FAQ for Scott Frank Investigations Private Investigators Detectives

1.  Why should I hire a private investigator?

Hiring a licensed private investigator can have a huge impact on your case especially pertaining to family law.  A good experienced investigator can obtain good physical evidence for you such as videotaping, picture taking, questioning witnesses, and other forms of collecting evidence to help your case so the court can obtain the facts of the case. Remember, the "he said, she said" is hearsay, nothing greater but to have the cold hard facts in your case from a licensed third party that has no interest in the matter but the truth. Too many times our agency's findings have determined the outcome of a case. Remember film doesn’t lie, people do.

2.  What is the general cost of hiring a private investigator?

The general cost of hiring a private investigator for a domestic case can range anywhere from $55.00-$85.00 an hour plus cost of mileage which is usually .50 cents to .75 cents a mile. Most investigators require anywhere from a $1500.00 to $2500.00 retainer to work the hourly rate and mileage off of. If you generally find an investigator cheaper than this be careful this may raise a red flag. Lots of people that illegally do investigations work lower the going rate in order to obtain business illegally.

3.  Do you have to obtain a license to do investigations work?

Yes, if you are not a licensed to be a Private Investigator more than likely your film or pictures will get thrown out of court and will not be admitted into the record as evidence. Also, it is a crime as well to impersonate yourself as a private investigator and if you are not licensed you can be charged with stalking, which is a serious offense. If you know someone that is doing surveillance or doing any type of investigative work without a license please contact the Louisiana State Board of Private Investigators to file a complaint or file a complaint with your local DA’s office.

4.  How long will it take to complete my case?

Each case is unique! A lot depends on the individual that is under an investigation. Creating a game plan with your investigator is always cost effective and betters the chances of a better outcome of your case .Always give the firm that is handling your case as much information as possible, it will better equip your investigator to handle your case. Remember your investigator is only as good as you make him sometimes.

5.  How much will this cost me?

Every case is different! Some cases cost as little as $1500 dollars some cost as much as $20,000. Remember there is never enough evidence to help your case. Sometimes investing a lot in your case has a better outcome in your case especially when your investigator is getting positive results. You have to work a case to make a case and making a case wins a case. Remember nothing worth having will be cheap.

6.  Can a PI plant listening devices inside of the person's home or place of work he is investigating?

No that is totally illegal. Only law enforcement agencies under a court order or warrant or some type of approval of a Judge can do such a thing.

7.  Are licensed private investigators' videos or pictures admissible in the court of law?

Yes, of course, it is .As long as the investigator didn’t break any laws to obtain the surveillance. In fact they are a valuable asset to a judge in determining his ruling in some circumstances. The last thing a judge wants is to be appealed by is based on factual evidence. Of course the applet courts allows the trial judges a lot of latitude in domestic cases .It’s important to have the facts on your side and have the extra edge in your case. Think about it this way, for the state wouldn’t license people to do this type of work, if the evidence that they obtained wouldn’t be admissible in court.

8.  Does an investigative agency have to carry some type of liability insurance?

No, it is not required by the licensing board for agencies to carrying insurance. Although a good and trustworthy agency will have at least basic liability insurance. I would avoid hiring any agency that doesn’t have a basic policy for liability insurance. I look at it this way if you can’t afford $800 dollars a year for insurance to protect you and your client, who’s best interest do you have in mind while doing your job for the client? Ask the company that is doing work for you to provide a copy of their PI Agency License along with a copy of their certificate of insurance. Remember the ole saying you get what you pay for!

9. Why doesn’t or why didn’t my lawyer suggest getting a Private Investigator in my case?

Rule of thumb is ... be careful who you hire as your lawyer when dealing with your family law case. Remember, you are fighting for the most precious thing in your life and that is your child. Also, you are dealing with the most difficult issue in your life when facing divorce. Make sure you hire an experienced family law lawyer. Some lawyers we find don’t want you to solve your case right off.  If they do, they will cut the hands that feeds them. Some lawyers want to drag a case on as long as possible so they can run your bill up as much as possible. It’s called “billable hours”. They would rather you spend tons of money on them and get no end result then hire an investigator and nip the case in the bud. An awesome family law lawyer will love good ole fashion physical evidence and they will request if you can afford it to hire an investigator, not only will this win their case but at the end gain a reputation in court and prosper in their business by word of mouth by being an aggressive lawyer. Ask your PI what lawyer hires them a lot in domestic cases.  Usually the lawyers that hire PIs often are usually the lawyers that have a high success rate.  Make sure you do your research on hiring a lawyer, it can determine whether you win or lose your case.  You have one shot at this.  Make sure you make it the best chance you can in winning your case. I don’t know about everyone else, but I love to win for my client and so should your lawyer as your legal representation.

10.  Can a PI obtain copies of a phone bill for me?

The answer is No.  We cannot obtain such information without breaking the law.  It is totally illegal in obtaining someone's phone bill without a court order or subpoena.