In many cases, private detectives and lawyers work together. What are the ins and outs of their relationship? Who takes care of gathering evidence? How is their common strategy defined?
What are the ins and outs of their relationship?
Private investigators and attorneys often cross each other’s path in the line of work since both parties can benefit from a symbiotic relationship. Developing this said relationship can be an important professional move. However, similar to social circumstances, finding the proper fit is a crucial step that will then determine the effectiveness of their relationship. While the lawyer and the private investigator work independently serving different roles, they are essentially working together for the common interest of the client. They both respect one another’s role.
In criminal investigations, the private investigator must work closely with his client and his counsel. Also, a relationship of trust and mutual listening with his lawyer is one of the keys to the success of a file. We are convinced that a coherence of objectives and means contribute to the success of our customers: also, we make a point of honor to propose a strategy in adequacy with that of your councils
In civil proceedings (property rights, family matters, and commercial relations etc.), it may be appropriate to use the services of a private detective to prove the harm or, on the contrary, be exculpated. Charge moreover, it is common that the intervention of the private detective is the fact of a request issued by the same lawyer. In fact, the lawyer is not authorized to investigate, so he can rely on the elements collected by the detective, both of them having at heart to serve the interests of their client.
In the context of criminal proceedings, the private investigator can not intervene, the investigation being conducted by the police and gendarmerie services. On the other hand, once the file is filed, the lawyer and his client can request the help of a detective to conduct a counter-investigation.
Who takes cares of gathering evidence?
The complementarily of the two professions and the fact of serving the same cause underlines quality relations between the two parties, which must impose a clear and healthy communication, as well as a precise definition of the strategy to be put in place.
To carry out his mission, the private investigator will have to read the entire file and take into account all the circumstances. He will then be able to implement sufficient means to conduct its objectives. It is imperative to use a private detective who can respect the rule of collecting evidence so that the evidence he has collected may be admissible before a judge.
How is their common strategy define?
The common strategy is define when both parties i.e. the lawyer and the investigator each know their roles. It’snot the attorney who develops the investigative strategy nor is it the attorney who gathers /obtains the proof/evidence rather it is the investigator. The private investigator lays the foundation to the success of every case because it is actually the evidence that the judges are looking for and it is the evidence that the opposed counsel cannot refute. Although an attorney may have input, it is ultimately the decision of the investigator on how to build the case.