Note: Private Investigator Steven Mason’s article originally appeared at PInow.com. One of the most important pieces of data for an investigator to know about someone who is the subject of inquiry is his or her address history. Franky, it’s difficult to imagine any investigation that can’t benefit from knowledge of the target’s address history. Asset […]
Civil Investigation
Locating Driving History Records
If you’ve been a private investigator for any length of time, chances are you’ve researched an individual’s driving history – a significant source of information and intelligence in almost any type of legal case, from civil litigation to family law. Such an investigation can uncover information about vehicles associated with the individual, locations frequented, alcohol […]
Google Search Like a Private Investigator
Without question, one could argue that Google is a private investigator’s No. 1 resource when beginning an investigation. It’s no secret that Google is the go-to source for information about people, businesses and locations. According to Reliablesoft.net, as of 2020 Google’s market share remains between 70% and 91%, making it far and away the dominant […]
5 Lessons Lawyers Taught Me
“If I have seen further, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.” -Sir Isaac Newton For more than 20 years, I have had the privilege of working with attorneys investigating some of the most high-profile civil and criminal cases in the country. Along the way, I have found these men and woman – […]
Social Media Evidence, Not For The Novice
“Privacy on the Internet? That’s an oxymoron.” – Catherine Butler With an estimated 45% of the world’s population possessing at least one social media account, the value of social media as an evidence source cannot be overstated. From personal injury suits to criminal trials, it has become increasingly rare for social media evidence to not […]
Calls for Service Records
“Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon and the truth.” Buddha By and large, we as professional investigators understand that cases that are energetically pursued more often than not give birth to critical evidence. We pursue leads, obviously: witness interviews, court records, database research, discovery review, etc. And while it’s important […]
FBI Fingerprint Background Checks 101
In my line of work as a private investigator, I’m often asked to do “FBI nationwide background checks” for private clients, to assure them that their persons of interest do not have any skeletons in their closets. Sadly, this is when I explain that a nationwide background check does not exist, meaning that a […]
Evidence Expires
Hiring a private investigator in the early stages of a criminal or civil case guarantees the best chance of success for your client. The collection of evidence is crucial, and time is of the essence. Your client’s assets, business or freedom could be at stake. The Importance of Evidence The successful collection (or lack […]
Private Investigators Are Vital to Attorneys – Part 2
“I think any case that has any real complexity is going to require a private investigator for something.” – Ellen Henak, Appellate Lawyer. This blog series covers the importance of using private investigators to garner positive outcomes in settlements and trials. To refresh your memory, in Part 1 I discussed in detail how private investigators […]