People v. Rhode

The County of Stephenson (County) appeals from two orders of the circuit court in separate causes which granted the motions of defendants, Thomas 0. Rhode and Cornelius Townsen, to appoint a private investigator to interview witnesses for their respective defenses. The County raises two issues on appeal: whether the trial court erred in appointing an investigator for two indigent defendants when their need for an investigator was speculative; and whether the investigator’s fees did not conform to the reasons for his appointment. On the County’s motion, the appeals were consolidated.

In appeal…