FAQs
Do Private Investigators have to be licensed?
Most states require a private investigator to be licensed. Some states have strict requirements to obtain an investigative license while others have no requirements. The following states do not have statewide licensing requirements:
Alabama
Alaska
Colorado
Idaho
Mississippi
South Dakota
Can I hire an investigator if police are already on the case?
Absolutely, it would also be a good idea to let the investigator know about the police involvement in the case. It’s actually a great idea to get our assistance alongside that provided by the police because sometimes they don’t treat cases with the seriousness that people desire. Once in possession of all details around the case, an investigator can discuss with a client how he or she can supplement or support the police investigation.
How much do you charge for your investigative services?
We would like to be able to provide general estimates, but the cost of the investigation depends heavily on the assignment. For example: the type of investigation, the investigators time, the investigators tools & resources, and for mileage. While our agency has reasonable rates, we will always endeavor to work within your budget to get you the results you need. Your initial consultation is free and beginning at this point, all of your case details will remain confidential. We are always happy to answer questions and talk through your best options with no obligation.
What happens if an investigator fails to achieve my objectives?
A reputable investigator will always complete the task that they are set and prove this to you by providing a report. Note that this doesn’t necessarily mean that an investigator will be able to answer every one of your questions or achieve all of your objectives. Nobody can guarantee that a subject person will be able to be followed successfully 100% of the time. Even in the case of a police operation in which they may use 8 or more officers, challenging circumstances can always present themselves and events are unpredictable, especially in a busy urban environment like Miami. Nevertheless, an experienced and skilled investigation team employs strategies and allocates suitable resources that result in successful outcomes in the majority of cases.
Can investigators testify in court?
The answer is yes. Investigators can testify in courts whenever necessary. Investigators who ran surveillance may occasionally be required to testify as to their observations if the matter is contested.
The testimony of a private investigator can help you win the case in court.
How fast can a private investigator start working on my case?
We prefer at least 24 hours notice before beginning investigations in order to properly prepare. However, in certain circumstances, we can start an investigation in two to three hours if the situation is truly urgent.Â
Weekends are usually the busiest time for our private detectives;Â therefore, 24-hour notice is generally needed for weekend assignments.
Keep in mind that we can’t begin the actual investigation until we have collected all of the information we need from you.
What if an investigator gets caught on the job?
The only time a subject ever knows for sure that an investigator is following him or her is when a client lets that fact slip. If a subject shows any sign of suspicion in the course of a surveillance job, investigators break off contact and discuss how best to proceed from there. It is quite rare for a subject to become suspicious but it can occur. Even if a subject person does becomes suspicious, the subject cannot know for sure that it is a private investigator who is following him or her. The reality is that certain individuals such as serious criminals, lifelong conmen, PTSD sufferers and war veterans can’t necessarily be followed in any conventional sense because they’re always looking over their shoulder. Even police struggle in such circumstances and would likely need a warrant to get a tracker to put on the subject’s car to help with the surveillance.
What Types of Cases Do Private Investigators Handle?
Private investigators have worked on all types of cases. They are commonly associated with family law cases, including child custody, divorce, adultery, and child support cases. They are also retained in accident cases, including for the use of accident reconstruction and for insurance investigations. Additionally, they may be hired to help locate assets or to complete background checks. This is just a small sample of the cases that they work on during a routine week.