In an ideal world, an attorney works on one case at a time and has time to compile all existing evidence for her case. However, most attorneys are juggling many cases at a time and often do not have time to gather everything that will be useful for her case.

That’s where a private investigator comes in. PI’s are extremely useful to attorneys because they are in the business of knowing and finding things. Here are the top reasons that attorneys outsource work to private investigators. 

Find People

Often, attorneys have trouble locating witnesses or other important people related to their case. In some cases, an attorney may be trying to locate someone whose full name they do not know. They could be going off of a first name, a description, or a nickname of some sort. Private investigators shine in these situations. It is a private investigator’s job to find what is hidden. Therefore, PI’s are great at finding people who do not wish to be found.

Find Evidence

Attorneys do not always have time to pour over evidence the way a private investigator can. PI’s often revisit crime scenes to find out if any details have been overlooked. They are experts in taking clear, informative crime scene photos that can help in an attorney’s case. Private investigators will often re-interview witnesses to look for details the attorney may have missed. Re-interviewing witnesses can be useful to see if a witness has changed his testimony. Private investigators may uncover a witness’s motive for giving a certain testimony or discover new important witnesses that had been previously overlooked.

Private investigators are experts in finding supporting evidence as well. This skill is especially important in family law, where cheating spouses and hidden assets need to be discovered. PI’s are experts in doing proper research to locate hidden assets, which are important in personal injury cases, debt collection, and family law cases. 

Outsource Experts

On top of a full caseload, it would be very difficult for an attorney to become an expert in every field that her cases involved. Because private investigators are in the business of knowing people, they are a great resource to find experts. In some cases, the investigators themselves may be experts in the field that an attorney requires. In most cases, though, a private investigator will have a list of contacts that will include experts in almost every field. A private investigator’s contacts can be extremely valuable to provide an attorney with the knowledge necessary to go forward with a case.

Compile a History

Private investigators are great at compiling the history of a person or company. PI’s often comb through public records and interview people close to the individual in question. They are able to gather information that helps gain a better understanding of a person or a company as a whole. In some cases, a private investigator might uncover a previous charge of a similar nature. In others, he might discover information that provides greater insight to a motive for a crime. Private investigators are more equipped (with time and skill) to compile a full history than an attorney.

Digital Research

Private investigators are experts at digital research and are equipped with knowledge of the latest research technology. Often, they comb through the social media of defendants, witnesses, and others related to the case. Discoveries made through social media can provide new evidence or motives previously unknown. PI’s also make use of software designed to do background checks and uncover other important information that can be useful to attorneys.

Connect the Dots

Not only do private investigators have more time to research the background of a person, but they have more time to mull over the implications of the information they have gathered. When researching a company, a private investigator is able to compile a history and understand its inner workings. He is then able to understand the different individuals of the company and the dynamics between them. Often times, a better understanding of inner workings of a company provides leverage that an attorney can use in her case.

United Security Incorporated | Private Investigators in CT, NY, and MA

While many of us want to see the good in people, the world does have it's fair share of dishonest and fraudulent people. We recognize that there are situations that call for professional guidance and assistance when individuals and companies are concerned about the truth.

Whether our private investigators are working to help an attorney gather evidence, investigate investment scams or follow a suspected unfaithful spouse, our clients rely on us to minimize the risk and gather clear objective evidence. In today's world, it's definitely better to be safe than sorry, and get the facts.