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 Retiree Knife Threat Investigation

Published on February 12, 2012 02-2012 - Private Eyes of Texas - Newsletter,Criminal Defense

Updated: Jan 19, 2017 @ 1:38 am

Less than 1 minute Reading Time: Minutes

Houston, TX Attorney Gary Polland represented a retired school teacher who had been drinking with some of her friends in her apartment. The complainant’s husband took the defendant’s credit card to go get some more vodka and didn’t return.

The complainant alleged that the defendant got mad at her and held her at knife point against her will in the apartment awaiting the husband’s return.

We Investigated the Matter

George Wellmaker interviewed all of the witnesses who stated that the complainant was never held against her will and the defendant had never brandished a knife. The missing husband was found passed out in the apartment by the Police after they arrived. The case was dismissed.

RESULT BASED ON INVESTIGATION: Aggravated Assault Charges Dismissed

Return to the February 2012 Investigator’s Newsletter