805 Investigations

About 805 Investigations.

Hello, I’m Philip Saraff.

805 Investigations is a boutique private investigative business that caters to the Central Coast. We’re not just in the business of investigations; we’re also in the business of people, where transparency and integrity are our guiding principles.

Throughout my combined 30-year career in the law enforcement and regulatory industries, I have acquired extensive experience in conducting a wide range of investigations. I deliver exceptional investigative services seamlessly integrated with excellent customer service.

At 805 Investigations, we’re your one-stop solution for all your investigative needs. Let’s schedule a face-to-face meeting to discuss how my services can help you.

Services Include:

·    Surveillance.

·    Skip Trace Analysis.

·    Criminal Investigations.

·    Family Law Investigations.

·    Personal Injury Investigations.

·    Pre-Employment Investigations.

·    Micro Expression and Emotional Awareness Training.

·    Drone Photography for crime, motor vehicle accident investigations, real estate and family events.

Services

  • Get the answers you need with 805 Investigations. Our team of experts specialize in a range of investigative services including pre-employment background checks, criminal defense, skip trace analysis, worker's compensation, and personal injury investigations. Schedule an appointment with us to discuss your specific needs and let us help you find the answers you're looking for.

  • Looking to improve your emotional intelligence and communication skills to elevate your personal and professional life? Look no further than 805 Investigations' individual and group trainings. Philip Saraff was trained and mentored by Dr. Paul Ekman. Philip can help you accurately interpret nonverbal behaviors to inform your decision-making. Whether you're looking to improve your relationships or excel in your career, our trainings are the perfect solution. Contact us today to learn more.

    Philip has delivered training to:

    Remax International

    Philadelphia Finance

    Glendale Police CO

    Elbert County Sherifs Dept CO

  • 805 Investigations' drone photography service is the perfect solution for clients in need of high-quality images and video footage. Our state-of-the-art drone technology allows us to capture stunning 4K aerial views that are invaluable for private investigation cases. Whether you require surveillance, accident documentation, property inspection, real estate or family functions. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and discuss your specific needs.

FAQs

Factors to consider when selecting a private investigator.

The cost of private investigation, like any other service industry, varies based on several factors. Whether on the Central Coast or elsewhere, understanding the distinction between excessively low and high prices is crucial when hiring a competent private detective. These professionals, licensed and trained, offer a range of investigative services tailored to individual or organizational needs, including surveillance, research, and documentation, pertaining to civil or criminal matters.

Determining private investigation costs.

The amount of information provided significantly influences the pricing discussions with a private investigator. Starting from scratch incurs higher costs compared to having a substantial foundation of information. Key initial details like name, address, previous employers, social security numbers, and date of birth aid investigators in their work. Given the common occurrence of encountering individuals with identical names, the depth of investigation into a person's life correlates with the information provided. Therefore, rates are typically adjusted based on the extent of information available and the level of research required.

PI Expert Witness Testimony.

Legitimate private investigation firms offer clients the option of utilizing their services for expert testimony in court. Due to the unpredictable nature of court proceedings, private investigators typically charge hourly rates with a set minimum billing requirement. The cost of expert testimony varies based on specialization, ranging from $150 to $550 per hour, determined by the type of testimony needed and the case's complexity.

Background Search Services.

When requesting a background search, expect a flat-rate fee with the possibility of additional hourly charges if the investigation expands due to uncovered information. The flat fee is determined by the depth of the background search, ranging from low to high complexity. For instance, a simple address search incurs the lowest cost, while a comprehensive investigation into a person's entire background, focusing on areas like financial fraud, may be pricier. A thorough basic background search typically ranges from $350 to $900, depending on the desired depth of information. Beware of excessively low or unreasonably high prices, as they may indicate compromised quality.

Professional Surveillance Services.

Private investigators are frequently enlisted for surveillance tasks, but the quality of their work typically corresponds to the investment made. While anyone can claim to conduct surveillance, authentic private investigation services are backed by licensing. Surveillance services are often billed at an hourly rate, encompassing the media evidence (such as photographs, videos, etc.) collected during the operation. Additional charges for drive time and mileage may apply and should be clarified beforehand. A reputable private investigator should command a starting rate of at least $100 per hour for surveillance, with the agency likely setting a minimum number of required hours. Established investigation firms may command higher hourly rates due to their track record of successful cases and satisfied clients.

Operating fees for licensed private investigators.

Obtaining a private investigator license in California involves several fees throughout the application process. After completing the necessary education or experience requirements, applicants begin the licensing process, which includes a comprehensive background check, including Live Scan Fingerprinting Application. The fee for fingerprinting varies depending on whether it includes a firearms permit, with standard fees at $51 and $89 with the permit. The application packet submission requires a fee of $50 for standard licensing or $130 with the firearms permit. After passing the licensing exam, applicants must pay a final licensing fee of $175 before receiving their license.

General Investigations.

Many general investigations are also an area that is charged hourly and not just a flat-fee. You may find a low-end range for general investigative services from $100 to $200 per hour. If the investigation requires the use of specialized expertise or more knowledgeable experts, your pricing could shoot up to over $500 an hour. In these instances, you are paying for the specialized approach, which tends to cost more than standard work.

Asset Discovery.

In legal proceedings, individuals often conceal their assets, believing it will safeguard them. Skilled private investigators specialize in uncovering these hidden assets and ensuring their proper presentation in court. Services related to asset searches or location and recovery are typically priced either as a flat fee or on an hourly basis. These cases vary widely in complexity, ranging from straightforward tasks like locating lost inheritances to intricate endeavors such as identifying divisible assets in divorce proceedings, and everything in between. Consequently, most agencies handle such cases on a customized, case-by-case basis.

Additional Expenses for Private Investigators.

Beyond licensing fees, private investigators in California must also cover the costs of establishing their practice, including mandatory liability insurance of $1 million for firearms-carrying investigators. Prior to hiring a private investigator, it's crucial to conduct your own research and ask relevant questions about licensing, specialties, and fair pricing. Some investigators may require a deposit or retainer before commencing work, serving as a "good faith" payment to initiate the investigative process.

Contact

Contact

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