1. Is hiring a Private Investigator legal?

Yes. Hiring a licensed Private Investigator is a completely legal and legitimate way to gather information for personal, legal, or business purposes. However, the investigator must operate within the bounds of federal and state laws. At the start of an investigation, a professional PI will typically provide a contract or retainer agreement outlining the scope of the work.

2. Can a Private Investigator tap a phone or bug a room?

No. Recording private conversations without the consent of at least one party (and in many states, both parties) is a violation of federal wiretapping laws. A professional investigator will not risk their license or your legal standing by using illegal surveillance equipment. They rely instead on visual observation and public record patterns.

3. Will the person I am investigating find out?

The primary goal of any investigator is to remain discreet and undetected. Using professional-grade equipment (such as long-range lenses) and specialized vehicles, investigators work to maintain a “buffer zone.” While no one can guarantee 100% anonymity in every situation, a skilled investigator knows how to “break off” surveillance if they feel they are being noticed to protect the integrity of the case.

4. Can you guarantee the results I’m looking for?

No. An investigator’s job is to gather facts and evidence, not to manufacture a specific outcome. Sometimes the truth is that a spouse is not cheating or an employee is actually injured. A reputable investigator guarantees their time, their effort, and the accuracy of their reporting, but they cannot guarantee that the evidence will always support the client’s initial suspicions.

5. What kind of report will I receive at the end?

Upon completion of the investigation, you will receive a detailed Investigative Report. This document outlines the dates, times, and locations of the investigation, a chronological log of observed activities, and any supporting evidence such as high-resolution photographs or video footage. These reports are often formatted to be “court-ready” should you need them for legal proceedings.

6. Do I need to provide any information to start?

The more information you provide, the more efficient (and cost-effective) the investigation will be. Helpful details include:

• Full name and a recent photograph of the subject.
• Vehicle make, model, and license plate number.
• Known home and work addresses.
• Daily routines or specific “hobbies” the subject enjoys.

7. How much does it cost to hire a Private Investigator?

Costs vary depending on the complexity of the case, the location, and the services required. Most investigators charge an hourly rate for surveillance and a flat fee for specific tasks like background checks or database searches. Most firms also require a retainer (an upfront deposit) before work begins.

Process Service

Process service is a legal procedure that involves serving legal documents to individuals or entities, such as businesses. It encompasses a wide range of legal documents, including criminal subpoenas, civil subpoenas, summonses, divorce and child custody documents, and subpoenas requesting documents from companies.

Legal requirements govern the proper manner of serving and filing legal documents through the court system. Adhering to these requirements is crucial to avoid delays during the court proceedings and potential additional fees.

In Idaho, the process of serving legal documents is governed by the Idaho Code of Civil Procedure. The procedures outlined include:

• – No license is required for Process Servers.
• – Process Servers must be at least 18 years of age and not parties to the action.
• – Summonses or Complaints must be served within six months of filing.
• – The person executing the process does not need to have the original document when serving.
• – Service may be accomplished by direct service to the individual or a person over the age of 18 residing with the individual.
• – Serving process to a corporation may be accomplished by delivering a copy to the authorized agent of the corporation.
• – Proof of service must be filed with the court of jurisdiction and must include the name of the Process Server, manner of service, and the date and place of service.

For a comprehensive description of the Process Server procedures in Idaho, please refer to the Idaho Code of Civil Procedure: https://www.serve-now.com/resources/process-serving-laws/idaho.

Should I Hire a Process Server to Serve My Legal Documents?

The decision to hire a Process Server to serve your legal documents depends on various factors. If the individual you are serving is cooperative, easily located, and not evading service, you may consider having a willing friend assist you. In such cases, you will need to follow the proper court procedures to file the proof of service, which can save you time and money if all goes smoothly.

Regrettably, the majority of Process Service cases involve individuals who may not be receptive to being served or located, or whose character raises concerns about their willingness to cooperate with a known or untrained individual. In such situations, it is advisable to engage the services of a professional Process Server.

Typically, Process Servers charge between $75 and $100 for serving documents, and they usually include multiple attempts to locate and serve the individual. Some companies may also charge additional fees based on time and mileage. If the service requires a Process Server to locate and attempt service to an uncooperative, difficult-to-locate, or potentially confrontational individual, additional fees may apply.

My most recommended course of action for a client is to hire a professional Process Server, particularly if there is any uncertainty regarding the individual’s cooperation, location, or potential for confrontation.

🕵️ Eight Tips for Locating an Individual (Skip Tracing)

The process of locating an individual, often referred to as skip tracing, can be complex. There are many reasons for needing to find someone, such as locating an old friend, identifying a runaway, or serving legal documents.

Crucial First Step: Before conducting your own research, especially in cases involving crimes (like child abduction or missing persons with suspicious circumstances), you must notify law enforcement.

While licensed private investigators have access to proprietary databases, non-investigators can still conduct effective due diligence using publicly available resources. Below are eight tips to get you started.

The Eight Tips for Locating an Individual

1. Utilize Online Database Websites

Access websites like Spokeo, BeenVerified, or Zabasearch to gather fundamental background information on the individual.

• Action: Obtain basic details (address, phone numbers, relatives, associates).
• Strategy: Run searches on their known relatives or associates, as the “skip” may be residing with them now.

2. Conduct a Comprehensive Social Media Search

Search all major social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, LinkedIn) using the individual’s full name, maiden name, or any known aliases.

• Constraint: The accessibility of information depends on the individual’s privacy settings.
• Hint: Many people share their current location in posts. If the individual’s profile is private, explore their publicly accessible “friends” or associates for leads.

3. Review Local Court Records

If you have identified specific cities or counties associated with the individual, search the local court records.

• Resource: Most state and county governments maintain websites allowing name-based searches.
• Information Gained: These records may reveal involvement in civil or criminal cases and list other parties involved, providing potential new leads.

4. Contact Prior Residences and Landlords

Reach out to the management or landlord of the individual’s prior residences.

• Inquiry Points: Ask if the individual left an emergency contact or a forwarding address (e.g., for a deposit refund).
• Alternative: New residents may be acquainted with or related to the individual.

5. Search Public Property Records

Most counties maintain public property records that can be accessed online.

• Search Method: While some records require an address, many allow searching by name.
• Strategy: Searching the individual’s family name can uncover property owned by family members, potentially revealing a current residence or a point of contact.

6. Verify Professional Licenses and Businesses

If you suspect the individual holds a professional license, search the corresponding state or local government entity.

• Outcome: These entities may disclose the business associated with the license.
• For Self-Employed: Verify their name and business on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and your state’s professional licensing records.

7. Check Incarceration Status

Locating an individual who may be incarcerated requires contacting the relevant jurisdiction.

• Federal Inmates: Use the Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator: https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/
• State/Local Inmates: Check the specific jail or Department of Corrections website, or call them directly, as access to inmate rosters varies widely.

8. Leverage Vehicle Information (When Available)

While obtaining personal information from a license plate is restricted to law enforcement, other vehicle details can be useful.

• License Plates: Do not trust websites claiming to provide registration details. Law enforcement and investigators have access to “vehicle plate locator” systems that capture continuous license plate data.
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): If you possess the VIN, a CARFAX report can reveal locations where the vehicle has been serviced and registered.

Remember, the best advice is to be creative and think outside the box in your search.

Individuals often engage the services of private investigators to ascertain the possibility of infidelity within their marital relationships. Some clients seek documented evidence to support their intentions to file for divorce or child custody proceedings. Others, however, prioritize peace of mind. These individuals may have been married for an extended period and still harbor affection for their spouse. Deep down, they believe that confronting their partner with this evidence could potentially facilitate the resolution of underlying issues and salvage the marriage. Nevertheless, the primary objective of most clients is to obtain the truth and move forward with their lives.

A typical client inquiry begins with an initial discussion regarding the reasons behind their suspicion of infidelity. Common concerns include their spouse’s secretive behavior regarding their cell phone, sudden changes in their demeanor, and irregular work schedules. While these observations may serve as potential indicators of a shift in lifestyle, they alone do not constitute conclusive proof of infidelity.

Below are specific activities that may, and I emphasize may, suggest the possibility of infidelity:

• Sudden alterations in behavior or schedule, such as leaving at unusual times or more frequently without prior notice.

• The presence of an odor of cologne or perfume on the spouse.

• A sudden change in appearance or grooming standards.

• A sudden interest in physical fitness.

• Disinterest in sexual intimacy with the client.

• A request for sexual activity that deviates from the norm.

• Excessive activity on social media or texting, including the acquisition of new female or male “friends.”

• Secrecy regarding the cell phone, such as refusing to share passwords.

• Unusual applications on the cell phone, commonly downloaded to conceal other information.

• Evidence of infidelity on the cell phone or computer, including text messages, emails, or explicit photographs.

• Unusual phone numbers on the cell phone statement.

• Overcompensating behavior, such as excessive compliments, gifts, or attention, which may serve as a distraction from unfaithful behavior.

• Evidence of online dating activities.

Investigation Strategies for Suspected Infidelity

To effectively investigate potential infidelity, consider the following evidence-gathering methods:

* Witness Accounts: Collect testimonies from individuals who have observed your spouse engaging in inappropriate behavior with another person.

* Locate birth control devices or other contraceptive methods within your spouse’s possession.

* Unusual Transactions: Monitor credit or ATM card activity for suspicious charges or excessive cash withdrawals.

* Digital Footprint: Investigate your spouse’s digital activities, including deleting browsing history and deleting files after using their cell phone or computer.

Surveillance of the suspected spouse is often necessary for these investigations. Providing specific time frames when you believe the activity may be occurring can significantly enhance the investigator’s ability to gather evidence and reduce the overall cost of the investigation. However, it is important to note that surveillance may not always be feasible.

Before contacting an investigator, thoroughly document any evidence you have already collected. Additionally, be prepared to provide the investigator with comprehensive personal information about your spouse, including their physical description, social circle, vehicles, employment history, habits, and weekly schedule. This information will enable the investigator to narrow down a potential time frame, increasing the likelihood of obtaining the evidence you seek.

I wanted to share a personal story that some folks out there may be able to relate to. Were you raised by a single parent and never knew your birth mother or father? Did you ever suspect that you may have other brothers and sisters or other relatives out there that you are not aware of?

In today’s world, family dynamics are different for everyone, but the reward of finding a long lost relative or even a relative you never thought you had could change your life.

My story starts when I was about 30 years old. I was an only child and was raised by a single mother. I had never known my father, only the limited information that my mother had provided me. After my mother had given birth, she lost contact with him. As I grew older into adulthood, I began wondering what it would have been like to know my father. Using a friend that was an investigator, I was able to locate my dad operating a small business in California. I eventually met my dad at which time he mentioned he had a son and daughter a little younger than I was. After a short visit with my dad, we lost contact with each other. I believed he didn’t want his family knowing about me at the time, but at least I had closed that chapter in my life.

Fast forward 20 years as I was approaching retirement. One day I was just sitting on my couch and googled my father’s name, only to find his obituary. He had died just 6 months before I located this information. I looked closely at the obituary and it showed the names of my brother and sister which I had never obtained!  I was ecstatic and, of course, overwhelmingly curious. Using some of my investigative techniques I acquired through my 25-year law enforcement career, I was able to locate and make phone contact with them in two different states.

After about a year of trying to get together from three different states, my brother and sister and I finally met up with each other, and it was definitely one of the best days of my life. Let’s just say that I consider myself to be the luckiest guy in the world because my brother and sister are the most fun loving and down to earth people I have ever met. Since this time our relationship has grown deeper and our families have grown closer. Because I was able to open that door, I have had the opportunity to meet more of my family! This experience was a life-changing event for me as you can see.

The point of my personal story is to not only share with you the great joy I now have from locating my brother and sister, but also to emphasize not to wait until your 50 years old to start your search. My brother and sister and I always discuss how much lost time we had and how many great memories we could have shared if we would have discovered each other at a younger age.

Many of you have similar stories or have been unsuccessful at finding the person(s) you are looking for using the most common social media websites or the inexpensive “background searches” websites. I highly recommend that you do your due diligence and make an effort to locate the person you are looking for through conventional methods. Many people will reach a dead end or give up because of the time required to do a thorough and detailed search. This is where the experience and expertise of a good Private Investigator comes in. At Resolve Investigations we can assist you in your search, whether it be for a missing person or a long-lost parent, grandparent, sibling, child, or other relative.  

Upon arrest, the prosecution side of your case typically possesses substantial resources to construct its case against you. These resources encompass police officers, detectives, forensic specialists, district attorneys, the courts, and other expert witnesses.

Your representation will be either a private attorney or a public defender, who is generally highly qualified and attentive to your case. However, even the most proficient attorneys have a demanding workload and limited time to dedicate to a comprehensive investigation of your case. This is where an experienced criminal defense investigator can assist your attorney by thoroughly reviewing and scrutinizing your case.

Your case deserves to be thoroughly investigated equally from the defense perspective. This ensures that proper legal procedures have been followed by law enforcement, potential witnesses have been identified and interviewed, and any exculpatory evidence has been identified and presented. Once the prosecution has focused on you as the suspect in a case, there may be evidence or witnesses that are overlooked but beneficial to your defense.

The burden of proof in your case lies with the prosecution. Your attorney must defend your case by presenting evidence that creates a reasonable doubt that you committed the crime. Criminal defense investigators’ primary focus will be on identifying, locating, and documenting this evidence.