Most people imagine a private investigator as someone who sits discreetly in their car with a hidden camera, trying to catch an unfaithful spouse. Did you know they can also perform a variety of surveillance operations? Lawyers often use their expertise to help strengthen their cases. The Toronto-based private investigators at Haywood Hunt & Associates explain in this article the various ways that lawyers use their expertise.
Building A Legal Strategy
Lawyers are responsible for a variety of cases, gathering information and evidence for their clients to create a solid strategy for court success. Lawyers also prepare clients to ensure they are prepared for court proceedings and understand the strategy.
It can be challenging to build a solid case, especially if the evidence is scarce. Toronto DUI Lawyer Calvin Barry says, “Lawyers rely on factual information in order to formulate their strategy. Without enough evidence, a client’s case may not be successful.”
This is why lawyers often hire professional private investigators. These PIs are highly trained and will explore all avenues to find valuable information. They may conduct research, interviews, or surveillance.
Private Investigators’ Essential Role In Surveillance
Selecting the right private investigator for surveillance services is crucial for lawyers. License investigators receive extensive training that equips them with the skills necessary to conduct discreet and effective surveillance in legal cases.
Surveillance requires a high level of skill, as it involves observing an individual’s behavior while remaining undetected. The subject’s detection can be detrimental to the case as it could change the behaviour of the individual. The key to successful surveillance is maintaining a low-profile so that the target remains unaware they are being watched.
The natural behavior of the person being observed can influence the strategy used by lawyers. It’s also important that the investigator knows the legal standards of admissible proof. Incorrectly collected evidence could be dismissed in court and jeopardize the lawyer’s argument.
Types Of Legal Surveillance Services
The reasons behind surveillance can be very different, even though the techniques themselves are the same. Here are some examples of private investigators conducting surveillance for lawyers to meet different legal requirements.
Divorce Cases: Detecting Infidelity
Malerie Rose, Rose Family Law Mississauga, has employed several private investigators in order to strengthen her case. She explains that “in modern marriages prenuptial agreement terms often address fidelity. This allows a non-offending partner to seek divorce with no financial obligations in the event of infidelity”. Private investigators are often hired to support cheating claims. They have the resources and skills needed to collect evidence, something we can’t usually do ourselves.
Private investigators employ a variety of methods to confirm the infidelity. These include interviewing family, friends, neighbours and colleagues. Surveillance remains the most effective way to detect signs of infidelity.
Proving Parental Incapability In Child Custody Cases
Not all homes provide a nurturing environment for children’s wellbeing. Many lawyers help clients to seek custody modifications if they are concerned about the ex-partner’s ability care for their children.
A parent may be unfit to have custody due to a number of factors such as substance abuse or neglect. Private investigators are often hired by lawyers to monitor the other parent in these situations. The investigator documents and carefully monitors the behaviour of each parent to determine their suitability. The report of the investigator can be crucial for the lawyer if, for example, the parent who has weekend custody leaves the house and is gone several hours.
Hidden Assets In Divorce Cases
In divorce cases, one spouse will often try to conceal money, jewelry, real estate, or other assets. Hiding assets can be done to lower the apparent net worth of the spouse, which will result in a smaller settlement. The concealment of assets is against the law and can result in hefty fines if discovered.
Private investigators rely on surveillance to find hidden assets. Background research is helpful but surveillance can reveal the exact location of hidden assets. An investigator can track an individual’s activities to see if they are frequenting multiple banks. For instance, if they suddenly travel to the Caribbean. An investigator who is skilled can confirm if the person has any undisclosed bank accounts or valuable items in a safe deposit box, such as jewellery. These findings provide lawyers with crucial information that helps them formulate a strategy for their client.
Fraud Investigations
Private investigators can be a valuable ally for attorneys who are handling fraud cases. Although much of their job involves research, surveillance is often a key component.
Insurance companies in Ontario, for example, are often faced with suspicious claims. Toronto DUI and criminal lawyer Calvin Barry says that these companies can hire private investigators via their legal departments to verify the validity of such claims. The investigators then provide their findings to legal representatives of the insurance company, who determine whether there is enough evidence against the claimant.
To effectively represent clients, lawyers must have substantial factual evidence. Private investigators’ expertise can be invaluable when building a legal strategy that will withstand scrutiny and lead to a positive outcome in court.
We are not lawyers and this is in no way intended to be used as legal advice . We cannot be held responsible for your results. Always do your own research and seek professional legal help.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.
