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our private investigation fees in general
Our professional services fees for Private Investigator services range from $75 to $110 per hour depending. Some tasks are simple and require less time than others. More complicated cases require not only more time, yet expertise of our team of private investigators. Our consultatation to you is free of charge. During this meeting we will address the issues you face and give you a realistic expectation of what our private investigation team can accomplish. At this time we will present you with an estimation of time and expense needed to complete your case effectively. Some investigations will require just a day or a few hours work, which in this case we will charge you on an hourly basis. Other investigations may require numerous days over a longer period of time, plus many investigators. In this case we will negotiate a flat fee retainer for the enitre case. In general however our fees are always reasonable and are as follows:
Hourly Rate = $75 - $110 per hour
Mileage Costs
= $ 0.70 per mile
private investigation contract
A signed contract must be received before any investigation is commenced. Click here for our contact. If you choose to retain Melendez & Associates, please read, print, sign and date the contract (see Downloads below) and deliver it along with a copy of your driver's license and investigation fee. To view, print and sign our contact click here.
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Download Private
Investigation Contract (pdf format - requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)
If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader, please download a free
copy here.
what our private investigators do for you
All private investigations handled by Melendez & Associates are strictly confidential. Emphasized, we will work with you in strict confidence. At the conclusion of our investigation you will receive a full written summary and report of our findings. Additionally, when required we will provide photos and other written evidence that can be used in a court of law. We can also provide expert testimony in court cases linked to your investigation. We also diagram and photo accident scenes as well as statementize witnesses for trial and testimony. All cases are unique. If you have not found what you're looking for call us to ask. Chances are we can help.
714-542-8083
I suspected my husband was cheating on me and new knew a divorce was certain. Melendez & Associates was able to uncover my ex-husbands activities which included not only another woman, but serious drug use. This was extremeley helpful to me during the divorce as I was able to retain custody of our 3 wonderful children. I'm not happy about my marriage, but I am completely satisfied with the result and help of Melendez & Associates. If you suspect your spouse is cheating, don't remain in doubt. Let Melendez & Associates find out. -- FR, Ontario Inland Empire
orange county cities we serve
Aliso Viejo | Anaheim | Balboa | Brea | Buena Park | Capistrano Beach | Corona Del Mar | Costa Mesa | Coto de Caza | Cypress | Dana Point | El Toro | Foothill Ranch | Fountain Valley | Fullerton | Garden Grove | Huntington Beach | Irvine | Ladera Ranch | La Habra | La Palma | Laguna Beach | Laguna Canyon | Laguna Hills | Laguna Niguel | Lake Forest | Leisure World-Seal Beach | Lido Isle | Long Beach | Los Alamitos | Midway City | Mission Viejo | Modjeska Canyon | Monarch Beach | Newport Beach | Newport Coast | Orange | Placentia | Portola Hills | Rancho Santa Margarita | Rossmoor | San Clemente | San Juan Capistrano | Santa Ana | Seal Beach | Silverado Canyon | Stanton | Sunset Beach | Surfside | Trabuco Canyon | Tustin & Tustin Foothills | Villa Park | Westminster | Whittier | Yorba Linda
Faqs on Hiring A Private Investigator
» What or who is a Private Investigator?
According to Wikipedia a private investigator or private detective (often shortened to PI or private eye) is a person who can be hired by individuals or groups to undertake investigatory law services. Private detectives and investigators often work for attorneys in civil cases, yet still undertake many aspects of criminal matters. Many work for insurance companies to investigate suspicious claims. Many private investigators are former law enforcement officers or worked as an investigator for a police department, county sheriff or other government agency. As such they have a wide range of experience to draw from for their clients.
» What is the difference between a police investigator and a private investigator?
A police investigation is conducted by sworn law enforcement officers and is done within the constraints of Constitutional laws. The investigation is conducted to determine if a crime has been committed, to determine who committed the crime, and to gather enough evidence to present to a prosecutor for a trial.
A private investigation is conducted by a professional private investigator who is in all other aspects, a private citizen. Being a private investigator, several of the constraints of the Constitution do not apply (such as a Miranda warning before giving a statement). Private investigators are not restricted to criminal investigations. Private investigatorIs work for clients who may request any manner of work, including infidelity investigations (cheating spouses), background investigations, asset location investigations, or fraudulent insurance claims. Private investigatorIs may uncover criminal violations, but are not bound by law to report them to law enforcement. Private investigatorIs work at the behest of their clients.
In many cases private investigators are able to do much more for a client because they are not subject to governmental or department budget restraints or internal agency politics. Further, a private investigator or detective is able to work more quietly on sensitive issues without releasing embarrassing details to the public thereby protecting the privacy of the client..
» Is my case with a Private Investigator confidential?
Yes, a private detective or investigator will always handle your case with as much confidentiality as possible. A good private investigator treats your case exactly the same as a doctor or attorney would. All information you share is private, confidential and privileged.
» Can anyone be a Private Investigator?
No. The State of California requires all private detectives, private investigators, private security persons and detective agencies to be licensed and insured. Some private investigators may carry a firearm or other dangerous weapons if authorized and qualified to use such weapons. Chris Melendez is licensed by the State of California as a private investigator (License PI#9816).
» Can a Private Detective help me or someone who is facing criminal charges?
Yes, we do all the time. It depends on the circumstances of course and typically we work together with a professional criminal attorney. All cases are different, however, based on facts you provide we would typically reinvestigate. This would include a variety of different measures including interviews of witnesses, the uncovering of certain facts and collection of evidence that may show reasonable doubt or prove your innocence.
» Many people have never hired a private detective before and wonder what to expect.
One of the most important aspects is trust. You must feel comfortable and believe they will approach your request with the utmost effort. Don't be afraid to ask any questions upfront. When you speak with Chris Melendez even your initial telephone call will be treated with the utmost of privacy and confidentiality. A good private investigator and/or private detective is much like a doctor or an attorney. All information provided is "proprietary" and confidential.
» What does it normally cost to hire a Private Detective?
The hourly rate can generally range from $50 to $200 per hour, or more. A flat fee for services may also be negotiated depending on the case.
» Can a Private Investigator or Detective conduct surveillance on anyone and is it legal?
Absolutely. Surveillance is something we do all the time. There are really very few limitations except for placing cameras/recording devices inside of private homes or areas. People should understand this simple issue. If you do things in public, or which can be "viewed" by the public, it is generally something which a private investigator can use to develop information on your activities.
» Would you recommend a "regular person" try to do a surveillance on their own?
No. Surveillance requires training and experience. Liability issues may arise if something goes wrong. If knowing someone's activity is important, hire a professional.
» When should I consider requesting a background check from a Private Detective?
It has been our experience over the years that if the situation is important enough to affect your personal, business, or financial future, strong consideration should be given to a background check. This is especially important if you have a "gut" feeling something is wrong or the person is not always open regarding past activities or issues. In today's world we often don't trust our instincts enough, however, they are usually very accurate! A background check provided by a licensed Private Investigator such as Melendez and Associates will resolve any doubt or questions you might have concerning someone. Additionally we can help you interpret the information found that you can make a wise decision.
call us now
Melendez & Associates Private Investigators is proud to serve residents and businesses of Orange County . Our service area includes all of Orange County from the most Southern point in San Clemente to the most northern points of Orange County in Buena Park, Yorba Linda, and The Anaheim Hills. When in doubt, we can find out. We know Orange County well. So no matter where you live in Orange County you can trust Melendez and Associates for your private investigation needs. Our team of Private Investigators will obtain the powerful information you need to win. Call us now on our Orange County phone 714-542-8083. Your phone consultation is free.
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