For lawyers, hiring a private investigator allows them to obtain the information they need to build a case for their clients. Most people fail to realize that private investigators have a code of conduct they adhere to when trying to gather that information.
Following these legal and ethical boundaries allows a private investigator to get the information their client needs without breaking any laws in the process. Read below to find out more about the boundaries private investigators must abide by.
Recording Conversations Without Consent
Wiretapping without the consent of the individual being recorded is not only unethical, it is illegal in most states. Some states allow private investigators to record face to face conversations without this type of consent.
As a general rule, most private investigators avoid recording without consent because a judge may throw out this type of evidence. Private investigators are free to record or eavesdrop on conversations that take place in a public setting.
Trespassing on Private Property
Entering a person's home or commercial building without the consent of the owner is also a huge no-no in the world of private investigation. If private investigators insist on entering a property without consent, they face the risk of being arrested for trespassing and possibly breaking and entering.
Posing as a Law Enforcement Officer
Many states have laws that prohibiting private investigators from wearing uniforms that make them appear like a member of law enforcement. Private investigators are also prohibited from making arrests. If they have information about a crime that has been committed, they will turn it over to the proper authorities so they can make an arrest if needed. While many investigators such as those with Saavedra & Associates have extensive law enforcement background that give them a heads up in conducting their investigations, they are still not exempt from this rule.
Obtaining Protected Information
The job of a private investigator is to find out information about a person's daily activities. However, there are limitations to the types of information these professionals can gather. Documents like phone and bank records are protected by the state. This means they are off limits unless a member of law enforcement gets a court order to view them.
The team at Saavedra & Associates provides private investigation and analysis services to businesses and individuals. When you hire them, you can rest assured all of the information they gather will be obtained ethically and legally. Call today for more info: 201.646.1715
