My firm has consistently used Johnny Lawrence with Berry-Waltz Investigations (BWI) in our crime scene investigations. He is knowledgeable and extremely thorough. Jurors find him credible because he puts things in a way folks can accept as the gospel.

David Raybin, prominent Nashville attorney

  • Production of work product, such as timelines, witness lists, case synopsis, forensic analysis, photograph analysis, exhibit preparation (including PowerPoint), audio and video recording review.
  • Working with the attorney to determine whether or not addition experts are needed to help with the defense of the client, and coordinating efforts with these experts.
  • Provide assistance to the attorney as they prepares for trial

FACT INVESTIGATION


Knowledge is Power. At BWI, we provide the information that gives our Attorneys the power to defend their Clients in the most effective way possible. Our Fact Investigations consist of any or all of the following tasks:

  • Review and analysis of documents, recordings, reports, and any other material provided by the Government in discovery.
  • Identifying any missing discovery.
  • Background checks of any party involved in the case. For example, if there is a witness that needs to be impeached, a background check could be crucial to this process.
  • Media review; this is not limited to what has been covered on the evening news or newspapers. This service extends to the many Social Media sites as well. Facebook and Twitter are a valuable tool these days.
  • Client meetings and interviews.
  • Witness locations and interviews.
  • Investigation of facts provided by clients and witnesses.
  • Development of additions parties, such as witnesses, of whom the Government may not be aware.

At BWI, our seasoned Fact Investigators will leave no stone unturned to find the information necessary for the defense of our clients.

I went to Kyne Marshall on a high-profile, national media case. His highly specialized and effective analysis of audio-video evidence was instrumental in convincing prosecutors to not pursue charges against my client. "Highly recommended" is an understatement.

Attorney Lee Gerald

FACT INVESTIGATION


Knowledge is Power. At BWI, we provide the information that gives our Attorneys the power to defend their Clients in the most effective way possible. Our Fact Investigations consist of any or all of the following tasks:

  • Production of work product, such as timelines, witness lists, case synopsis, forensic analysis, photograph analysis, exhibit preparation (including PowerPoint), audio and video recording review.
  • Working with the attorney to determine whether or not addition experts are needed to help with the defense of the client, and coordinating efforts with these experts.
  • Provide assistance to the attorney as they prepares for trial
  • Review and analysis of documents, recordings, reports, and any other material provided by the Government in discovery.
  • Identifying any missing discovery.
  • Background checks of any party involved in the case. For example, if there is a witness that needs to be impeached, a background check could be crucial to this process.
  • Media review; this is not limited to what has been covered on the evening news or newspapers. This service extends to the many Social Media sites as well. Facebook and Twitter are a valuable tool these days.
  • Client meetings and interviews.
  • Witness locations and interviews.
  • Investigation of facts provided by clients and witnesses.
  • Development of additions parties, such as witnesses, of whom the Government may not be aware.

At BWI, our seasoned Fact Investigators will leave no stone unturned to find the information necessary for the defense of our clients.

CRIME SCENE RECONSTRUCTION AND BLOOD SPATTER ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION


On any major case, especially Homicide Investigations, nothing is more relevant than the Crime Scene Investigation. More than most other evidence, the story told by the Crime Scene may be the most compelling. The ability to interpret the information provided by the Crime Scene is crucial to the defense of any defendant charged with a crime. BWI is proud of our association with Johnny Lawrence, perhaps the most qualified Crime Scene Expert in the southeastern United States. In service with the Nashville Metropolitan Police Department for over 31 years, Johnny served as a Homicide Detective for almost 9 years and then as an Identification and Crime Scene Specialist for 14 years. After retiring from the MNPD, Johnny conducted private investigations until joining Berry-Waltz Investigations in 2017. Since Johnny began conducting Crime Scene Reconstruction/Blood Spatter Analysis Investigations for the defense, his success has been unmatched, yielding the following results:

  • 2015 - Expert testimony in Shelby County, Tennessee. Double 1st Degree Murder case. Testified for the Defense in Crime Scene Investigations, Reconstruction, and Bloodstain Pattern Interpretation and Analysis. DISPOSITION – NOT GUILTY all counts:
  • 2015 – Expert testimony in Hickman County, Tennessee. 1st degree murder case. Testified for the Defense in a Pre-Trial Hearing in Crime Scene Investigations, Reconstruction, and Bloodstain Pattern Interpretation and Analysis. DISPOSITION - After hearing, State agreed to reduce charge and accept a Reckless Homicide plea in best interest for Defendant.
  • 2017 – Expert Testimony in Davidson County, Tennessee. 1st Degree Murder case. Testified for the Defense in Bloodstain Pattern Interpretation. VERDICT - NOT GUILTY all counts.
  • 2018 – Crime Scene Investigation in Davidson County, Tennessee, 1st Degree Murder case. DISPOSITION - After working for the Defense in Crime Scene Reconstruction and Bloodstain Pattern Analysis, we presented our findings to the Prosecution. The State retired the case before trial.

WE USE FARO ZONE SOFTWARE FOR CRIME SCENE MAPPING AND SHOOTING RECONSTRUCTION DIAGRAMS

  • 2019 - Crime Scene Investigation in Davidson County, Tennessee, 1st Degree Murder case. DISPOSITION – Prior to trial, the Prosecution agreed to reduce charge to Reckless Homicide and close the case. The Defendant was released from jail that same day.

Johnny's results speak for themselves. If a Crime Scene is part of your case, contact Johnny Lawrence to insure that your Client receives the best defense possible.

Johnny Lawrence testifying in Davidson County courtroom.

The best investigators ever!! Super friendly and always produces consistent, excellent and high-quality work. They are always ready and quickly provide you with the results you need. I would (and do) recommend BWI to all of my colleagues. Ms. Morgan Oates deserves a special shout-out for all of her hard work and dedication to her craft. Very well done!!

Attorney Tim Warren

CRIME SCENE RECONSTRUCTION AND BLOOD SPATTER ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION


On any major case, especially Homicide Investigations, nothing is more relevant than the Crime Scene Investigation. More than most other evidence, the story told by the Crime Scene may be the most compelling. The ability to interpret the information provided by the Crime Scene is crucial to the defense of any defendant charged with a crime. BWI is proud of our association with Johnny Lawrence, perhaps the most qualified Crime Scene Expert in the southeastern United States. In service with the Nashville Metropolitan Police Department for over 31 years, Johnny served as a Homicide Detective for almost 9 years and then as an Identification and Crime Scene Specialist for 14 years. After retiring from the MNPD, Johnny conducted private investigations until joining Berry-Waltz Investigations in 2017. Since Johnny began conducting Crime Scene Reconstruction/Blood Spatter Analysis Investigations for the defense, his success has been unmatched, yielding the following results:

  • 2015 - Expert testimony in Shelby County, Tennessee. Double 1st Degree Murder case. Testified for the Defense in Crime Scene Investigations, Reconstruction, and Bloodstain Pattern Interpretation and Analysis. DISPOSITION – NOT GUILTY all counts:
  • 2015 – Expert testimony in Hickman County, Tennessee. 1st degree murder case. Testified for the Defense in a Pre-Trial Hearing in Crime Scene Investigations, Reconstruction, and Bloodstain Pattern Interpretation and Analysis. DISPOSITION - After hearing, State agreed to reduce charge and accept a Reckless Homicide plea in best interest for Defendant.
  • 2017 – Expert Testimony in Davidson County, Tennessee. 1st Degree Murder case. Testified for the Defense in Bloodstain Pattern Interpretation. VERDICT - NOT GUILTY all counts.
  • 2018 – Crime Scene Investigation in Davidson County, Tennessee, 1st Degree Murder case. DISPOSITION - After working for the Defense in Crime Scene Reconstruction and Bloodstain Pattern Analysis, we presented our findings to the Prosecution. The State retired the case before trial.
  • 2019 - Crime Scene Investigation in Davidson County, Tennessee, 1st Degree Murder case. DISPOSITION – Prior to trial, the Prosecution agreed to reduce charge to Reckless Homicide and close the case. The Defendant was released from jail that same day.

Johnny's results speak for themselves. If a Crime Scene is part of your case, contact Johnny Lawrence to insure that your Client receives the best defense possible.

WE USE FARO ZONE SOFTWARE FOR CRIME SCENE MAPPING AND SHOOTING RECONSTRUCTION DIAGRAMS

MITIGATION/SENTENCING INVESTIGATION


After a Defendant has been convicted of a crime, another hurdle may remain. The results of sentencing may affect the rest of a Defendant's life, or may even cost them their life. At times, a Judge may be persuaded that leniency may be appropriate in sentencing when they are presented with Mitigating Circumstances explaining the challenges the Defendant faced in life that brought them to this point. A thorough examination of the Defendant's life provided by a Mitigation/Sentencing Investigation may be the difference between years of incarceration OR sentencing that will help the defendant reclaim their life, or even save their life. At BWI, our Investigators will find all the pertinent facts regarding the events in the life of the Defendant. We will conduct interviews of all persons that influenced the Defendant's life, such as Teachers, Coaches, Family Members, Co-Workers and Friends. We will collect all pertinent records regarding the Defendant and the Defendant's family. The facts obtained from our investigation will be compiled in a Social History Timeline so that these event may be easily understood and interpreted by the Attorney or Expert Witness. The results of our Mitigation/Sentencing Investigations are often the difference in sentences of death, years in prison, or leniency.

Berry-Waltz has been invaluable for numerous cases. They have a breadth and depth of expertise that is unmatched. Highly recommended.

Attorney Ben Raybin

CIVIL AND DOMESTIC INVESTIGATIONS


At BWI, we often conduct Investigations for matters heard in Civil Court such as Divorce, Child Custody, or Personal Injury. We also conduct investigations for the purpose of Peace of Mind to help confirm or alleviate suspicion. We offer Investigative Services for Surveillance, Background Investigation, Location Investigation, Trademark Infringement, Workers Compensation, Limited Asset Evaluation, Process Service and more. Although we cannot guarantee results, we will guarantee that we will conduct our investigations in the most thorough manner utilizing the latest technology and provide documentation of any services we provide.

CIVIL AND DOMESTIC INVESTIGATIONS


At BWI, we often conduct Investigations for matters heard in Civil Court such as Divorce, Child Custody, or Personal Injury. We also conduct investigations for the purpose of Peace of Mind to help confirm or alleviate suspicion. We offer Investigative Services for Surveillance, Background Investigation, Location Investigation, Trademark Infringement, Workers Compensation, Limited Asset Evaluation, Process Service and more. Although we cannot guarantee results, we will guarantee that we will conduct our investigations in the most thorough manner utilizing the latest technology and provide documentation of any services we provide.

PARALEGAL SERVICES


BWI's certified paralegal can help with federal defense cases, civil cases, and retained cases. Our comprehensive paralegal services include conducting legal research; drafting motions and other court pleadings; interviewing witnesses; organizing and performing quality control on court files; filing legal paperwork; assisting during trials; and/or conducting trial preparation. BWI expanded our client offerings to include paralegal services because our defense lawyer clients often assist defendants charged in federal "mega-cases." Mega-cases have incredible amounts of evidence and discovery – sometimes well over 7 million to 10 million documents. Our paralegal's expertise also equally applies to civil cases.

PARALEGAL SERVICES


BWI's certified paralegal can help with federal defense cases, civil cases, and retained cases. Our comprehensive paralegal services include conducting legal research; drafting motions and other court pleadings; interviewing witnesses; organizing and performing quality control on court files; filing legal paperwork; assisting during trials; and/or conducting trial preparation. BWI expanded our client offerings to include paralegal services because our defense lawyer clients often assist defendants charged in federal "mega-cases." Mega-cases have incredible amounts of evidence and discovery – sometimes well over 7 million to 10 million documents. Our paralegal's expertise also equally applies to civil cases.

DIGITAL FORENSICS


Almost all cases involve some sort of digital evidence, and our partner Kyne Marshall at d/FEAT LLC has extensive experience in the field of Digital Forensics.

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  • Audio and video analysis.
  • Cell phone and computer extraction.
  • Tech support and device repair.
  • Call Detail Records analysis.
  • Photogrammetry and 3D Laser Scanning.
  • Assistance in identifying missing Discovery.