Is surveillance legal?

Surveillance is legal in the State of Texas when conducted by a Licensed State of Texas Private Investigator who conducts the surveillance from a position where he has a legal right to be.

How is a surveillance case documented?

The client will receive a detailed report with photographs, along with a video, which is court ready should the case be litigated.

How much does surveillance cost?

Every surveillance case is unique to itself, in which the investigation is tailored to determine answers to the client’s questions. In the Houston area, cost varies from $85 to $120 per hour. The cost is affected by geographic locations, time the surveillance takes place, and the number of Investigators involved.

How long does surveillance last?

Surveillances are tailored to the client’s needs and budget. A cheating spouse, or custody case usually has at least 3 days of surveillance. There is no standard norm, a case can last anywhere from one week to one month.

Are Investigators able to obtain video inside restaurants, bars, gyms, and retail establishments?

Houston Professional Investigators have special equipment which will allow them to obtain covert video at all these locations.

Who will know about the surveillance?

The confidential report is only provided to the client and his attorney if there is an attorney involved.

Do Investigators testify in court?

All of our Surveillance Investigators have court experience in testifying about their surveillance efforts as detailed in their confidential report.

Can I tape record a conversation without my girlfriend or spouse knowing?

The State of Texas only allows a conversation to be tape recorded if one party or more is aware that the conversation is being taped.

Can I place a tracker on my spouse or girlfriend’s car?

There is a State Statute that allows an individual or company to place a tracker on a vehicle for monitoring by a State Licensed Investigator. This can be accomplished if the specifics of the case meet the Statute’s requirements.

The HPD-Cantina Bribery Investigation

Published on May 22, 2005 05-2005 - Private Eyes of Texas - Newsletter,Criminal Defense

Updated: Jan 18, 2017 @ 9:16 pm

Less than 1 minute Reading Time: Minutes

Gradoni & Associates represented all five of the Houston Police officers charged in the “cantina” case on behalf of the Houston Police Officers Union. Interviews were conducted with a number of cantina owners who were very happy with the security services provided by the indicted officers.

A background investigation was conducted on the club owner who initiated the investigation. It was discovered that his business practices indicated he too was involved in criminal activity.

Gradoni’s Investigation Proves Instrumental

The information we developed to discredit the complaining witness was utilized by Robert Scardino and it became the driving force for the State to offer a misdemeanor plea to all five defendants instead of pursuing the first degree felony punishment.

RESULT BASED ON INVESTIGATION: 1st Degree Felony Charges Reduced to Misdemeanors

Return to the May 2005 Investigator’s Newsletter