Questions from attorneys and clients.
How we work, who we work for, and what to expect.
Working with CQI
Who retains CQI?
Most of our work is for criminal defense attorneys. The attorney retains us and directs our work, which keeps our work product within the defense team. We also conduct background investigations for law firms, companies and individuals.
Do you take appointed cases?
Yes. We work on privately retained cases and on appointed cases in state and federal court.
Where do you work?
We serve attorneys throughout Florida, and our investigations regularly take us across the United States and abroad.
When should we bring you in?
As early as possible. Records take time to arrive, witnesses take time to locate, and programs and community service take time to show results. Early involvement gives counsel more to work with and more options.
What kinds of cases do you handle?
Capital and non-capital felonies, homicide of every degree, federal prosecutions including white collar and fraud cases, juvenile sentencing, and civil matters involving serious injury or death.
What is the Sentencing Portfolio?
A sentencing package for white collar defendants, licensed professionals, executives and athletes. Instead of focusing on hardship, it documents community service, career, family responsibilities, restitution and program enrollment, so counsel can show the court who the client is today and what they are already doing to make things right.
Do you give legal advice or guarantee results?
No. CQI is not a law firm. Strategy and legal advice come from the client’s attorney, and no investigator can promise a particular outcome.
Is my communication with CQI confidential?
Yes. All communication is strictly confidential. When we work for defense counsel, our work stays within the defense team. In background investigations, we take every precaution so the subject does not learn of the investigation, and we share what we find only with our client.
Background investigations
What information do you need to start a background investigation?
The more you can provide, the more complete the result. At a minimum we need the correct spelling of the person’s name. Aliases, prior surnames, date of birth and previous addresses all help, because many records are kept by jurisdiction.
How far back do background checks go?
It depends on the record holder and on federal regulation. Most information is limited to roughly the last ten years.
Can you obtain bank or phone records?
Not without legal authority. Federal and state law allow bank, financial and phone records to be obtained only with the account holder’s consent or by court order, subpoena or warrant.
Do I need consent from the person I am investigating?
Not for personal reasons. When an investigation is used for pre-employment or employment screening, the employer must obtain the candidate’s consent first.
What can motor vehicle records show?
License status, reported accidents and criminal traffic citations, including DUI and driving with a suspended license.
How long will an investigation take?
Every case is different, so we provide an estimate at the start. If you need information quickly, ask about an expedited investigation.
The sooner we start, the more we find.
Attorneys receive one complimentary hour of consultation on any case. Tell us what you are facing and we will tell you how we can help.
