Opinion ID: 1305836
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: Motion for Assistance of Private Investigator

Text: Williams, an indigent, contends that the court erred in denying his pretrial motion for the appointment of a private investigator to assist his counsel in his defense. Williams asked the court to delay a ruling on that motion until he was furnished with information that the Commonwealth was to produce in response to his discovery motions. When Williams sought a ruling after completion of discovery, his request was confined to (1) an investigator's assistance in procuring information regarding a change of venue, and (2) mitigation evidence. However, on appeal, Williams argues that this assistance was required to investigate (1) Cruse's credibility, and (2) the evidence of the Prince Edward County crimes which would be considered in the penalty phase on the issue of Williams's future dangerousness. We will not consider Williams's present arguments because they were not made in the trial court. Rule 5:25.