SEARCHING FOR A PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR NEAR ME
When you are searching for a private investigator, it is imperative you use the right investigative firm and not necessarily one close to you! The era of the slick private investigators who lacks morals and works out of a sleazy office with a beautiful secretary is over. Private investigators today frequently come from law enforcement or military backgrounds. Most are at the outset of their professional lives, while the rest have transitioned from military personnel into private investigation after retiring.
A private investigator is a person who does the following:
Private detectives, like private investigators perform various investigation and security services. And a quick note, do your homework in terms of checking Google 5 star rankings, Yelp and the years of experience. Here at Martin PI services, 50 years and going strong as private investigators.
What type of Private Investigations does Martin Investigative Services do?
Many private investigators focuses on 1-4 types of investigative topics. To understand what MartinPI covers, we made a list and made it easy for you to drill down on your particular needs. Here is the list the legal and criminal matters and business practices that we focus on:
Private Investigation Services
As a licensed private investigator, we conduct investigations and work with government agencies, local laws and the courts should we are called in to testify. All work is supervised and completed by former agents of the FBI, DEA, IRS or Secret Service.
Background Searches
When we gather evidence while doing background checks, and when we are collecting evidence, we focus on various aspects such as if you can complete a background search with a drivers license. We complete pre-marital background checks, even your own personal background check.
Asset Searches
Unlike other asset search online systems, we have our own proprietary database updated weekly and critical information is used for insurance fraud, hidden assets and especially during a trust and probate process where a sibling or even a trustee/executor decided to hide assets from the others. Corporate asset search investigations is a key search we often complete.
»Involves gathering data for use in the trial.
How to Find a Missing Person
When we conduct surveillance, we focus on locating friends and family, a missing adult and teen runaways. Do you have their cell phone number, a DL, or even their social media handle? Let us do our due diligence and help you find a loved one.
Pre-employment Screening
Pre-employment background checks are done by former federal agents. These days, there are a number of companies and web sites that perform background checks. More often than not these services offer results of mixed quality by using dated sources that provide only pieces of information, with no quality assurance or professional review.
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Determines a person's identity, company, criminal records, profession, character, etc.
Surveillance Services
When we conduct surveillance for spousal cheating, employee theft, and more, we use the latest high-tech technologies. Our private investigators work, is reviewed by former federal DEA and Secret Service personnel.
Corporate Investigation Services
Your call and our work are totally private. All surveillance reports will be accompanied by photographs and video. If you believe someone, i.e. a spouse, a business owner, or whomever is not being truthful, contact us.

The Cost Of Hiring A Private Investigator
Service Category |
Description |
Cost |
Payment Details |
Electronic Eavesdropping Detection |
Two-day, three-phase sweep for a residence or business up to 3,000 sq. ft. |
$9,500.00 |
Payment via cashier's check to Martin Investigative Services, Inc. Sweep scheduled within 24 hours of receipt of funds. |
Surveillance |
Hourly surveillance service including mileage. |
$175.00/hour + $0.95/mile |
Minimum four-hour assignment, $2,500.00 retainer required, refundable for unused funds, payable by check. |
Locate Services |
Access to proprietary in-house computer system for locating individuals. |
$750.00 |
Payment via Visa or MasterCard. Additional information may be required for common names. |
Basic Background/Asset Search |
Comprehensive search covering all 50 states, includes personal and property records among others. |
$1,500.00 |
Payment via Visa or MasterCard, total charge $1,545.00 (includes $45.00 FedEx fee). |
Find an Expert Private Investigator In California
Finding an ideal private investigator for your type of case should not pressure you. First, ensure they have extensive experience and proper licensing. Other traits to look out for is their reliability and trustworthiness. There are several application methods when you want to find a private investigator. You can conduct an online search or check for their qualifications with the California Association of Licensed Investigators. Recommendations from acquaintances, friends, or family who recently seeked the services of the PI you are interested in can also come in handy.
HOW TO CHOOSE A CALIFORNIA PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR?
When selecting a private investigator, you first want to make sure that the type of surveillance you are needing has been done hundreds if not thousands of times from the PI firm. Conducting surveillance is an art form and only highly-trained investigators should only be hired. Therefore, review all social media testimonials. Here is our success stories.
Second, make sure the private detectives or private investigators have the current manpower to conduct the necessary work required.
Ready for a free consultation? Ask for Thomas Martin at 1-888-577-1080.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST FOR A PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR IN CALIFORNIA?
Hourly rates, as opposed to fixed fees, are the norm in many general investigations. General investigation services may cost anywhere from $100-$200 per hour, at the very least. Our professional take on this matter is this. If you are ready to conduct some type of check, surveillance, review, etc.. of a person or a corporation, let now a higher cost for example persuade you to go the cheap route. Ask questions. Get a free consultations, ask for reviews. [Do your due diligence!]
FINDING HIDDEN ASSETS
People are more likely to exaggerate their financial resources when working with the legal system. So long as they can keep these valuables hidden, they will. A competent private investigator can locate these funds and guarantee they are correctly presented in court.
Given the multifaceted nature of investigations, answering this question is challenging. Company costs are set at a level that reflects their level of expertise, the sophistication of their tools, and the time and effort they put into their work. Expert investigators may want a higher fee, but they may also complete the job more quickly or thoroughly for their clients.
However, other investigative firms use several databases to conduct their queries. It's important to note that not all California private investigators come from a police department background. It's important to note that not all private investigators have business backgrounds. While some private investigators operate solo, others lead teams of detectives. All these factors, in addition to the particulars of every case, contribute to the ultimate pricing structure that is settled. Some cases are significantly more complicated than others, but that is true in every case.
Free consultation and an in-person meeting with many investigators are your best bet for getting an accurate quote (if they don't provide a free consultation, look elsewhere).

Advice:
If you need more convincing that the company offering the cheapest quotation can complete your inquiry promptly and to your satisfaction, resist the urge to go with them. An introductory rate quoted over the telephone without understanding the details of your research should raise red flags. Similarly, be wary of anyone who guarantees a particular result.
Last but not least, while the price is undoubtedly a factor, it's just as critical to choose an investigator with whom you feel comfortable and who demonstrates empathy for your predicament. Because of the frequency of your interactions, it's essential that you feel at ease while speaking with your investigator.
Find below a breakdown of the variables determining the final price of engaging a private investigator in California. The prices are also clearly laid out in certain circumstances.
Retainer
In California, retainers are fees paid in advance to a private investigator. Something like a deposit that you can use for services in the future. How much you have to pay depends on the organization, the location, and the specifics of your case. Make sure you know if a retainer charge is expected and how you'll use it before agreeing to any further investigation.
Hourly charges
Private investigators typically bill their clients by the hour for services like monitoring and infidelity investigations. Time spent working times the hourly rate equals the final price. It is essential to get an agreement on a price before employing a private investigator because their hourly fees may fluctuate based on the circumstance.
Professional asset search and fund recovery private investigators may charge a flat fee or by the hour. These are unusual situations, and their complexity might range from retrieving a lost inheritance to dividing up assets during a divorce (and all in between). For this reason, most professional organizations will deal with such requests on a case-by-case basis.
EXPERTS IN DIGITAL FORENSICS
In an increasingly digital world, data plays an integral role in a wide range of matters, from fraud, criminal investigations, and corporate espionage to infidelity cases and missing person inquiries. Whether you suspect an employee theft case or want to learn about a potential partner's past, data can be a game-changer. At MartinPI, our private investigators possess the skills and tools to retrieve valuable data that could tip the scales in your favor. Our team of seasoned private investigators employs sophisticated digital forensics techniques to retrieve data from a wide range of devices, including computers, smartphones, and even cloud storage services. Whether it's to unearth a hidden trail of emails or to retrieve deleted text messages, we have you covered.
ARE PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS LEGAL IN CALIFORNIA?
All private investigators operating in California must obtain a license from the BSIS or the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services.
Minimum requirements
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To become a private investigator in California, you must be at least 18 years old.
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Licensing Requirements: California does not offer provisional licensing.
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Submitting a criminal background fingerprint check is required to verify your criminal record is clean.
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When it comes to a military discharge, California law makes no exceptions.
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Psychological Evaluation: California law does not mandate such a test for residents.
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There are no mandatory disqualifications in the state of California.
WHAT ARE PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS ALLOWED TO DO IN CALIFORNIA?
A private investigator is always in demand, and their services are used for anything from probing infidelity claims to assisting law enforcement with internet crime research and background checks.
Private eyes are always on the lookout for both criminal justice and fairness, no matter the field or client they're working to assist. For the benefit of their clients, they are compiling paperwork, gathering evidence, and conducting witness interviews. They're also gaining a name for themselves as honest and dependable people.
TAKE AWAY
We hope you found this top California Private Investigators guide helpful. Performing background checks and surveillance is an art form we take seriously. Get started on your search and receive a free consultation with a no-obligation price estimate right away. Call us at 1-800-577-1080 and leave the research to us.
Martin Investigative Services provides people seeking the truth with the most qualified private investigator California has ever seen! Whether you need to uncover evidence for a legal case, verify someone's credentials before hiring them, or locate a missing person, we have the expertise and resources to get the job done efficiently and discreetly. You can trust that Martin Investigative Services will handle your case with the utmost professionalism and care. We are committed to providing our clients with the highest level of service and support throughout the investigation process because we appreciate the gravity of these matters.

Frequently Asked Questions
What do private investigators actually do?
In the course of conducting research Private detectives and investigators gather and analyze data like telephone numbers, social media as well as online activities and court documents. They can also interview other people to confirm the information they find. Investigators and private detectives perform surveillance while they are working on a case.
Are private investigators worth it?
It is important to note that the "worth" of employing an investigator from a private company is contingent on the particular conditions and needs of an person. In certain cases an investigator from a private investigation can provide important information and aid in to resolve a legal issue However, in some cases the cost could be greater than the benefits.
How much is a private investigator in California?
In general, private investigators are typically located in Los Angeles charge an hourly fee of $50 to $100 per hour however some may charge up to $200 an hour. Some private investigators offer a flat rate for a particular case, which could vary from $500 to $2,000 or more.
Why would you hire a private investigator?
Do you suspect your spouse is cheating? Or did they conceal assets? An investigator can uncover the truth. Private investigators can assist you to carry out background checks or probe possible fraud in businesses. In some cases they may even assist with counter surveillance.
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR SERVICES
California Private Investigator Services
Get comprehensive Private Investigation Services today!
As the leading private investigation platform, supported by former federal agents, we guarantee thorough and reliable results. Our advanced databases, updated weekly, eliminate guesswork, ensuring you get the precise information you need. Trust in our expertise to deliver comprehensive investigations with unmatched accuracy and professionalism to help find someone.
Ready to discover the truth? Fill out the form to the right and take the first step toward uncovering the information you need. Our team is here to help you every step of the way.
Martin Private Investigation
State License # PI 9077
Toll Free 800-577-1080
In Need Of A Private Investigator in California?
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What can a California Private Investigator do?
If you are searching for a private investigator, then take into consideration the years of experience. Here at Martin Investigative Services, after 50 years and going strong, we can help in various aspects of such services such as asset searches, spouse surveillance, electronic bug sweeps, finding missing persons, background checks, pre-employment screening and more. Our undercover investigations are second-to-none and because we offer a 100% money back guarantee, we hear your case, and if we feel confident we can obtain information you need, we then feel confident we can help you with your private investigation needs. Call 1-800-577-1080 or fill out the contact form to receive a free confidential consultation.
Private Investigator vs Private Detective
Many people use private investigators and private detectives interchangeably. There are differences, however, and one of the main differences have to do with their background. A private detective frequently has a background in law enforcement or military roles. Private investigators have other background experiences and typically focuses on identity theft, bug sweeps, spousal surveillance, asset searches and more.

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Our agency has helped thousands of clients throughout our 50 years of Investigative Services. Read more on what others are saying about us and contact us for a discreet one-on-one discussion on your matter. You’ll be glad you did!
We serve clients in all 50 states and numerous foreign countries.