Help choosing a private investigator

[number9]

About a year ago I was ripped off for ~$1500 by an electrical contractor. Long story short, he took the money but never did the work. I took him to court over it and he didn't show up, so there is a warrant out for his arrest. That warrant has been out for ~6 months and he hasn't been picked up.

Is it worth hiring a private investigator to find this guy? If so, how do I go about choosing one?

I have the police report and court case details, and I think his DOB and car registration. If I can find this guy it'd go a long way to getting my money back. If we were back in Australia I would hire my mate Faroukh:

[Stromper]

No

but to bust his balls you can get a lean on his house then he doesn't have a clear title
until you sign off on it... so it can't be sold ever

[number9]

No

but to bust his balls you can get a lean on his house then he doesn't have a clear title
until you sign off on it... so it can't be sold ever

I don't know if I can get his lien on his stuff without an actual judgment against him.

[R7]

Just an IMHO, if you hire a PI, at the end of the day, you'll be doing it for your own satisfaction and will still be out the money. If the money can be recovered, it's going to end up in the PI's pockets..and then some. They don't work cheap, if they'd even take a case like that.

[number9]

Just an IMHO, if you hire a PI, at the end of the day, you'll be doing it for your own satisfaction and will still be out the money. If the money can be recovered, it's going to end up in the PI's pockets..and then some. They don't work cheap, if they'd even take a case like that.

Thanks buddy. Basically I'm looking to see if the guy is still living where I reported that he lives; I've driven by his place a few times but haven't spotted him. I think a basic DMV or Social Security check would tell me, but I don't know if PIs have access to that stuff.

[tsorfas]

If you have plate/car reg and it's legit it should be cake to find him.

[R7]

Thanks buddy. Basically I'm looking to see if the guy is still living where I reported that he lives; I've driven by his place a few times but haven't spotted him. I think a basic DMV or Social Security check would tell me, but I don't know if PIs have access to that stuff.

I don't know what PI's have access to from one state vs another state, but I know 2 in RI, and they have full access to DMV records.

[McBiggity]

You don't have a judgement? If he didn't show for small claims it is a default judgement. You then should have had another date about a month later for payment review. If he was a no show for that, then you could request a capias and have it served by the sheriff.

[number9]

If you have plate/car reg and it's legit it should be cake to find him.

I have what I think is his car. I'm not certain though.

I don't know what PI's have access to from one state vs another state, but I know 2 in RI, and they have full access to DMV records.

If they are buddies, would you mind asking them if that's true for MA?

You don't have a judgement? If he didn't show for small claims it is a default judgement. You then should have had another date about a month later for payment review. If he was a no show for that, then you could request a capias and have it served by the sheriff.

It wasn't small claims, it was criminal court. This is my first time doing this stuff & I'm not a lawyer but the DA was willing to take it to "real" court instead of small claims. But he didn't show to that, hence the arrest warrant. Which seems to be doing zero good seeing as it was 6 months ago and they still haven't picked him up.

[TIMMYDUCK]

It wasn't small claims, it was criminal court. This is my first time doing this stuff & I'm not a lawyer but the DA was willing to take it to "real" court instead of small claims. But he didn't show to that, hence the arrest warrant. Which seems to be doing zero good seeing as it was 6 months ago and they still haven't picked him up.[/QUOTE]






Finally something good for NESR to sink it's teeth into.

Post this guys name and buisness.

If anyone can find him it's this group.

[McBiggity]

Ah. Ok. I assumed it was small claims. You can go through small claims process and get the capias served. It's costly to have it served though. You'd also need to verify his address to even file the complaint in the first place.

[number9]

Finally something good for NESR to sink it's teeth into.

Post this guys name and buisness.

If anyone can find him it's this group.

What, and have it end up like this Subaru Impreza owners group thread? Though that guy did (supposedly) get a new car out of it...

Ah. Ok. I assumed it was small claims. You can go through small claims process and get the capias served. It's costly to have it served though. You'd also need to verify his address to even file the complaint in the first place.

Can I still go to small claims court even if I've already been to criminal court? Unless it was 50% of the amount I'm owed I can stomach the cost to serve the guy...

[jasnmar]

He didn't have scratched rims, did he?

[number9]

He didn't have scratched rims, did he?

It was a van. Fucked if I know

[jasnmar]

Sometime when you have a few hours to waste... http://www.nestreetriders.com/forum/...front-rim.html

[RandyO]

I have what I think is his car. I'm not certain though.

squeeze a tube of valve lapping compound in the oil or 2

[breakdirt916]

if he's dumb enough to steal $1,500 and skip out on court, I can't imagine you're dealing with Jason Bourne...is there any other way to get a face-to-face discussion with him? ie. does he have other clients that would know his whereabouts?

[Stromper]

I might at least get a copy of the warrant and publish that on social media

[McBiggity]

Yes.. You can file a civil matter separate of a criminal matter. They can be heard in any order. Civil then criminal or criminal then civil. I think the cost to have the capias served is a couple hundred. Might vary on jurisdiction

[Tricky Mike]

Biggles is crushing this thread!

[McBiggity]

Biggles is crushing this thread!

I spend every Tuesday in small claims court for work. It's quite the show.

[loudbeard]

Call Judge Judy. She's tough, but she's fair.

[scubasteveRR]

I'd post up his info here, just reading this thread makes me want to help you catch this fucker...

[South of Heaven]

I'd post up his info here, just reading this thread makes me want to help you catch this fucker...

I second that. I'm still mad over my bike getting stolen in 2013; thieves (of any kind) are on the same level as pedophiles IMHO.

[MattR302]

I'd post up his info here, just reading this thread makes me want to help you catch this fucker...

Reminds me of that thread of the guy with the stolen Nissan Skyline.

Found it :1991 skyline gt-r-stolen! calgary, ab - cash reward*pics of criminals inside* - Beyond.ca - Car Forums
cliffs of story: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/13/au...ef=slogin&_r=0