FAQ
Choosing the right private investigator for the job can make or break a case. At CHART HOUSE RESEARCH & INVESTIGATION CO., we go above and beyond to protect our clients’ privacy and identity while simultaneously getting to the bottom of each investigation. Take a look at some answers to the most frequently asked industry related questions, and if you can’t find what you’re looking for, please get in touch with us directly.
HOW LONG WILL AN INVESTIGATION TAKE?
It depends on the nature of the investigation. We operate on a first come first served basis, which unfortunately may mean we must turn away your case if we do not believe we can meet a specific deadline. Which is why it is imperative that you let us know of any hard deadlines. The classic "as soon as possible" is open to interpretation and subject to our current caseload.
WHAT ARE YOUR PAYMENT OPTIONS?
All quotes, fees are made in U.S. dollars. Unless other arrangements are made, all cases are accepted on a retainer basis. We do NOT accept cases on a contingency basis. We accept American Express, Discover, Mastercard and Visa as well as personal and business checks drawn on U.S. Banks. We accept international money orders as well as wire transfers.
I HAVE AN EMERGENCY, CAN I CONTACT YOU AFTER NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS?
Call our main number, (978) 496-6325, if the call is not answered, leave your name and telephone number, Someone will return your call within an hour. If it is unsafe for you to receive a call from us let us know. Remember if you are in immediate danger call 911.
IS EVERYTHING CONFIDENTIAL?
Yes, No, Sort of. We treat information a client or potential client (including your identity) provides to us as confidential. Although it is Confidential it is not Privileged. Under current law, Clients of Private Investigators do not receive the same type of legal privacy protections they do under the Attorney-Client or Doctor-Patient doctrines. In plainer English our records are subject to subpoena or court order. If you anticipate using information you are requesting from a private investigator in potential litigation you should hire the investigator through an attorney. This can protect the information as attorney work-product. When in doubt consult with an attorney.
HOW MUCH DO YOU CHARGE FOR AN INVESTIGATION?
We charge based on the amount of time and expenses it takes to complete an investigation. Our fees never exceed the agreed upon budget without your permission. We suggest the following budgets for a sample of the services we offer: Pre-employment investigations start at $300.00, Background investigations start at $900, Asset Searches start at $1,500, Locates at $300. We are always happy to explain the why behind what we suggest.
MY EX OR SOON TO BE EX HAS A RESTRAINING ORDER AGAINST ME, CAN YOU CONDUCT A SURVEILLANCE OF THEM?
No, we cannot. You cannot use a proxy to violate a restraining order. Your attorney would have to make an ex parte motion to the judge to allow the surveillance or have the restraining order vacated. When in doubt consult an attorney.
CAN I CHECK ON OR SUBMIT CASES DIRECTLY ON-LINE?
For established clients with multiple case files we do offer access to our secure case management system.