Ways an Attorney Can Effectively Use a Private Investigator
Most attorneys possess abundant knowledge of the law, as well as strong research skills. However, more complicated cases and trials result in additional responsibilities and time constraints that might necessitate the hiring of other professionals to carry out specific duties pertinent to helping them perform their job at the most efficient and effective levels. One such professional is a Private Investigator, commonly referred to as P.I. The following short blog examines several functions an attorney might ask a P.I. to perform.
Gathering Information
Attorneys often need to gather information about specific witnesses and/or facts and evidence vital to certain cases. Though important, this process can be tedious and time-consuming. Therefore, many attorneys delegate such tasks to P.I.’s.
Surveillance
Many divorce litigators and/or criminal attorneys may hire a P.I. to follow certain subjects, suspects and/or witnesses to gather evidence, in addition to potentially establishing a pattern of behavior in persons of interest in any specific case. P.I.’s may uncover information that tips the balance of a trial or any other legal proceedings, such as the identification of a cheating spouse and/or catching an individual performing an illegal act.
Finding People
It should be no surprise that individuals with shady histories and/or those tied to criminal activity might be difficult to locate. P/I.’s possess a wealth of experience locating people who have either disappeared or gone incognito.
Conducting A Proper Investigation
Most P.I.s are well-versed in conducting criminal investigations. These professionals are skilled in the art of gathering, presenting and preserving evidence that could be used in a trial. In addition, and perhaps most importantly, they know how to operate under the law so an not to interfere with police and/or other investigating authorities.
Locating Assets
In certain proceedings such as divorce cases, one spouse might attempt to hide significant financial assets from the other. P.I’s are often efficient in uncovering the methods individuals may try and employ to disguise money and other pertinent assets.
Reading The Opponent
P.I.’s can be effective in helping a legal team predict the tactics of its opponents. Most investigators have interacted with various personalities operating under duress and might be able to anticipate how such individuals will react to specific situations.
Aiding In The Deposition Process
Prior to going to trial, all court cases require a process known as deposition. During this phase of a legal proceeding, trial participants are questioned by both the prosecuting and defense attorneys. The responses of the disposed provide key information and help establish the facts and basis for the trial. Investigators often help attorneys formulate trial strategies and prepare clients for the line of questioning they may face during cross examination.
Identifying Potential Witnesses
As a trial progresses, testimony from new witnesses might be needed to strengthen one side’s argument and/or turn the tide in their favor. Investigators are often given the responsibility of monitoring a trial’s proceedings and locating new witnesses if circumstances warrant their involvement.
Gathering Information
Attorneys often need to gather information about specific witnesses and/or facts and evidence vital to certain cases. Though important, this process can be tedious and time-consuming. Therefore, many attorneys delegate such tasks to P.I.’s.
Surveillance
Many divorce litigators and/or criminal attorneys may hire a P.I. to follow certain subjects, suspects and/or witnesses to gather evidence, in addition to potentially establishing a pattern of behavior in persons of interest in any specific case. P.I.’s may uncover information that tips the balance of a trial or any other legal proceedings, such as the identification of a cheating spouse and/or catching an individual performing an illegal act.
Finding People
It should be no surprise that individuals with shady histories and/or those tied to criminal activity might be difficult to locate. P/I.’s possess a wealth of experience locating people who have either disappeared or gone incognito.
Conducting A Proper Investigation
Most P.I.s are well-versed in conducting criminal investigations. These professionals are skilled in the art of gathering, presenting and preserving evidence that could be used in a trial. In addition, and perhaps most importantly, they know how to operate under the law so an not to interfere with police and/or other investigating authorities.
Locating Assets
In certain proceedings such as divorce cases, one spouse might attempt to hide significant financial assets from the other. P.I’s are often efficient in uncovering the methods individuals may try and employ to disguise money and other pertinent assets.
Reading The Opponent
P.I.’s can be effective in helping a legal team predict the tactics of its opponents. Most investigators have interacted with various personalities operating under duress and might be able to anticipate how such individuals will react to specific situations.
Aiding In The Deposition Process
Prior to going to trial, all court cases require a process known as deposition. During this phase of a legal proceeding, trial participants are questioned by both the prosecuting and defense attorneys. The responses of the disposed provide key information and help establish the facts and basis for the trial. Investigators often help attorneys formulate trial strategies and prepare clients for the line of questioning they may face during cross examination.
Identifying Potential Witnesses
As a trial progresses, testimony from new witnesses might be needed to strengthen one side’s argument and/or turn the tide in their favor. Investigators are often given the responsibility of monitoring a trial’s proceedings and locating new witnesses if circumstances warrant their involvement.