In Ontario, private investigators engage in surveillance operations for a variety of purposes. Although, they are often thought of as solely helping individuals, did you know that lawyers frequently enlist the services of private investigators to help strengthen their cases? In this article the private investigators at Haywood Hunt & Associates Inc. take us through 7 of the reasons why lawyers hire them in the Toronto area.
Constructing a Legal Case
Lawyers work with a wide range of clients and handle various types of cases. Their primary objective is to gather sufficient information and evidence to formulate a winning legal strategy. They also prepare their clients by briefing them on the strategy to ensure they are well-informed about the upcoming legal proceedings.
Constructing a case is a challenging task, especially when the evidence is scarce. Lawyers rely on facts to shape their legal strategy, and without these facts, the case is unlikely to favor their client. This is why lawyers turn to private investigators for assistance. A proficient private investigator conducts research, interviews, surveillance, and more to collect crucial information that strengthens the case.
The Private Investigators Role in Surveillance
When it comes to surveillance, lawyers must ensure they hire the right private investigator. A competent private investigator undergoes training to obtain their private investigator’s license. This training equips them with the necessary skills to provide lawyers with services such as surveillance.
Surveillance is a particularly challenging skill to master. Private investigators need to closely monitor an individual’s activities and behavior without drawing attention. Being noticed by the subject can jeopardize the case. The key to successful surveillance lies in remaining inconspicuous to ensure that the individual’s behavior remains natural. Furthermore, a lawyer must collaborate with a private investigator who understands the admissibility of evidence in court, as improperly gathered evidence may be dismissed and harm the client’s case.
4 Different Kinds of Legal Surveillance Services
Although surveillance techniques remain consistent, the reasons for conducting surveillance can vary significantly. The following examples illustrate the types of surveillance services private investigators perform for lawyers:
- Divorce Cases: Catching a Cheating Spouse In many modern marriages, prenuptial agreements often include clauses regarding fidelity. “Infidelity can lead to divorce proceedings without any financial compensation”, says Mississauga divorce lawyer Malerie Rose. To prove that an individual is cheating, lawyers often enlist the help of a private investigator. Lawyers lack the resources and skills to monitor suspected cheaters themselves, making private investigators an invaluable resource. Private investigators use various sources, such as neighbors, friends, co-workers, and family, to gather information. However, surveillance remains the primary method for catching a cheater.
- Child Custody Cases: Proving an Unfit Parent Ensuring the well-being of children is paramount, and some homes may not provide a suitable environment. Many lawyers work with clients seeking to modify child custody arrangements due to concerns about their ex-partner’s fitness as a parent. A private investigator can set up surveillance to monitor the activities of the accused parent and assess whether they are acting appropriately. This surveillance can provide crucial evidence for the lawyer’s case.
- Hidden Assets: Hidden asset cases typically arise during divorce proceedings when one party attempts to conceal valuable assets such as money, property, or jewellery to reduce the total value of their holdings. Private investigators use surveillance to uncover the location of these hidden assets. For instance, if an individual suddenly travels to the Caribbean, a private investigator may follow them and identify the banks they visit. This information can lead to the discovery of hidden accounts or assets, which lawyers can use to build a strategic case.
- Fraud: Private investigators assist lawyers in various fraud cases, often involving surveillance as part of their work. “For instance, insurance companies in Ontario may hire private investigators to conduct surveillance and verify the veracity of questionable claims”, says Toronto DUI lawyer Calvin Barry of Calvin Barry Professional Corporation. The findings from these surveillance activities are provided to the insurance company’s legal team, enabling them to determine the viability of pursuing legal action against the claimant.
Lawyers require substantial information to support their clients effectively. To build a compelling legal strategy, they rely on facts. In this endeavor, the services of a skilled private investigator play a pivotal role in gathering the necessary information.