7 Important Things to Know About Court Records

7 Important Things to Know About Court Records

by | Aug 7, 2015 | Corporate Investigations, Personal Investigations, Tips & Facts

court recordsOne of the most critical things private investigators do is collect and compile pertinent information to help bolster a legal case. Whether it’s to provide evidence of insurance fraud in a corporate investigation case or gather the proof needed to tip the scales in a child custody situation, the records filed in court can mean the difference between a nail-biter and a slam-dunk case. That said, there are certain things one should understand about court records before proceeding, including how to leverage them to help bolster your investigation. Let’s take a look.

They’re accessible to anyone. Unlike many other means that private investigators use to check the background of a subject, court records do not require any special permission to access them. They are public record and available to anyone who requests access.

They contain factual and reliable information. In most cases, court records contain information that is obtained under oath, including depositions, sworn statements, allegations, affidavits and proceedings. Because these documents are taken under oath, the info contained within is considered to be reliable and accurate, which makes them incredibly valuable to private investigators.

There are two different types of court records – state and federal. Each typically handles its own categories of offenses. For example, state court hears civil cases, such as divorce, child custody and small claims. Federal court handles higher-level scenarios, such as immigration, social security and any federal law that’s been violated.

Having all possible names is important. If you’re looking for information about a particular person in court records, the more identifying data you have, the better your chances. For instance, many people have nicknames and some have used aliases throughout their lives. Experienced private investigators know how to dig up these details when performing research.

Different types of cases will include different information. Court records for civil cases will typically only contain the name of the parties involved. Other identifying data, such as date of birth and social security number will usually not be included. This can pose a challenge for situations in which the party in question has a common name. Federal cases contain more details.

Searching multiple databases can provide better results. The problem with many court records is that they were completed and filed by humans, which means mistakes could have been made in the process. This is why private investigators cross-check multiple sources to help identify errors, omissions and other incorrect information and hone in on what’s accurate.

Going directly to the court house is the most effective option. While the internet has made searching court documents and other legal databases much easier, the only way to access actual court records is to visit the court in person.

When it comes to finding information and making a case stronger, court records can provide the ammunition needed. Understanding what these filings mean as well as how to best search and access them can make pulling the information you’re after much easier and more efficient. Of course, nothing replaces the services of skilled, seasoned private investigators. If you need assistance with anything from a basic background check to a detailed personal or corporate investigation, Lauth Investigations International, Inc. can help. Give us a call today at 800-889-3463 to discuss your specific needs.

7 Important Things to Know About Court Records

Should I Hire a Private Investigator to Catch My Cheating Spouse?

by | Jul 23, 2015 | Personal Investigations, Tips & Facts

cheating spouseFew situations in life are more emotionally charged as the thought of one’s spouse being unfaithful. In many cases, hiring a private investigator can help to uncover the truth so the next steps can be taken, whether they lead to divorce or reconciliation. Let’s explore some of the benefits working with a professional can have.

Learning the truth. While finding out for sure that your spouse is cheating may hurt, knowing the truth once and for all can help you begin the healing process. When all you have are suspicions it can seriously interfere with your life and emotional well-being.

Gathering evidence. If your motivation for catching your cheating spouse include leverage in a divorce proceeding or custody battle, hiring a professional private investigator can help you gather the evidence you need to strengthen your case.

Knowledge of what to look for. Unless you’ve got experience conducting surveillance and investigations, chances are you don’t know exactly what you need to be looking for to build a solid case of infidelity. A private investigator can help by honing in on key activities and signs that indicate guilt, making for a much faster and more accurate resolution.

Admissible documentation. Experienced private investigators understand the complicated laws surrounding privacy, which means the evidence and documentation they compile is more likely to be admissible in court than what one may gather on his or her own.

Lack of emotional involvement. While it may seem tempting to catch your cheating spouse in the act, such an emotionally charged situation can lead to unpleasant consequences. Hiring an outside party can remove this personal factor which will ensure a more straightforward and solid case.

It should be noted that in some cases it may be wise to consult with an attorney prior to hiring a private investigator, particularly in situations where a divorce settlement or custody of children are involved. If you’d like to discuss your particular suspicions and learn whether hiring a PI would be a good option, give us a call.