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Criminal Investigations
Approach
The evidence is out there
Property Crimes
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Burglary
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Theft (including grand theft, petty theft, shoplifting)
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Vandalism
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Arson
Fraud & Financial Crimes
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Identity Theft
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Credit Card Fraud
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Embezzlement
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Insurance Fraud
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Securities Fraud (e.g., Ponzi schemes)
Violent Crimes
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Homicide
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Assault & Battery
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Domestic Violence
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Robbery (involving force or threats)
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Kidnapping
Cybercrime
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Hacking and Unauthorized Access
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Phishing & Online Fraud
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Cyberstalking
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Data Breaches
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Ransomware Attacks
We also handle sexual crimes, missing persons and abductions, corporate fraud and white-collar crime.
SF Bay Area Criminal Investigator
How we approach criminal cases.
Assess, analyze and advise.
Initial Assessment
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Gather Preliminary Information: Review the complaint, police reports, and available evidence.
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Define Objectives: Determine the scope—identify potential suspects, victims, and key evidence.
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Develop an Investigation Plan: Prioritize tasks (e.g., witness interviews, surveillance, forensic analysis).
Evidence Collection & Preservation
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Secure the Scene: Prevent contamination or loss of evidence.
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Collect Physical and Digital Evidence: Includes documents, surveillance footage, computer forensics, and physical items.
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Chain of Custody: Document how evidence is handled to maintain its integrity.
Interviewing & Fact-Finding
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Conduct Witness Interviews: Gather firsthand accounts and verify facts.
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Interrogate Suspects (Legally): Seek confessions or admissions without violating legal protections.
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Background Investigations: Review criminal history, financial records, and affiliations for context.
Case studies and success stories.
A prestigious Bay Area law firm approached Spade & Archer for help in a wrongful death case involving the mysterious death of a real estate developer. The victim’s family believed his death was not an accident, despite the initial findings from law enforcement. The law firm needed compelling evidence to support a civil lawsuit and hired Spade & Archer for an in-depth investigation.
Challenge
The case had several complications:
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The official investigation ruled the death accidental, leaving little evidence for a civil claim.
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The victim’s financial records were extensive and complex, with business dealings that spanned multiple jurisdictions.
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Witnesses were reluctant to speak, fearing damage to their professional reputations.
Spade & Archer's Role
Spade & Archer deployed a multidisciplinary approach, combining forensic analysis, digital investigations, and field intelligence to build a strong case for the law firm.
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Forensic Review and Reconstruction
The team re-examined forensic evidence and discovered discrepancies in the timeline of the victim’s death. A detailed review of toxicology reports revealed a previously undetected substance that suggested foul play. -
Digital Forensics and Financial Analysis
Spade & Archer’s cyber investigators analyzed the victim’s digital footprint, uncovering encrypted communications that pointed to a contentious business deal gone wrong. They also traced unusual financial activity in the days before the victim’s death, including large transfers to offshore accounts. -
Witness Identification and Testimony
By identifying and interviewing key individuals close to the victim, Spade & Archer located a former business associate willing to provide critical information. This witness revealed the escalating disputes between the victim and a rival developer, ultimately shedding light on the possible motive.
Outcome
With the evidence provided by Spade & Archer, the law firm was able to build a compelling wrongful death case. The new findings led to a multimillion-dollar settlement for the victim’s family and prompted law enforcement to reopen the criminal investigation into the death.
How much does a criminal investigation cost?
Each criminal case we handle is tailored to meet your unique needs and objectives. Below, you'll find the starting prices for various services. To receive a precise quote for your specific situation, you'll need to consult directly with me so I understand better who you are, what you do, and what you are wanting to do.
Initial Consultation
Retainer Fees
$295 USD
I will provide you with a telephone consultation to discuss your particular needs for your criminal case. I will gather in-depth information to help you decide what comes next.
From $7,500 USD
Each engagement is different. The starting retainer is a non-refundable fee you pay us and is the least amount we are willing to take a criminal investigation for. From that, our fees of $250-400 + per hour are deducted.
Criminal
questions answered.
What are the steps involved in a criminal investigation?
A criminal investigation typically follows these steps:
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Initial Assessment & Planning: Investigators gather basic facts, review reports, and set investigative goals.
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Evidence Collection: Physical and digital evidence is gathered while ensuring proper chain of custody.
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Interviews & Fact-Finding: Witnesses are interviewed, and suspects may be interrogated. Background checks and forensic analysis are often involved.
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Analysis & Conclusion: The evidence is analyzed, and a detailed report is prepared with conclusions that support or refute criminal activity.
How long does a criminal investigation typically take?
The length of a criminal investigation depends on several factors:
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Case complexity: Simple theft cases may take days, while financial fraud or homicide investigations can last months or even years.
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Availability of evidence: Cases with clear physical or digital evidence move faster. Cases requiring forensic analysis or multiple witnesses take longer.
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Witness cooperation: The willingness of witnesses or suspects to cooperate can either expedite or delay the investigation.
In general, minor cases may resolve in weeks, while complex ones can take much longer.
What rights do suspects and witnesses have during an investigation?
Suspects and witnesses have important legal rights, including:
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Miranda Rights (for suspects): The right to remain silent and the right to legal counsel when in custody.
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Protection against unlawful searches: Authorities must follow legal procedures when gathering evidence.
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Right to Counsel: Suspects can have an attorney present during questioning.
Witnesses also have the right to refuse to answer self-incriminating questions and to receive protection if they are at risk.
Find truth
In a world clouded by deception and half-truths, finding the truth requires more than just asking questions—it demands relentless investigation, critical analysis, and a willingness to go where others won’t. At Spade & Archer, we uncover hidden facts, piece together complex puzzles, and reveal the reality buried beneath layers of doubt. Every truth uncovered is a step toward clarity and resolution.
Seek justice
Justice is not given; it is fought for. Seeking justice means holding wrongdoers accountable and ensuring that the truth has its rightful consequence. Whether in the courtroom or behind the scenes, Spade & Archer stands as an unwavering ally in the pursuit of fairness and accountability. We gather the evidence, expose the facts, and help our clients turn truth into action.