A private investigator aka PI, Private Detective or Private Eye can be described as someone who is hired to conduct investigations without the supervision or any affiliation with law enforcement agencies. Most states require Private investigators to be trained, insured, and licensed and the state of VA is amongst one of them. Investigators most often have law enforcement or a military background and experience. Additionally, private investigators also tend to have educational background related to the field of investigations.

Yes, private investigators produce evidence that is admissible in court, and should keep their clients informed throughout the investigative process. Private investigators are bound by the law of confidentiality with the clients, and they cannot directly produce the report to the court without their clients explicit consent, most commonly in in writing.

A private investigator isn’t allowed to infringe the suspect or the subject privacy rights numerated in the U.S. constitution. These violations may jeopardize the case and drag the investigator and the client to criminal charges, penalties and even lawsuits.

Yes, only if the investigation originates in their state of licensure while the other state offers similar reciprocity to private investigators registered or licensed in VA. It is essential to view and subsequently acknowledge the limited reciprocity agreements for private investigations that the Commonwealth of Virginia holds with other states before conducting investigations in different states.

Always do some research and ask as many questions as possible to learn about everything that matters to you the most. Additionally, discuss an approximation of what the entire service will cost you and whether an upfront retainer is required. Moreover, always request for a written retainer agreement before you pay the investigator and discuss everything prior to the commencement of the services.

It certainly depends on the type of case. Every investigative firm has their own rates so it is beneficial to contact the investigative company to explain the services you are looking for and get an estimate of the total fee.

It depends on location and the availability of the investigators in the specific area at the time of the request. Experienced companies assign all cases in a timely fashion and sometimes require some time to do some homework before initiating investigations These things can be properly managed if they are considered seriously and the clients are accommodated reasonably and justly.

Absolutely, a private investigator can assist attorneys with all kinds of cases. It is sometimes genuinely helpful for the clients to have a private investigator while having an attorney for their case.