The majority of all investigations conducted by Investigation Network are undertaken with the understanding that the results may well be used in court. However, some situations require our agents to work in full initial co-operation and coordination with a client’s lawyers, others require that we seek a solution which negates the need to use lawyers in the first place.
Is there an alternative to using a lawyer?
One of the issues which often causes concern to our clients is that lawyers can rapidly become extremely expensive and once matters are in the hands of the courts with claims and counterclaims it can quickly spiral out of control. The alternative in some cases is that a private investigator can frequently offer a cheaper means to resolve matters by gathering information regarding the opposite party which can frequently be used to persuade them to take an alternative and more favorable path. We have specialist negotiators who once a file is prepared and information gathered will seek to resolve matters between the parties without using lawyers. The key here is that there are frequently areas in both personal and corporate disputes which whilst relevant to the proceedings the opposing party would be very keen to avoid getting into the public domain, this gives leverage for them to agree a settlement without recourse to the courts. The vital thing is to give them motivation and an incentive to look at negotiation as an alternative to court action and in this area we have a range of special skills which can yield spectacular and cost effective results.
How Law Firms Instruct us
We often receive instructions directly from law firms, with little or no contact from their client. In addition, our investigations are commonly performed under the direction of legal departments for corporations with offices, branches and agents in a number of countries. Regardless of the situation, Investigation Network, is in the perfect position to meet the needs of its various clients. Our operatives based in various countries and fully understand the legal climate of each region and work accordingly. Our vast array of resources enables us to conduct our investigations so that they meet the requirements for every specific litigation or criminal arena.
All too often, criminal matters are neglected or ignored by law enforcement and prosecutors. In such circumstances, we have been effective in investigating and preparing cases for prosecution when they would otherwise have failed to be pursued. These cases are always immensely rewarding, as they result in criminals not walking free when the “system fails.” By working with law firms and legal departments in these matters, we are able to conduct forensic investigations which figuratively “gift wrap” cases for the prosecutors, so that they are fully prepared to take action. Of course in many cases they feel there is little alternative because of the potential embarrassment if they are seen to have failed to act. It can be considered a dereliction of duty. Our expert witnesses are later available to testify, if necessary.
With well over 20 years as an international detective agency Investigation Network has achieved excellent results for our clients by performing the following services in various types of legal cases:
- Accident Reconstructions
- Litigation Research Services
- Product Liability Investigations
- Background Research
- White collar crime
- Due Diligence (companies and individuals)
- Financial Asset Research and locating hidden assets
- Workers Compensation (Sub Rosa) Investigations
- Trademark and Patent infringement
- Crowdfunding fraud and related issues
- Investment scams and Ponzi schemes
- Sex Crimes
- Blackmail and extortion
- Embezzlement Investigations
- Criminal Defense Investigations
The various detectives within our agency who conduct criminal defense investigations have been involved in both sides of such cases, many of them are retired law enforcement officers so know both sides of the picture. The obvious benefit to our clients in criminal defense matters is that our staff bring with them an awareness and understanding of any significant weaknesses and strengths in the opposing side’s investigations.
When we combine our teams experience with civil enquiries and their prior experience in law enforcement and intelligence gathering, their expertise can be utilised in all types of criminal matters, including appeals. In addition, our agency’s forensic specialists are able to perform any services which might be helpful to the detectives working on the defence or preparing a case to present to law enforcement.