Q & A

A: See our service rates

Understanding the Cost of Private Investigator Services

When considering hiring a private investigator, it’s important to understand that the cost of services can vary widely. This variability is due to the diverse range of reasons, needs, and budgets clients have when seeking investigative assistance. The cost of a private investigation is influenced by several factors, including the complexity of the case, the time required, the resources needed, and the level of expertise involved. The cost you’re willing to invest in a private investigator often depends on your reasons for needing or wanting one. If you’re simply curious about a new neighbor, you might not want to spend much—

Factors Influencing the Cost:

1. Complexity of the Case:
   • Simple cases, such as basic background checks, may require less time and fewer resources.
   • More complex cases, like fraud investigations or surveillance, often demand extensive research, specialized equipment, and significant time investment.
2. Time and Resources:
   • The duration of the investigation directly impacts the cost. Long-term surveillance or in-depth investigations naturally incur higher fees.
   • Use of advanced technology and tools also contributes to the overall expense.
3. Expertise Required:
   • Highly skilled investigators with specialized knowledge in areas like fraud, accident investigations, or legal consulting may charge higher rates for their expertise.
   • Complex investigations often require a team of experts, adding to the overall cost.

Quality vs. Cost:

While it’s tempting to focus solely on the initial price, opting for the cheapest option can lead to sacrifices in accuracy, depth, reliability, and quality. A thorough and reliable investigation is crucial, as the information gathered can significantly impact important decisions. Unlike a temporary expense, such as a hotel room, the results of a background check or investigation can have long-lasting effects.

Making an Informed Decision:

Investing in a reputable private investigator ensures you receive comprehensive and dependable information. It’s essential to weigh the potential consequences of relying on subpar investigations against the value of accurate, in-depth findings. The cost of a private investigation should be viewed as an investment in making informed and confident decisions.

Contact Us:

For a detailed consultation and to understand how we can meet your specific needs, please contact us. We will provide a tailored approach and a clear understanding of the associated costs, ensuring transparency and value in our services.

A: How Private Investigators Enhance Criminal Defense Cases

Private investigators play a crucial role in criminal defense by working alongside legal teams to bolster their client’s case. Here’s how our investigative services can assist in achieving a favorable outcome:

Case Review and Analysis

Private investigators meticulously review all aspects of the case, identifying any gaps or inconsistencies that might have been overlooked. This thorough analysis can reveal critical information that strengthens the defense.

Witness Interviews

We conduct detailed interviews with potential witnesses, including those who may provide exculpatory evidence. Our investigators are skilled in eliciting valuable information that can be pivotal in court.

Evidence Gathering

Our team gathers comprehensive evidence, from physical proof to digital records, ensuring that no stone is left unturned. This includes re-examining existing evidence to uncover any overlooked details.

Addressing Loose Ends

We identify and investigate any loose ends in the case, ensuring a robust and airtight defense strategy. Our goal is to present a complete and compelling picture to the court.

Benefits of Hiring a Private Investigator

• Strengthen Defense: A thorough investigation can significantly bolster the defense, increasing the chances of a favorable outcome.
• Dismissal of Charges: By uncovering critical evidence or witnesses, we can help in getting charges dismissed.
• Reduced Sentences: Our findings can contribute to plea bargains or reduced sentences.
• Successful Appeals and Acquittals: With new evidence or insights, we can support successful appeals or acquittals.
• Provide services not limited by jurisdiction: Sometimes Private Investigators can continue to search for evidence in places or at times that law enforcement cannot.

By integrating our investigative expertise into your legal defense, you stand a much better chance of achieving justice. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your case.

A: In today’s digital age, it might seem tempting to take matters into your own hands when you suspect someone of dishonest or harmful behavior. However, surveilling someone without the proper credentials can not only be ineffective but also illegal. As the owner of a private investigative agency, I want to highlight the significant differences between hiring a licensed private investigator and attempting to conduct surveillance on your own.

Legal Risks of DIY Surveillance

Attempting to follow someone or gather information on your own without proper licensing can lead to serious legal repercussions. In many states, unauthorized surveillance can be classified as stalking, a criminal offense that can result in hefty fines and jail time. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, over 7.5 million people are victims of stalking each year in the U.S., with many cases involving untrained individuals attempting to gather personal information.

Expertise and Experience

Private investigators bring a wealth of experience and specialized training to the table. Our investigators are skilled in:

• Discreet Surveillance: We know how to follow subjects without being detected, ensuring the integrity of the investigation.
• Legal Knowledge: We understand and operate within the boundaries of the law, ensuring that any evidence gathered is admissible in court.
• Advanced Techniques: Using state-of-the-art technology, we can gather comprehensive evidence that is often beyond the reach of untrained individuals.

The Cost of Mistakes

DIY surveillance is fraught with potential pitfalls. In addition to legal risks, mistakes can lead to:

• Compromised Investigations: Amateur attempts at surveillance often alert the subject, causing them to change their behavior or take evasive actions.
• Inadmissible Evidence: Evidence gathered illegally or improperly is often inadmissible in court, rendering your efforts useless.
• Personal Danger: Following someone can be dangerous, particularly if the subject is involved in criminal activities.

The Value of Professional Surveillance

When you hire a private investigator, you are investing in a professional service that ensures accuracy, legality, and safety. Here are some key benefits:

1. Comprehensive Reports: Our investigators provide detailed, legally sound reports that can be used in legal proceedings.
2. Safety and Discretion: We conduct our investigations discreetly, minimizing risk to both the investigator and the client.
3. Efficiency: With our expertise, we can gather the necessary evidence quickly and effectively, saving you time and stress.

Statistics to Consider

• Legal Compliance: According to a study by the National Association of Legal Investigators, evidence gathered by licensed private investigators has a 95% acceptance rate in court compared to significantly lower rates for evidence gathered by non-professionals.
• Success Rates: Professional surveillance operations have a success rate of over 80% in gathering usable evidence, compared to less than 30% for DIY attempts.

Conclusion

While it might be tempting to handle surveillance on your own, the risks far outweigh the benefits. Hiring a professional private investigator ensures that your case is handled with the utmost care, legality, and efficiency. Don’t put yourself at risk—trust the experts to deliver the results you need.

Contact us today to learn more about how our investigative services can help you achieve your objectives safely and legally.

A: When it comes to background investigations, you have several options, but not all are created equal. Understanding the differences between database reports, due diligence investigations, and field investigations can help you make an informed decision. Here’s why hiring a private investigator (PI) is the best option for accurate and comprehensive background checks.

Essential Insights on Employee Background Checks

Why Employee Background Checks Matter

Hiring the right people is crucial for any business. Employee background checks are vital for acquiring critical information about potential hires. Past performance often predicts future performance, so being thorough is essential.

Benefits of Hiring a Background Check Investigator

Engaging a background check investigator helps mitigate risks associated with new hires. This proactive approach can save your business time and money while protecting your company’s reputation.

Key Facts About Employee Background Checks

1. Widespread Use According to the Society for Human Resources Management, 92% of companies conduct background checks on potential employees. This practice helps protect organizations from liability issues arising from new hires.
2. Legal Challenges Conducting background checks involves navigating complex legal regulations. While informal checks on social media may seem easy, they are often inconclusive and potentially illegal. Professional investigators understand federal and state laws, ensuring compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and other regulations.
3. Identifying Red Flags About 10% of all background checks reveal serious concerns, such as criminal records or failed drug tests. Hiring the wrong person can lead to significant costs and damage your company’s reputation. Thorough background checks can prevent these issues.
4. Legal Requirements For certain positions, such as those in financial services, healthcare, government, and education, background checks are legally mandated. Conducting thorough checks for all employees can help avoid significant fines and legal troubles.
5. Negligent Hiring Cases Employers have lost over 78% of negligent hiring cases, often due to hiring candidates with criminal histories. Background checks can help avoid these costly legal battles by uncovering crucial information about potential hires.
6. Workplace Violence Workplace violence accounts for 18% of all violent crime, with about 13% of workplace fatalities resulting from assaults. Hiring individuals with a history of violence poses additional risks and can lead to employer liability. Background checks are essential for maintaining a safe work environment.
7. Freelancer Background Checks With the gig economy on the rise, background checks on freelancers are becoming more common. Freelancers often have access to sensitive company data, making it important to verify their trustworthiness and reliability through thorough screening.
8. Complex Legal Compliance Background check regulations are continually evolving. Professional investigators stay updated on these changes, ensuring your business remains compliant with all legal requirements, including those related to criminal history inquiries and consumer information protection.
9. Inaccurate Job Applications Over half of all job applications contain inaccuracies. Common issues include false information about employment history, education, and professional licenses. Background checks help uncover these discrepancies, ensuring you hire honest and qualified candidates.
10. Employee Theft Employee theft contributes to 30% of all business failures, with small businesses losing 5% of their annual revenue to fraud. Background checks can identify potential risks and prevent financial losses due to employee misconduct.

FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act) Investigations

Background checks for specific business purposes, like pre-employment screening, tenant checks, or credit evaluations, are strictly regulated by the FCRA. These regulations impose limitations, such as a 7-year look-back period for criminal history, meaning older offenses, like a 10-year-old fraud or rape charge, must be excluded. Additionally, FCRA-related checks require the subject’s consent, which can alert them to the investigation. Companies specializing in FCRA-compliant background checks are best equipped to handle these restrictions.

Pre-Litigation Background Investigations

For background investigations outside the scope of the FCRA, such as those conducted by attorneys for due diligence before a deposition, these restrictions do not apply. These investigations do not require the subject’s consent and can delve deeper into criminal records or bankruptcies, regardless of how far back they go. This makes them ideal for legal preparation and other scenarios where comprehensive information is crucial.

Database Reports: The Basics

Database reports are the type of background checks you can purchase online from sites like TruthFinder, PeopleFinder, or Intelius. These reports promise instant access to a wide range of information, from criminal records and driving citations to address histories and possible relatives. However, these reports come with significant limitations:

• Inaccurate Information: The data in these reports is often riddled with errors. Names can be confused, information can be outdated, and crucial details can be missing.
• Unverified Data: None of the information in these reports is verified. The high error rate makes them unreliable for making important decisions.
• Subscription Traps: Many online services require you to subscribe and charge monthly fees, making it difficult to purchase just a single report.
• Limited Access: As a general consumer, you won’t have access to sensitive information such as social security numbers or detailed driver’s license information due to privacy regulations.

Why Choose a Private Investigator?

Hiring a licensed private investigator offers numerous advantages over relying on database reports:

• Accurate and Verified Information: Private investigators use database reports as a starting point, but they systematically verify and refute each piece of information. This ensures you receive accurate and reliable data.
• Comprehensive Reports: PIs have access to more detailed and thorough information that isn’t available to the general public, including sensitive data like vehicle information and driver’s license details.
• No Subscription Hassles: When you hire a PI, you avoid the pitfalls of online subscription traps. You pay for the service you need without ongoing charges.
• Discreet and Confidential: Your request for information remains confidential. The investigator keeps a record of the transaction, but it won’t be easily traceable through your financial history or online activities.

Conclusion

Conducting thorough background checks is crucial for making informed hiring decisions. By hiring a background check investigator, you can protect your business, ensure compliance with legal requirements, and maintain a safe and productive workplace.

A: First, understanding the Impact of Car Accidents in the U.S.

Every year, over six million car accidents occur in the United States—an average of about 16,500 accidents daily. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 6% of these accidents result in at least one fatality. Additionally, nearly two million people annually suffer permanent, non-fatal injuries due to vehicle accidents. California and Texas lead the nation in the number of car accidents each year.

How a Private Investigator Can Support Your Claim After a Car Accident

Hiring a private investigator can be a crucial step after an auto accident, especially in hit-and-run cases. In personal injury claims, the burden of proof falls on you and your attorney. Adding an experienced private investigator to your team can be key to a successful outcome.

How Private Investigators Aid the Investigation Process

Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime, yet it happens frequently. Drivers might panic and flee or simply try to avoid liability. Capturing evidence immediately after the crash is essential, whether it’s a hit-and-run or not. This evidence is critical in establishing liability.

While the police can assist, having your own private investigation ensures thoroughness and accuracy. Witness statements, photos of the scene, and CCTV footage are invaluable. However, police might miss important details, like obscured road signs or faulty streetlights.

A private investigator acts as your eyes and ears on the ground, ensuring all evidence is collected and preserved. Over time, evidence like photos and videos can degrade, and physical evidence can be tampered with. Witnesses may change their stories. A private investigator maintains the integrity of all evidence and provides a detailed, accurate record.

Why Insurance Companies Use Private Investigators

Insurance companies often hire private investigators to protect against fraudulent claims. They may investigate the claimant’s background, looking into financial records, driving history, social media profiles, and even conducting surveillance. Their goal is to identify any signs of fraud or exaggeration.

Private investigators must adhere to privacy laws; they cannot wiretap, record private conversations, or trespass. They also cannot take photos or videos inside your home through closed shades. They might, however, legally follow you and observe your public activities.

These investigations are typically reserved for significant claims or when fraud is suspected. While this surveillance might feel intrusive, it is a legal practice aimed at preventing false claims. Many injury-accident claims are settled solely based on police reports and the defendant’s insurance. However, private, personal-injury accident investigations delve into areas that police and insurance investigations may overlook.

The goal of a private investigation is to identify all responsible parties, determine maximum liability, and ensure that the victim receives a fair settlement. This involves looking beyond the obvious to consider potential negligence by other entities. Was the accident partially caused by a manufacturer, a state entity, or a utility company failing to maintain streetlights? Was an employer involved?

Why Hire a Private Investigator?

When it comes to gathering and preserving crucial evidence, a private investigator is an indispensable asset. They ensure that your legal team has all the necessary information to build a strong case.

A: A company may opt to hire an external investigator for HR issues for several reasons:

Efficiency and Timeliness: External investigators can often complete investigations more efficiently, as they are focused solely on the task at hand and are not distracted by other internal responsibilities.

Unbiased Perspective: External investigators are not immersed in the company’s internal dynamics, history, or relationships, allowing them to approach the investigation with a more objective and unbiased standpoint.

Objectivity and Neutrality: External investigators are not directly affiliated with the company, reducing potential conflicts of interest. This neutrality is crucial for conducting a fair and impartial investigation.

Expertise and Specialization: External investigators often bring specialized knowledge and expertise in HR investigations. They are trained to handle sensitive matters with professionalism and are well-versed in best practices.

Confidentiality: External investigators can provide an extra layer of confidentiality, especially in situations where internal personnel might have relationships with the individuals involved. This can help maintain trust and protect sensitive information.

Credibility and Trust: External investigators bring an independent and credible image to the investigation, reinforcing trust among employees and stakeholders that the process is fair and transparent.

Legal Guidance: External investigators can work under the guidance of the company’s legal counsel, ensuring that the investigation is conducted within the bounds of the law and protecting privileged information.

Cost Efficiency: In some cases, hiring external investigators can be more cost-effective than assigning internal resources to handle complex investigations, especially when considering the potential legal implications.

A: An internal investigation is typically warranted when an employee complaint or concern raises serious issues that may impact the workplace, employees, or the overall functioning of the organization.

Legal or Regulatory Compliance: When there are indications of non-compliance with legal or regulatory requirements that may pose legal risks to the organization.

Allegations of Misconduct: When there are credible allegations of employee misconduct, such as harassment, discrimination, fraud, theft, or other unethical behavior.

Violations of Policies or Procedures: When there are suspected or reported violations of company policies, procedures, or codes of conduct.

Workplace Violence or Threats: If there are concerns or reports related to workplace violence, threats, or intimidation.

Disciplinary Actions: Before taking significant disciplinary actions, especially those that could lead to termination, it’s crucial to conduct an investigation to gather relevant facts and evidence.

Employee Disputes or Conflicts: When there are unresolved employee disputes or conflicts that may impact the work environment or team dynamics.

Whistleblower Complaints: When an employee raises concerns about illegal or unethical activities within the organization, potentially under whistleblower protection laws.

Health and Safety Issues: If there are complaints or concerns related to workplace health and safety violations that could pose a risk to employees.

Performance Issues: In cases where performance issues are serious and may require an investigation to determine the underlying causes.

Employee Relations Matters: When there are complex employee relations matters that could benefit from a thorough investigation to understand the root causes and potential resolutions.

Retaliation Concerns: If there are allegations of retaliation against an employee who reported a concern or participated in a previous investigation.

A: Employers have a legal obligation to conduct internal investigations in various situations to ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations. While the specifics may vary based on jurisdiction and industry, here are common scenarios where an employer may have a legal duty to conduct an internal investigation:

Unionized Workplaces: In unionized workplaces, collective bargaining agreements may outline specific procedures for conducting investigations, and failure to adhere to these agreements could lead to legal challenges.

Discrimination and Harassment Complaints: When an employee raises allegations of discrimination or harassment based on protected characteristics such as race, gender, age, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. Many jurisdictions require employers to investigate such complaints promptly.

Retaliation Claims: If an employee alleges retaliation for engaging in protected activities, such as reporting unlawful conduct, filing a complaint, or participating in an investigation.

Whistleblower Protections: When an employee brings forward concerns about illegal or unethical activities within the organization, particularly if whistleblower protection laws apply.

Safety and Health Concerns: In response to complaints or concerns related to workplace safety and health issues, as employers are generally required to provide a safe and healthy work environment.

Wage and Hour Violations: When there are allegations or suspicions of wage and hour violations, such as unpaid overtime, improper classification of employees, or other violations of labor standards.

Employee Misconduct: In cases of alleged employee misconduct, including theft, fraud, or other violations of company policies or codes of conduct.

Privacy Violations: When there are allegations or evidence of privacy violations, unauthorized access to employee records, or breaches of data protection laws.

Workplace Violence: In response to threats or incidents of workplace violence, employers may have a duty to investigate and take appropriate actions to ensure employee safety.

Disability Accommodation Requests: When an employee requests a reasonable accommodation for a disability, employers may have an obligation to engage in the interactive process and investigate possible accommodations.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Compliance: When there are concerns or disputes related to compliance with the Family and Medical Leave Act, employers may be required to investigate to ensure adherence to leave entitlements.

Sexual Harassment Prevention Training: In some jurisdictions, employers are required to conduct sexual harassment prevention training, and failure to investigate and address complaints may result in legal consequences.

A: Understanding Insurance Fraud Investigations: What You Need to Know

Insurance fraud is a significant problem in the United States, so much so that 41 states have established specialized bureaus to investigate fraudulent claims and related illegal activities. Whether you’re an insurance company representative or a consumer, understanding insurance fraud and its impact is crucial.

The Impact of Insurance Fraud

Insurance fraud involves filing false claims to receive payouts that exceed what is legitimately owed. According to the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud, this crime results in over $80 billion in losses annually. The FBI reports that non-health insurance fraud alone causes over $40 billion in yearly losses. This widespread fraud affects everyone, increasing the average U.S. family’s insurance premiums by about $550 annually.

In Florida, auto insurance fraud is particularly prevalent due to its no-fault insurance system. In 2011, these fraud cases cost Floridians nearly $658 million, translating to an extra $100 in premiums for households with two cars. Reforms in 2012 by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation have since reduced these costs by 13.6%.

Types of Insurance Fraud

Insurance fraud generally falls into two categories: soft fraud and hard fraud.

• Soft Fraud: This occurs when an individual exaggerates an existing legitimate claim. Examples include overstating the severity of injuries or inflating the value of stolen items.
• Hard Fraud: This involves fabricating an entirely false claim. Examples include staging accidents, faking deaths to claim life insurance benefits, or submitting fraudulent disability claims with fake documentation.

What Are Insurance Fraud Investigations?

Insurance fraud investigations are thorough examinations conducted to determine the legitimacy of a claim. These investigations can cover various types of insurance:

• Health Insurance: Investigates the necessity and authenticity of healthcare claims, including cases of health identity theft.
• Auto Insurance: Examines whether car accidents were staged or if vehicle thefts are fraudulent.
• Homeowners Insurance: Verifies claims of damage from natural disasters or burglaries, and checks for deliberate property destruction.
• Life Insurance: Looks into claims to rule out fake deaths, inflated premiums, and other fraudulent activities.
• Workers’ Compensation: Investigates the legitimacy of injury claims and whether they occurred at work.
• Insurance Company Investigations: Examines the practices of insurance companies to ensure they are not engaging in bad faith practices, such as underpaying claims.

How Private Investigators Conduct Insurance Fraud Investigations

If you suspect fraud, hiring an unbiased private investigator (PI) can be crucial. Here are the methods they use:

1. Rigorous Interviews: Experienced PIs, often former police officers, conduct thorough interviews to detect inconsistencies and identify co-conspirators.
2. Document Analysis: PIs meticulously review all documentation related to the claim, such as billing records, applications, photos, and repair costs, to uncover any signs of forgery or fraud.
3. Surveillance: Skilled in surveillance, PIs monitor suspected offenders to gather evidence and identify additional participants. They also perform background checks to reveal any history of suspicious claims.
4. Gathering Documentation for Court: PIs collect irrefutable evidence, including photos, videos, and documents, to build a strong case for court.

Why Choose Us for Insurance Fraud Investigations

Our investigative agency offers comprehensive services to uncover insurance fraud, protecting your business from significant financial losses. With our expertise, you can ensure that every claim is legitimate and that fraudulent activities are swiftly identified and addressed. Contact us today to learn how we can help safeguard your interests.