San Francisco Skyline - Prices & Fees of private investigator

Prices & Fees For California Private Investigator

How Work Is Structured

I work with a limited number of clients in the San Francisco Bay Area who require confidential, legally compliant investigative work handled personally by a licensed investigator with decades of experience.

My practice is intentionally selective. I do not operate as a volume firm, nor do I compete with commodity investigators or surveillance-only providers. Most matters are handled through flat-rate project engagements or day-rate access, depending on risk, urgency, and complexity.

I approach fees with discretion and clarity. Each investigative, cybersecurity, blackmail, or security matter is considered individually, so you’re paying only for the work your situation requires. My rates are structured by the day rather than the hour, reflecting the depth of analysis and continuity a sophisticated investigation demands. A full day’s attention allows me to work with precision—whether I’m at my desk or in the field.

Case Assessment & Engagement Review

Most engagements begin with a confidential, paid intake designed to evaluate suitability before investigative work begins.

Required for all new matters

Typical fee from: $395

This phase may include:

Secure intake and review of documents, information and your experience
Risk and legal exposure assessment
Jurisdictional and compliance review
Investigation design and scope definition
Go / no-go recommendation

Not all matters are accepted. If your situation is not appropriate for lawful or responsible investigation, you will be advised accordingly.

Day-Rate Access

For time-sensitive or high-urgency matters requiring focused attention:

Standard Day Rate: starting at $1,600/day and may go to $3,500/day.
Priority / Sensitive Matters: $2,500 – $4,500/day
Travel, standby, and on-call access priced separately

Day-rate includes some related expenses and availability is limited.

Flat-Rate Investigation Projects

Flat-rate pricing is preferred by clients who value clarity, discretion, and cost certainty.

Standard Investigative Engagements

Typical range: $832 – $4,500

Examples include:

Discreet background or due diligence inquiries
Business or internal investigations
Limited digital and field investigations
Litigation-adjacent fact development

Each engagement is custom-scoped and documented in writing.

Advisory & Legal Support (Hourly)

Hourly billing is reserved for advisory and professional support, including:

Attorney consultation and litigation support
Expert review or second opinions
Strategy and compliance advisory

$335/hour with a 4 hour minimum

Ongoing investigations are rarely conducted on an open-ended hourly basis.

Complex or Sensitive Matters

Typical range: $20,000 – $50,000+

These matters often involve:

Executive or professional exposure concerns
High-conflict family or fiduciary issues
Multi-jurisdiction investigations
Heightened confidentiality requirements

At this level, clients are engaging senior-level investigative judgment, not task-based services.

Retainer Engagements (Select Clients)

For clients requiring ongoing access or priority availability:

Monthly retainers begin at $7,500
Priority access retainers at $9,950+
Scope, response times, and availability defined contractually

Retainers are offered selectively and subject to capacity.

What to Expect

✔ Personally handled by a licensed investigator
✔ Confidential, lawful, and defensible methods
✔ Senior-level discretion and judgment
✔ Designed for serious matters and serious clients

✖ Not a surveillance mill
✖ Not a budget service
✖ Not suitable for speculative or curiosity-based inquiries

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