In America there is a stereotype that private investigators are only good for documenting a cheating spouse or to maybe to obtain documentation and evidence in a child custody case. Sure, this is something that private investigators do, but there is so much more that we are capable of. There are many ways that the professional private investigator can be of assistance in today’s society. From criminal defense investigations, civil investigations, to background investigations, the professional private investigator can be an invaluable resource.
Criminal Defense Investigations:
If you find yourself arrested or in trouble with law enforcement, the normal reaction is to hire an attorney. Usually an attorney is very good at what they do, which is to argue points of law in court. What attorney’s usually are not so good at is to locate and track down witnesses and gather evidence. Many times an attorney has such a case load they do not really look at a criminal case until right before court and their case consist in attempting to poke holes in the prosecutor’s case. Sometimes this is effective, but most of the time it is not. Private investigators can look at police reports from a law enforcement point of view and see the inconsistencies in the investigation. Private investigators can determine the credibility of witnesses and possibly locate evidence and witnesses that can prove reasonable doubt. Another little known fact, if a client is indigent, an attorney can request that the court appoint a private investigator to assist in the investigation and presentation of the case, and this service is paid for by the court and it cost the accused absolutely nothing.
Criminal Investigations:
Criminal Investigations can take in many situations. Most criminal cases are investigated by local, county, state or federal law enforcement. Sometimes, law enforcement officers may elect not to investigate or pursue some criminal investigations. Most of the time this it is due to a lack of resources, or maybe a lack of knowledge concerning the law when the infraction crosses jurisdictional lines. Some examples of these might be internet investigations such as internet harassment and stalking, child predator investigations, identity theft, etc. Many times a private investigator can locate the evidence and put the case together and present it to a prosecutor for legal action.
Civil Investigations:
Civil investigations cover a wide range of investigative services. Just to mention a few, there are divorce investigations, spousal misconduct, child custody, personal injury, wrongful death, workman's com, insurance investigations, etc. The list goes on and on. Private investigators can provide a valuable service as far as research, obtaining evidence, maintaining chain of custody on evidence, interviewing witnesses, taking statements and affidavits, performing surveillance, etc.
Data Services:
In today’s society and the expanded use of the internet, private investigators have become an invaluable resource for people. With online dating and people are meeting strangers, the professional private investigator can determine if the individual is single or married and playing a games. It can be determined if the individual is whom he claims to be and if they have a criminal record. It is always best to be safe than sorry later. Private Investigators can perform background investigations on individuals and advise you before you get in too deep or emotionally involved.
Resources: http://www.pimall.com
http://www.divorcehq.com http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/psb/ http://tlo2.tlc.state.tx.us/statutes/statutes.html http://www.courts.state.tx.us/rules/tre-toc.aspBeneficial Investigations
