which ultimately convinced the DDA to reject the case. PELICAN RESEARCH often helps counsel conduct witness and victim interviews prior to the complaint being filed.- PEOPLE V. ANTON MICHEAL KUBICA (INF1401360)Type: Private Guilt Investigation High Profile: Cold Case 1990, reopened 2014. Potential Exposure: 25 years-to-life Disposition: 25 years-to-life Counts: 1Count 1: PC §187(A) [Murder] - Guilty
PEOPLE V. CRISTIN CONRAD SMITH (INF1600755)
Type: Private Guilt Investigation High Profile: Pinyon Pines Triple Murder Potential Exposure: Death Penalty Disposition: L.W.O.P. Counts: 3+ EnhancementsCount 1: PC §187(A) [Murder] - AcquittedCount 2: PC §187(A) [Murder] - ConvictedCount 3: PC §187(A) [Murder] - ConvictedEnhancement PC §190.2(A)(3) [Spec. Circ.] - Found True Cristin Smith was sentenced LWOP.PEOPLE V. PRIVATE (BA477703)
Type: Private Guilt Investigation High Profile: TMZ Disney Star Stalked by Client Potential Exposure: ±12 years Disposition: Not Guilty Counts: 11Count 1: PC §646.9(C)(2) [Stalk] - Dismissed/Not ProsecutedCounts 2-10: PC §166(a)(4) [Contempt] - Dismissed/Not ProsecutedPEOPLE V. PRIVATE (17HF1276)
Type: Private Guilt Investigation Potential Exposure: Limited + Restitution Disposition: Dismissed. Counts: 2Count 1: PC §594(a)(b)(1) [Vandalism] - DismissedCounts 2: PC §374.3(h)(1) [Illegal Dumping] - DismissedPEOPLE V. JOHN HERNANDEZ FELIX (INF1601497)
Type: Appointed Mitigation Investigator Potential Exposure: Death Penalty Disposition: Death Penalty (Condemed) Counts: 12 + Enhancements + Prior Serious FelonyCount 1: PC §187(A) [Murder] - ConvictedCount 2: PC §187(A) [Murder] - ConvictedCounts 3-8: PC §664(E)/187(A) [Att. Mur. Peace] - ConvictedCount 9: PC §30605(A) [Poss. Assault Weap] - ConvictedCount 10: PC §29900 [Prev. Convict Poss. Fire] - ConvictedCount 11: PC §30305(A) [Poss. Fire Ammo Proh] - ConvictedCount 12: PC §496(A) [Attempt/Unlaw. Stol. Prop.] - AcquittedSeveral Enhancements + PC §667(A) - Found True Guilty all counts. Condemned.- PEOPLE V. FRED LEWIS WEATHERTON JR. (INF030802)Type: Appointed Mitigation Investigator Potential Exposure: Death Penalty Disposition: Plea Agreement Counts: 3Count 1: PC §187(A) [Murder] - Plea AgreementCount 2: PC §187(A) [Murder] - Plea AgreementCount 3: PC §664/187(A) [Attempt Mur.] - Plea Agreement (Note: Mitigation Investigator. Pleaded guilty two (2) counts of voluntary manslaughter, one (1) count of attempted murder and one count of robbery. Sentenced 23 years, already accumulated credit time served.)
- PEOPLE V. PRIVATE (VA116911)Type: Private Guilt Investigation Potential Exposure: Multiple Life Sentences Disposition: Seven (7) yrs. State Prison Counts: Seven (7)Counts 1-2: PC §187(A) [Murder] - Dismissed/Not ProsecutedCount 3: PC §664-87(A) [Attempt Mur.]- Dismiss/Not ProsecutedCounts 4-5: PC §245(A)(2) [ADW Fire] - Dismissed/Not ProsecutedCount 6: PC §245(A)(1) [ADW Other] - Guilty/ConvictedCount 7: PC §245(B) [ADW Semiauto Fire] - Guilty/Convictd
- PEOPLE V. PRIVATE (19HF1752)Type: Private Guilt Investigation Potential Exposure: Multiple Life Sentences Dispostion: >5 years. CDCR Eligible Parole 12/23 Counts: 15 2nd Strike PriorCount 1: PC §261(a)(2) [Rape; Duress; Menace] - DismissedCount 2: PC §286(c)(2)(A) [Sod. Force, Viol ...] - DismissedCount 3: PC §287(c)(2)(A) [Forcible Oral Cop.] - DismissedCount 4: PC §261(a)(2) [Rape; Duress; Menace] - DismissedCount 5: PC §286(c)(2)(A) [Sod Force, Viol ...] - DismissedCount 6: PC §287(c)(2)(A) [Forcible Oral Cop.] - DismissedCounts 7-8: PC §289(a)(1)(A) [Sex Pen. For. Obj.] - DismissedCounts 9-11: PC §236/237(a) [False Imp.] - Plead GuiltyCounts 12-14: PC §266c [Comm. Sex Fear] - Plead GuiltyCount 15: PC §314.1 [Indecent Exposure] - Plead Guilty
- PEOPLE V. PRIVATE (14CF1041)Type: Private Guilt Investigation Potential Exposure: ±5 Years Dispostion: Dismissed All Counts Counts: 5Count 1: PC §25400(a)(1)/(c)(4) [Carry Fire Veh] - DismissedCount 2: PC §25850(a)(c)(6) [Carry Load Fire] - DismissedCount 3: HS §11351 [Poss. Intent Sell] - DismissedCount 4: HS §11352 (a) [Sale Transport] - DismissedCount 5: HS §11370.1(a) [Poss. Armed] - Dismissed
- PEOPLE V. PRIVATE (TA145274)Type: Private Guilt Investigation Potential Exposure: 25 + Years Dispostion: Acquitted, Testimony concerning missing/suppressed evidence. Counts: 6Count 1: PC §664/187a [Premeditated Murder] - AcquittedCount 2: PC §664/187a [Premeditated Murder] - AcquittedCount 3: PC §664/187a [Premeditated Murder] - AcquittedCount 4: PC §664/187a [Premeditated Murder] - AcquittedCount 5: PC §664/187a [Premediated Murder] - Acquitted Count 6: PC §664/187a [Premediated Murder] - Acquitted
- PEOPLE V. PRIVATE (Not Filed)Type: Private Guilt Investigation Potential Exposure: N/a Dispostion: OCDA opted not to file based on defense investigation finding of relevant video. Counts: 1 PotentialCount 1: PC §191.5 or §192(c) [Vehicular Manslaughter] - Not Charged
- PEOPLE V. PRIVATE (23HM03212)Type: Private Guilt Investigation Potential Exposure: N/a Dispostion: Dismissed, Case Closed Counts: 1Count 1: VC §23152(f) [Driving under influence of drug]
- PEOPLE V. PRIVATE (22WM08032))Type: Private Guilt Investigation Potential Exposure: N/a Dispostion: Dismissed all Counts, Case Closed Counts: 1, 2, 3Count 1: VC §23152(a) [Driving under influence of alcohol] Count 2: VC §23152(b) [Driving Blood Alcohol Content of .08%, or more] Count 3: VC §20002(a) [Hit and Run with Property Damage]
David Paulson, Attorney at LawFor the record, I have engaged PELICAN RESEARCH numerous times to investigate and organize the complicated task of preparing a case for litigation. From his approach to witness interviewing, to his experienced insight into the most complicated legal issue, Matt DeSales is professional, thorough, and most important extremely effective in all phases of litigation. I currently call on Matt and “The Pelican“ exclusively to investigate my criminal cases, and cannot overstate how impressed and confident I am in what Matt brings to the table. Because victory comes most often not from the obvious, but from the intricate Subtleties which expose the provable facts that lead to effective Defense, Matt’s work product has been invaluable in our effort to gain the insight necessary to effectively litigate for our clients and to strengthen their Defense. The Pelican is, and will continue to be a valuable member of our DP Defense team. Simply, huge respect.- Maa A., PrivateA few years ago we walked into Pelican Research looking for help. we felt hopeless and the light at the end of our tunnel seemed to be quickly diminishing. This is where Matt DeSales came into the picture, he was welcoming, reassuring and gave us hope that everything would be okay. His professional demeanor reflects his years of experience and made us feel confident is his abilities. We knew we were is good hands. When we first started working w/Matt we thought the process was going to be lengthy and complicated, however, Matt made sure that no stone was unturned and within a few weeks, with his expertise, the ball was in our court. Matt went above and beyond the imaginable; he was encouraging and supportive. When we would thank him for everything that he was doing he would say "that it was his duty to ensure that justice was served and his job wouldn't be done until I walked free; so have a little bit of faith and everything will work out just fine." Those words still ring in my ears. He got everything done quickly and efficiently and in the end justice was, in fact, served. We are filled with gratitude for what Pelican Research did for us; the impact that they've had in our lives is immeasurable and we wouldn't trust anyone else. Pelican Rocks!
- Christopher Strobel, Attorney at LawIt gives me great pleasure to write this letter on behalf of Matt DeSales. When Matt told me he was applying for an investigator's job at the Orange County Public Defender's Office my reaction was bitter sweet. On one hand I was extremely happy for him in that I knew what a valuable asset he would be to the public defender's office but on the other hand I was loosing the best investigator I have used since starting my criminal law practice 13 years ago. I was trained as a public defender and worked in the Orange County Public Defender's office for nearly ten years. While working in the office I worked with a number of top quality investigators and can tell you without a doubt that Matt's investigative skill, compassion and intelligence is as good and in many ways better than the best investigators. In the numerous investigation he has done for me, Matt has shown great initiative, intuition and quality of work product. More importantly, Matt has the humility to ask questions, communicate with the lawyers he works with and follows directions. Overall Matt's addition to your office would reap benefits not only to the lawyers he works with, but more importantly to the clients they represent. Should you have any questions feel free to contact me.
- Cleo O., PrivateThis was the first time I ever had to use a service like Pelican and I was very pleased with my results. I worked with Matt Desales who was always on time when we had to meet in court, was very responsive when I needed to reach him by phone and was always pleasant and courteous. Plus, he gets the job done!
- Don Landes Jr., Attorney at LawQuick, thorough, decisive service with quality reporting and written and oral confirmation. Get's the job done and goes the extra mile to ask the additional right question or the difficult to find witness.
- David Borsari, Attorney at LawIt is with great confidence that I present to you this letter of recommendation supporting Matthew DeSales' application for inclusion on the Orange County Public Defender's approved list of licensed investigators. I am a full-time criminal defense attorney and have been operating in Orange County as a solo practitioner for the past twelve years. Prior to that I have spent five years as an attorney with the Public Defender's office in Miami, Florida. During my career I have utilized the services of approximately ten different investigators and can say without hesitation that Mr. DeSales is among the very best. I first became aware of Mr. DeSales early in 2013 when he took the time to introduce himself to me and described the types of services provided by him and the agency he founded, Pelican Research LLC. Among the many services available in addition to general criminal defense investigation were background checks, process service, surveillance, and witness interviews. I made a decision to then call upon Mr. DeSales when my next investigation need arose. On October 2013, I found myself involved in a high-stakes jury trial and in need of immediate unforeseen investigative services. I called upon Mr. DeSales. Mr. DeSales could sense the urgency of my situation and although he was not geographically near my office at the time, made arrangements to redirect himself to my office so that he could converse with me in person. After reviewing my court documents and listening to my request Mr. DeSales came up with a creative and confident strategy for achieving success on my case. He quickly went to work by carrying out the job both personally and with the calculated use of additional subordinates when advisable. As Mr. DeSales began reporting his results to me I relayed selected information to my opposing counsel from the LA County DA's office. These results caused the prosecutor to deploy her own team of investigators and local law enforcement officers in response to Mr. DeSales' findings. In the end, the investigation was critical in diverting the prosecutor's attention from trial advocacy and assuring the prosecution's witnesses did not exaggerate or recklessly speculate in their testimony. Mr. DeSales excellent work helped steer my case to a hung jury which was followed swiftly by a prosecution dismissal rather than a retrial. Throughout my experience with Mr. DeSales I repeatedly received prompt responses to my requests and frequent feedback regarding status and progress. As a former public defender I know that these are qualities hard-working public defenders rely on when utilizing their investigators. To be certain, Mr. DeSales as the most organized investigator I have ever known. My interactions with Mr. DeSales cause me to believe that the credibility surrounding his professional nature and poised demeanor make him an asset on the witness stand in court."
- Stephan DeSales, Attorney at LawMatt is organized, efficient, motivated and willing to go the extra mile. As a result, he became the primary in house investigator for our criminal defense practice. As such he has interviewed witnesses, recorded and transcribed their statements, photographed and diagrammed crime scenes, conducted surveillance, and prepared files for use in court. He is both effective and diplomatic in the performance of these duties. His reports are concise and tightly written. His questioning of witnesses is incisive. His instincts have proven invaluable in assessing the weaknesses and strengths of cases. He's handled investigations in murder, child molestation, burglary, grand theft, petty theft, receiving stolen property, sales of narcotics, possession for sales of drugs and marijuana, conspiracy, vehicular manslaughter, felony DUI, assault and battery, resisting arrest, spousal abuse, and hit and run cases. Our firm has used several private outside investigation firms over the past forty three years. But I can honestly say that having Matt work in house full time, was not only more cost effective, but the results exceeded the results of the outside firms.
- Stephen Bartol, Attorney at LawMatt DeSales always delivers prompt through service to any request I have sent him, with outstanding documentation of his activities. My clients have always been well served by his dogged determination to get the job done, no matter the complexity of the task at hand. His work has directly led to dismissals of several of my cases or a resolution favorable to my clients. I highly recommend his services. You will not be disappointed in the results.
- Jane D., PrivateIn 2010, our son, 18 years old at the time, was falsly charged with five felonies. Although he was innocent, he found himself in a hostile legal system that seemed determined to lock him up and throw away the key. If this can happen to an outstanding, straight-arrow, scholar-athlete, believe me it can happen to anyone. Sadly, in this country, one is often presumed to be guilty, until he can prove his innocence. In order to prove our son's innocence, an incredible amount of investigation needed to be performed, and this is where the exceptional skills of PELICAN RESEARCH came into play. Matt DeSales worked tirelessly on our son's case gathering the critical information that was needed to build his defense. As an investigator, Matt DeSales is both patient and tenacious. He leaves "no stone unturned." He has a sharp mind, an eye for detail and is incredibly thorough and organized. He has a knack for research, knowledge of the law and he always delivers the needed results. Matt Desales will dig through the details and pound the pavement, doing the tedious footwork that strong defenses are built on. Long story short, the efforts of this private investigator resulted in the total dismissal of all five felony charges.
- David Paulson, Attorney at LawOn a professional note delivered personally from me. I can't tell you how deeply enough how impressed I am by your amazing work throughout a very challenging case. You have been responsive, thorough, and very trustworthy. I have never had a better experience working with an investigator. Thank you for everything. Because of you this case is where it is. Well done Matt.
- Nate K., PrivateWe have utilized Pelican research for a multitude of issues, given complex civil litigation, Fraud research, criminal matters and good old-fashioned gumshoe detective work. The work product of pelican is meticulous, exceptionally well documented and on point. Our firm has retained several other P.I agents over the years but none quite like DeSales.
- Jacqueline Goodman, Attorney at LawMatt DeSales is simply the best investigator I've worked with in my 19 years of busy criminal defense trial practice. He is quick, savvy, creative, and fearless, as well as keenly intelligent and thorough. I whole-heartedly recommend him. He's the investigator a defense lawyer usually only dreams of.
- Pat M., PrivateOur experience with Matt from Pelican Research was very professional, knowledgeable and caring. He was prompt with every correspondence and was fully updated on information related to our needs. I would recommend their services to anyone who needs help in life's difficult situations.
- Artemis S., PrivateMatt is great at what he does and very professional. He went above and beyond for our court case and even dealt with a very difficult client on our behalf. Definitely recommend him!
- John M., Private5 stars for Pelican! Extremely professional staff assisted us during an especially hard time and yielded excellent results. We couldn't be more happy with service we received and the one on one communication during the entire process. Thanks Pelican!
- Chelsey P., PrivateDuring the course of a nasty & toxic dissolution my attorney referred me to Pelican Research. He wanted me to outsource an investigator to document the drug/drinking habits of my ex-husband. Honestly, I was weary about involving a private investigator. Matt was very ethical, professional, and empathetic to my needs to secure my child's best interest and safety. Pelican Research was able to capture & document reliable evidence of my ex-husband drinking substantial amounts of alcohol on the nights he had custody. The evidence helped provide the leverage I needed to get what matter most to me, my child.
- Addison Adams, Attorney at LawI've used Matt in my law practice several times and he's been fantastic. Thorough, smart, experienced and fair priced. I recommend him for investigative work and service of process.
- Vince Tucci, Attorney at LawHi Vince, Matt left me a voicemail last night - it made me cry! You and your team were AMAZING!!! We are FOREVER GRATEFUL!! I will recommend you to anyone who needs your services and definitely write you a review!! ... Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!! XXXOOO ... Thank you.
- Private, Pro BonoI had the opportunity to consult with Matt on an investigation case and his knowledge of the legal system as well as law enforcement was impeccable and his expert guidance helped me to secure and open an investigation case with the Sheriff's Department...which normally would have been pushed to the wayside. I have had the pleasure of knowing Matt for 16 years and he is a man of integrity, compassion and truly has a heart of servitude and loves what he does.
I would highly recommend Matt and you will not find a better human in this discipline! - Atty. Steven Finley, Riverside Public DefenderMatt was crucial in a six count attempted murder trial in Compton, California. His investigation revealed video that was mishandled and never turned over in discovery that was potentially exculpatory. His testimony on the stand was extremely poignant and easy to understand. The end result was a not guilty verdict on all counts. I highly recommend him if you are seeking victory in your case.
- S. B., Private.I had the opportunity to consult with Matt on an investigation case and his knowledge of the legal system as well as law enforcement was impeccable and his expert guidance helped me to secure and open an investigation case with the Sheriff's Department...which normally would have been pushed to the wayside. I have had the pleasure of knowing Matt for 16 years and he is a man of integrity, compassion and truly has a heart of servitude and loves what he does. I would highly recommend Matt and you will not find a better human in this discipline!
- Atty. John BarnettMr. Matt Desales has worked on several felony cases with me. The clients faced life imprisonment. They involved collecting and analyzing surveillance videos of homes and businesses, thousands of pages of phone records, and hundreds of hours of video and audio-taped interviews. Also, numerous electronic devices had to be examined and categorized for data relevant to the defense. Multiple difficult and uncooperative witnesses had to be located and interviewed. All of this information then had to be collated and integrated into a usable format for use in the defense. Mr. Desales did all of this and created timelines, storyboards, and issue diagrams, displaying his understanding of the facts and legal issues. He has great initiative, follows directions, and completes his assignments on time. He is positive and does not complain. Mr. Desales is one of the best investigators I have ever worked with.