When we think of private investigators, most of us picture someone sitting in a car with tinted windows taking photos discreetly, but did you know that private investigators also play an essential role in gathering critical evidence for a wide range of legal cases? They can help legal professionals build strong cases and achieve favorable outcomes for their clients. Whether it’s surveillance, uncovering hidden assets, or exposing fraudulent activities, private investigators are indispensable allies in the legal field. We recently spoke with the Toronto Private Investigation team at Haywood Hunt & Associates Inc. as well as the lawyers who utilize their services, to get an idea of just how they can help win cases for individuals and families.
1. Building a Strong Legal Strategy
Calvin Barry, Toronto DUI Lawyer with Calvin Barry Professional Corporation shared the following insight:
A successful legal strategy often depends on a treasure trove of evidence. Lawyers handle diverse cases—from family law disputes to fraud investigations—where gathering sufficient details is crucial to formulating a winning argument. However, when evidence is scarce or difficult to obtain, private investigators step in to fill the gaps.
The private investigators we use employ various methods to gather information, including research, interviews, and surveillance. Their expertise allows them to uncover facts that we might struggle to obtain on our own. This collaboration ensures that we have the necessary evidence to support our arguments, anticipate challenges, and advocate effectively for our clients in court.
2. The Critical Role of Surveillance
Surveillance is one of the primary services lawyers seek from private investigators.
Licensed private investigators are trained to conduct surveillance discreetly, ensuring they remain undetected while monitoring individuals or situations. This skill is essential because being noticed can compromise the investigation, rendering any evidence gathered inadmissible or unusable.
For lawyers, it’s vital to work with investigators who understand the nuances of legal evidence collection. Any misstep in how evidence is obtained could lead to its exclusion in court, potentially jeopardizing the lawyer’s case. By collaborating with skilled private investigators, lawyers can ensure that the evidence they present is both credible and admissible.
3. Types of Legal Surveillance Services
The following insight was shared by Malerie Rose of Rose Family Law in Mississauga, Ontario
While the techniques for conducting surveillance remain consistent, the purposes behind it vary depending on the case. These are two of the most common scenarios where private investigators assist our lawyers through surveillance:
- Divorce Cases: Proving Infidelity
Infidelity can have significant legal and financial implications, especially in cases involving prenuptial agreements. Many of these agreements include clauses about fidelity, with violations potentially altering the division of assets or spousal support terms.
We will also often hire private investigators to confirm suspicions of cheating. Investigators gather evidence through discreet observation and interviews with neighbors, colleagues, or acquaintances. This evidence is often crucial for our lawyers to prove infidelity in court, strengthening our client’s position.
- Child Custody Disputes: Establishing Parental Unfitness
In custody battles, demonstrating that one parent is unfit can heavily influence the court’s decision. Concerns such as neglect, substance abuse, or inappropriate behavior often require concrete evidence to substantiate.
Our private investigators help us by monitoring the accused parent’s actions, documenting any behavior that could indicate unfitness for custody. For instance, if a parent leaves their child unattended or engages in reckless activities, the investigator’s report becomes a valuable tool for our lawyers to present in court.
4. Uncovering Hidden Assets
Concealing assets is a common tactic during divorce proceedings. Some individuals attempt to hide money, property, or valuables to reduce their financial obligations in settlements.
Private investigators excel at uncovering hidden assets through both surveillance and research. For example, an investigator might track international travel or monitor visits to multiple banks, ultimately discovering secret accounts or safety deposit boxes.
By uncovering these hidden assets, private investigators provide lawyers with the evidence needed to ensure their clients receive fair settlements. This prevents dishonest parties from manipulating the financial outcome of divorce cases.
5. Exposing Fraudulent Activities
The advice below comes from Brampton Criminal Lawyer, Rupin Bal of Rupin Bal Professional Corporation.
Fraud cases often require detailed investigation to uncover deceptive practices. We frequently work with private investigators to expose fraudulent activities in various contexts, such as insurance claims, business dealings, or identity theft.
In cases of insurance fraud, for example, private investigators might use surveillance to verify whether an individual’s injury or disability claim is genuine. By gathering evidence, such as video footage or witness statements, investigators help us build strong cases against fraudulent claimants.
6. Supporting Complex Legal Cases
Some legal cases are inherently complex and require specialized investigative techniques. For instance, corporate disputes, intellectual property theft, or criminal defense cases often involve layers of information that need to be meticulously pieced together.
Private investigators bring a wealth of expertise, including forensic analysis, surveillance, and in-depth research, to assist lawyers in these scenarios. Their ability to uncover hidden details ensures that no stone is left unturned, giving lawyers the tools they need to construct a compelling argument.
7. Enhancing Legal Outcomes
The ultimate goal of any legal case is to achieve a favorable outcome for the client. By partnering with private investigators, lawyers gain access to critical information that strengthens their cases.
Whether it’s verifying claims, locating assets, or documenting behavior, private investigators provide factual evidence that stands up to scrutiny in court. This collaboration not only improves the lawyer’s chances of success but also ensures justice is served.
With so much riding on winning a case, especially for families, private investigators can be an invaluable resource for lawyers. Their ability to conduct thorough surveillance, uncover hidden facts, and provide admissible evidence makes them essential allies in a wide range of cases.
From divorce proceedings and custody battles to fraud investigations and complex disputes, private investigators bring specialized skills that enhance a lawyer’s ability to advocate for their clients. By working together, lawyers and investigators create a powerful partnership that ultimately leads to stronger cases and better legal outcomes.
