Many lawyers rely on the information provided by private investigators to put together their cases and represent their clients. Since lawyers have to juggle multiple cases on a daily basis, hiring a private investigator helps them in a number of ways.

As a leading Charlotte, NC private investigator, we discuss some common ways attorneys utilize the services of private investigators:

1. Gathering evidence

Private investigators can conduct thorough investigations to gather evidence relevant to a case. They can locate and interview witnesses, take statements, collect documents, obtain photographs or videos, and uncover other crucial information that can strengthen a client’s position.

2. Witness background checks

PIs can perform background checks on witnesses involved in a case. They can verify their credibility, uncover any potential biases, and identify any previous criminal records. 
Furthermore, they delve into the witnesses’ personal or professional history through social media platforms. Utilizing services like True People Check, a renowned private investigators’ tool, enables them to gather additional insights, and cross-referencing information to ensure a thorough examination of the witnesses’ background.

3. Surveillance

Private investigators can conduct surveillance operations to monitor individuals, locations, or activities relevant to a case. This can involve discreetly following a subject, capturing photographs or videos, and documenting their actions. Surveillance can be useful in personal injury claims, matrimonial cases, insurance fraud investigations, and more.

4. Locating missing persons or assets

Attorneys may require the assistance of a PI to locate missing persons, such as beneficiaries, heirs, or witnesses, who may be critical to a case. Additionally, PIs can help locate hidden assets, uncover financial information, or trace the transfer of funds, especially in cases involving fraud, embezzlement, or divorce.

5. Serving legal documents

Private investigators can serve legal documents on behalf of attorneys, ensuring that they’re delivered to the intended recipients in compliance with legal requirements. This service can be particularly helpful when dealing with evasive individuals or in cases where serving documents poses challenges.

6. Expert testimony support

PIs can provide expert testimony based on their investigative findings. Their specialized knowledge and experience can be valuable in explaining complex investigative techniques, presenting evidence, or providing insight into specific aspects of a case.

7. Background checks

Attorneys may hire private investigators to conduct comprehensive background checks on individuals involved in a case, such as opposing parties, potential clients, or employees. These checks can uncover important information, such as criminal records, civil litigation history, financial standing, social media activity, and reputation, which can assist attorneys in assessing the credibility and reliability of individuals.

8. Due diligence investigations

Private investigators can assist attorneys in conducting due diligence investigations. This can involve examining the background, reputation, and financial standing of individuals or companies before entering into business transactions, partnerships, mergers, acquisitions, or other legal agreements. These investigations help attorneys assess potential risks, uncover hidden liabilities, and make informed decisions.

9. Intellectual property investigations

Attorneys specializing in intellectual property law may employ private investigators to investigate copyright infringement, trademark violations, or trade secret theft. PIs can gather evidence of unauthorized use or misappropriation of intellectual property, identify the responsible parties, and assist in building a case for the protection of their clients’ intellectual property rights.

10. Forensic investigations

Private investigaPrivate investigators with specialized training in forensics can assist attorneys in analyzing and interpreting forensic evidence relevant to a case. They can collaborate with forensic experts, examine crime scenes, collect physical evidence, review laboratory reports, and provide expert opinions or testimony regarding forensic findings.

If they have a case related to businesses and finance, they collaborate with financial forensic investigators, delving into intricate financial transactions, scrutinizing accounting practices, and uncovering potential financial irregularities. This collaborative effort allows them to analyze financial records, detect fraud, trace money trails, and assess the economic impact of the case.

11. Jury research

Private investigators can conduct jury research to gather information on potential jurors in preparation for a trial. They can investigate jurors’ backgrounds, social media activity, public records, and past jury service. This information helps attorneys assess potential biases, develop effective jury selection strategies, and tailor their arguments to the jury’s composition.

12. Locating expert witnesses

Attorneys may engage private investigators to locate and vet expert witnesses for their cases. PIs can help identify and evaluate qualified experts in various fields, such as medicine, engineering, finance, or psychology. They can verify their credentials, assess their experience, and provide attorneys with options for expert witnesses who can strengthen their case.

These are just a few examples of how attorneys can utilize the services of private investigators to support their legal work. The specific tasks performed by PIs will depend on the nature of the case, the legal requirements, and the strategic needs of the attorney and their clients.

JP Investigative Group’s Charlotte, NC, private investigator offers results-driven private investigations

Licensed in 18 states, JP Investigative Group can offer you accurate, fast results on your case.

Give their private investigator in North Carolina a call now for more information!

About the author

Renowned within Charlotte’s private investigation field, Gary T. Norman excels in domestic investigations and possesses a genuine passion for educating others about the work of investigators, often expressed through his blog contributions.