FAQs

The most important advice we have is to consult an attorney for specifics and all legal advice.

We cannot give legal advice and cannot assist with any legal questions or issues.

The following are the most common Frequently Asked Questions we get

What is 'Forensic' and 'Medicolegal'?
What is a CLI?
Your experience is over 20 years in general investigations, primarily individual locates, backgrounds and assets / liabilities - why the change?
I am not a lawyer, but can use your services - do you provide services to the general public?
What are the fees for your services - I can't find them on your site?
When are you available and what is the quickest way to contact you and what is the Immediate Critical Incident Response concept?
You refer to providing education about Trauma and Death due to Alcohol and Other Drugs - what is that?
What is the National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI)?
Do you observe autopsies for case related matters? What about reviewing autopsy reports and death investigations?

Q: What is 'Forensic' and 'Medicolegal'?
A: 'Medicolegal' is the legal aspects of the practice of medicine - we are applying medical explanations (bodily injury and death) to the law. 'Forensic' is the application of a specialty or science to law. Both require extensive additional training beyond the standards for that specialty. We use sound Forensic Investigative Solutions (applying investigation to the law) to independently investigate your legal action.

Q: Your experience is over 20 years in investigations, primarily individual locates, backgrounds and assets / liabilities - why the change?

A: There really is not a change. We are simply focusing on specific areas to better serve our clients. Although I provide general civil and criminal investigations, things just seemed to flow naturally to refining my skills in those areas. Before 'CSI' I had a deep interest in forensics and began looking into that as a specialty, which directed me to the Medical Examiner's Office. The ME's office is an experience unlike any other. That experience is where my mind is, while legal investigation is where my heart is; returning to legal investigation is putting my heart and mind together. In order to best serve my clients, it is imperative that we offer investigations that Karen and I both have extensive training, education and experience in. Death Investigation involves all manners of personal injury, negligence and even wrongful death - it is only natural to focus on this for our clients.

Q: I am not a lawyer, but can use your services - do you provide services to the general public?

A: Yes, but (there is always a 'but') only in certain circumstances and we recommend consulting an attorney. There are several things to consider - your rights and retaining them, attorney-client and work product privilege, statute of limitations to pursue claims, avoiding a legal quagmire, avoiding any illegal activities while legally pursuing only those that are relevant to your case (which does not mean 'only helps your case' - you take the good with the bad) and costs. If you have an attorney please have them contact us and we will gladly review our services and work with them on your behalf.

Q: What are the fees for your services - I can't find them on your site?

A: We certainly are not trying to hide anything. Unfortunately posting fees can lead to developing misinformation, usually that we can accomplish something in one hour, but it could take several. Also, we have often been asked to provide services that are not relevant to the case, leading to higher and unnecessary costs. We charge by the hour for investigative and non-routine administrative time (i.e. research, court records, etc.), plus expenses and travel. We will discuss these costs with you or your attorney.

Q: When are you available and what is the quickest way to contact you?

A: We are available 24/7 for ICIRT needs. Although we are available for investigative needs 24 hours a day, please be considerate of when you contact us - during administrative hours is preferable. You can reach us by phone (including voicemail), email and fax. All messages are returned as soon as possible, usually the same day.

The Immediate Critical Incident Response Team [ICIRT] concept is unique to our agency. We are available to respond to any location, with our consultation, as soon as your needs require.

Q: You refer to community outreach, specifically providing education about Trauma and Death due to Alcohol and Other Drugs - what is that?

A: Among the many things learned at the ME's office, death is more certain than taxes. There are numerous means by which people will hurt or kill themselves and each other - either by intent or accident. What is really troubling is the degree that alcohol and other drugs are abused by all ages, sex, religions, races and socioeconomic status. Like death, substance abuse does not discriminate. At the ME's office we would reach out to the community and schools to educate them and I would like to continue that effort. At no charge, we will visit your school, business or organization and speak to your group. Please contact us for scheduling arrangements and information about our 'Trauma and Death due to Alcohol and other Drugs' program.

Q: What is the National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI)?

A: The National Association of Legal Investigators (www.nalionline.org) is a professional organization with membership open to experienced investigators, of professional competence and integrity, that are actively engaged in providing services in the areas of civil negligence litigation (including personal injury and death), and criminal defense.

To qualify for membership, the investigator must have the equivalent of at least two years of full-time documented experience in these fields, provide multiple attorney references, be in good standing in the legal and investigative communities, and pass an in-depth background check. They must also follow a strict code of ethics. I am currently the only active member of this highly regarded professional association in the northern Colorado region. Please see our Press Release of January 23, 2009 under ' Newsletter & Events'.

Q: Do you observe autopsies for case related matters? What about reviewing autopsy reports and death investigations?

A: Yes. This may seem like an odd question, however, it is a common question and concept with a rare need and use. It is usually a simple matter to arrange the observation of an autopsy. Two examples I have come across are:

~ Criminal - your client has been arrested, possibly on unrelated charges, and a body has been found in a remote area. Your client has been previously questioned abou the disappearance of a person, now identified as the decedent.

~ Civil - an autopsy performed on an exhumed body should be independently and closely observed. This may be the first autopsy or a second opinion autopsy.

At the autopsy we will document individuals that are present, assisting, or viewing, and their duties. We can also document with photographs and any evidence collected. At the time of the autopsy we can also immediately seek answers to anticipated questions and provide a detailed account of the procedure.

We will also review your autopsy report and all ancillary documents, evidence and reports for Equivocal Death Investigations. If the case merits a review by an expert Forensic Pathologist, we maintain references to arrange a consultation either on your behalf or directly by you.

Finally, the skills applied to death investigation also pertain to personal injury investigations. Consider that an unnatural death is the result of a fatal personal injury - often only fractions of an inch can be the difference between a traumatic injury and a fatal injury.