How to hire a private investigator near you.
What’s A Private Investigator?
When facing a personal problem, like a cheating spouse, a child custody battle, divorce, or even a criminal case— people often turn to a private investigator for help.
Licensed private investigators are people who are legally allowed to provide investigative services to private clients like you. Their main function is to obtain information about people’s behaviors and relationships, but they can do much more. Licensing ensures that the investigator has at least a basic understanding of how to conduct an investigation, is not a felon/registered sex offender, and carries insurance for everyone’s protection.
Private investigators obtain information on people’s behaviors and relationships.
But Unlicensed Investigators Are Cheaper…
Well, let’s just say that unlicensed “private investigators” don’t meet the above standards. Licensing isn’t a very high barrier of entry, so if someone can’t acquire a license, you probably don’t want them taking your credit card number. Even worse, hiring people without a license can get you both in legal trouble. Aside from the liability aspect— if something goes wrong or someone gets hurt, in most states (including New York), hiring an unlicensed investigator is a misdemeanor crime. Always check local laws if you aren’t sure.
So, let’s assume you want to hire a licensed PI…
Hiring an “unlicensed PI” is inviting trouble. Hiring one is a crime in many states, and you can be held liable.
Find A Solid Investigator
To find a good PI, you might want to jump online. Google maps is an excellent place to browse, as there are plenty of PIs to choose from, complete with reviews and contact information readily available. However in my opinion, the best way to find a PI is to ask an attorney. Attorneys often work with private investigators, and a referral from a lawyer means the PI is probably pretty reliable. Another reason this is the best way to hire a PI, is because if an attorney refers you, the PI will be inclined to do their best work. The unfortunate reality is like every other profession, there are good ones and bad ones, so lean on a friend in legal services to point you in the right direction and avoid a dud.
Let’s Talk Pricing
Did you know that one of the top Google search keywords involving private investigators is “cheap private investigator”? Do you think people who want to get out of serious trouble Google “cheap lawyer”? Probably not.
Private investigations are incredibly tedious, time consuming, and potentially dangerous. Sitting in a car conducting surveillance can expose you to angry, potentially armed neighbors, suspicious police officers, and some PIs have been shot doing this kind of work. So, don’t be surprised if your PI costs as much or almost as much as your attorney. PIs are experts in their own right. They have the ability to see things from experience that your attorney can’t, and the evidence they provide often helps clients win in litigation or avoid court altogether.
Let’s face it— saving money is nice, but you’re spending money on an attorney because you’ve decided it hurts less than whatever negative outcome you are fighting to avoid. If a PI’s evidence can potentially get you the outcome you desire, isn’t that a safer bet than relying on an attorney alone?
Pricing varies widely, and much of it comes down to experience and the market. A basic infidelity investigation in Jacksonville, NC might cost you $75 an hour. The same case in New York City might cost $150 or even $250 an hour. High end experts with real world military and law enforcement experience, or a hard to find skillset will generally always cost more than someone with just a license and a dream.
Not all PIs are bozos like this guy. Many are decorated ex-police detectives and military veterans, using their skills to help people in really tough situations.
Types of Cases
What types of cases can benefit from a PI? All of them.
No, seriously… Here is an incomplete list of cases that can benefit from a PI, and some reasons why:
Divorce // Finding hidden assets, lifestyle documentation, pre-emptive custody evidence
Child Custody // Parental fitness investigations, background checks, driver records for safety evaluations.
Civil Litigation // Locating assets for enforcement of judgement, locating debtors, process serving.
Corporate Law // Investigate employees suspected of embezzlement, selling trade secrets, tracing assets.
Criminal Defense // Checking witnesses for conflicts, find exonerating evidence, find new witnesses.
Elder Abuse // Set hidden cameras to document abuse, interview staff, background checks on suspects.
Infidelity // Document evidence of an affair, or disprove allegations.
Missing Persons // Locating missing loved ones, because the police are often very busy.
Personal Injury // Identifying owners of properties, vehicles, etc. Conducting asset searches for solvency.
Probate // Locating beneficiaries and next of kin for distribution of assets post death.
Real Estate // Locating owners of distressed properties, next of kin in probate situations.
Workplace Allegations // Investigate allegations impartially on behalf of HR including interviews, evidence review, etc.
Conclusion
As you can see, PIs offer a lot of value, but good ones can be expensive. While private investigators might not be in everyone’s price range, there are options. Having a good understanding of your situation can help you get the most bang for your buck. It’s also smart to look into your state/county programs. In New York for instance, the 722c program allows attorneys to request the government to pay for a private investigator to help you with your criminal defense case. This little known program can help you ensure you have every advantage for a criminal court case.
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**If you have a case like the ones listed above, feel free to reach out. I offer private investigator services to clients in all 50 U.S. states.
- John The PI