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.

May 2 2002

The Case of the Oppressed HPD Officer

Gradoni & Associates 05-2002 - Private Eyes of Texas - Newsletter, Criminal Defense

Official Oppression: Acquittal

Attorney Aaron J. Suder and Attorney Brett Ligon represented a Houston Police Department officer charged with official oppression. The Houston Police Department officer was charged when a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper complained that he had used excessive force while making a DWI arrest.

A Talk with the DWI Suspect

The DWI suspect told Internal Affairs Investigators that he did not believe he was assaulted by the officers. The defendant was indicted on the basis of the Texas Department of Public Safety trooper’s statement.

Investigators located and interviewed the DWI suspect who was here in the United States illegally. The DWI suspect remained consistent with his version of events, stating that the officer did not assault him during the arrest.

The DWI suspect was very reluctant to testify in court, fearing that Immigration authorities would arrest him. Investigators reassured the DWI suspect that his freedom would not be compromised by his testimony.

An Investigator from our office helped provide transportation for our most important witness for the trial.

The Houston Police Department officer was subsequently acquitted by the jury.