Frequently Asked Questions - PI and Fugitive Recovery

What is a Private Investigator?

A Private Investigator, also known as a - PI, Private Detective or Private Eye, is someone that is hired to undertake an investigation in a non law enforcement capacity. Most states require PI's to be trained and licensed. Investigators often have a law enforcement and/or a military background or are properly certified through accredited institutions.

For additional information on Private Investigators capabilities in Colorado, please refer to - Code of Colorado Regulations (state.co.us). Please also note, that while the licensing requirements are still present in this document, PI's are no longer required to be licensed in Colorado. Find more below.

Are Private Investigators required to be licensed in Colorado?

The short answer, is no. Sunset legislation in 2021 eliminated the requirements for licensing. At this time, Private Investigation is no longer a regulated profession in Colorado. Any Colorado Private Investigator licenses are invalid and are no longer recognized after August 31st, 2021. Find more info at Private Investigator HOME | Division of Professions and Occupations (colorado.gov) Any Investigators offering a "Colorado License" are subject to liability claims when offering services solely in Colorado.

While this does eliminate surety bonds as a type of insurance for individual investigators and investigation companies alike; best practices allow us to maintain general liability business insurance or a savings for liability claims to further provide surety in our services offered and actions taken when rendering the services as agreed upon in the contract.

What is a Fugitive Recovery Agent?

Most often recognized as Fugitive Recovery Agents in the Professional world - also known as Bounty Hunters or Bail Enforcement Agents, is someone who is hired by a Bail Bondsmen/Bond Agency for a commission percentage to track down and apprehend customers who broke their promise of appearing in court on a specified date. This leaves Bail Bondsmen in a deficit with the court, and the funds are released only when the fugitive is returned to court custody. After successful retrieval, a Bondsmen may pay up to 20% commission of the overall Bond Pricing. Average payouts range from 10-15% commission of the bond amount in Colorado.

In the contract that defendants sign with their bail bondsman, defendants consent to bounty hunters breaking into their home and arresting them should they ever become fugitives.

But if the defendant is hiding somewhere outside of their home, then Colorado law prohibits bounty hunters from breaking in. If they do, they face such criminal charges as trespass and burglary.

Note that every state regulates bounty hunting differently. So if a defendant allegedly flees Colorado to another state, bounty hunters need to follow the relevant laws of that other state. The other state’s criminal justice system may have broader or narrower protections for fugitive recovery agents.

Fugitive recovery agents are private agents employed by the bond company, not a local law enforcement agency.

Therefore, Colorado Fugitive Recovery Agents do not need to obtain a warrant first before conducting searches or seizures. They can carry firearms like regular civilians can as long as they follow all applicable laws. When bounty hunters apprehend a defendant, it is a citizen’s arrest.

As Fugitive Recovery Agents are required to have a contract by a licensed bondsmen, we only offer our services to Bail Bond Agencies as needed or as agreed upon for such a retainer fee. All of the contracts must be provided by the Bondsmen referencing "Kratos Investigations and Process Service LLC" as the hired agent to undertake the retrieval task.

What is our typical process for working with new clients?

We recommend starting with filling out our contact form with as much information as possible. We will then follow up via phone call or email to gain a better understanding of your requirements and any additional information that may be pertinent to the contract. From here, we will then construct a customized investigative plan and contract to meet your needs in a budget friendly manner.

While staffing is currently limited, please allow up to 48 hours for a response so we can ensure we have a time slot dedicated to fully understand your situation and your needs.

Don't forget to ask about our pro-bono opportunities! We offer these opportunities to continue building and maintain our reputation while being able to connect with people from the communities we aid. Eligibility depends on the nature of the case, distance, services rendered, etc. Fugitive Recovery services are not eligible for Pro-Bono opportunities.

What education and training do we have?

Our team consists of educated and skilled individuals who meet certifiable requirements. The owner is a certified Private Investigator and certified Fugitive Recovery Agent. As it is a sole proprietorship currently, we will only employ those who match or exceed the same criteria when applicable. We bring a variety of skills to the world of Private Investigation stemming from Cybersecurity, constantly pioneering the way Private Investigation is handled.

At the minimum, we will require all of our investigators and fugitive recovery agents to have private investigation certifications, active legal knowledge and concealed carry permits for the unknown circumstances we can face. Additionally, we are members of the Professional Private Investigators Association of Colorado (PPIAC).

Inquire via the contact form or at owner@kratosinvestigations.com for more information.

What questions should clients think through before talking to an agency about their case?

Before reaching out to investigation agencies about your case, we encourage that you consider asking yourself the following questions:

1. What are my specific goals and objectives for this investigation?

2. What type of expertise or skills am I looking for in an agency?

3. What is my budget for the investigation?

4. What is the desired timeline or deadline for completion?

5. Are there any specific qualifications or certifications that my investigator should possess?

6. What level of experience or track record am I seeking in an investigator?

7. What are the potential challenges or obstacles that could arise during the investigation?

8. What level of involvement or communication do I expect from the investigative agency?

9. Are there any legal or regulatory requirements that the investigator should be aware of?

10. How will success be measured or evaluated for this investigation?

By thinking through these questions, clients can have a better understanding of their investigation requirements and expectations. This will help facilitate effective communication with the agency and ensure that the right questions are asked & answered during discussions about your possible investigation.

What does pricing look like?

While we know that hiring a PI is not a very budget friendly endeavor and can be overwhelming in general, we aim to ensure we always offer budget-friendly pricing to match the scenario. There are multiple factors that contribute to pricing based off of the nature of the request. This includes but is not limited to: The task type, the duration of the investigation, the complexity of the situation, fuel costs, and tolls. Additional pricing details included in the individual service pages where applicable. Rates generally start at no less than $40/hr dependent upon the task(s) and duration of the investigation. Time is accurately assessed and tracked for the duration of investigation related activities. If the consumed time was less than quoted, we will adjust the final payment or refund any over payments where applicable; however this should not occur.

Don't forget to ask about our pro-bono opportunities! We offer these opportunities to continue building and maintain our reputation while being able to connect with people from the communities we aid. Eligibility depends on the nature of the case, distance, services rendered, etc. Fugitive Recovery services are not eligible for Pro-Bono opportunities.

What types of things are Private Investigators not allowed to do?

Although PI's have access to information that the general public can not obtain, they must obey the same basic laws as private citizens. Three big things they can't do:

Pose as law enforcement officers
Wire tapping
Obtain cell phone records via pre-texting

What types of services do Private Investigators offer?

Private investigators offer many types of investigations. Investigators often work for law firms to gather information on civil or defense cases. Insurance companies commonly hire investigators to look into suspicious claims. Private individuals hire investigators to locate missing people, to do surveillance on spouses and for many other reasons.

A large majority of detective work is spent in the field conducting interviews or doing surveillance. Many investigators do computer searches, background checks and make phone calls to gather data. Investigators are often asked to provide detailed reports on their findings and testify in court on behalf of their clients.

If you are looking for someone or something, chances are a private investigator can help you. Below is a list of some services that PI's perform - we cannot aid in all investigations listed:

What are the Benefits of a Private Investigator?

The benefits of a private investigator include the ability to gather information, conduct surveillance, and investigate cases in a discreet and professional manner. Private investigators can also provide a range of services, including background checks, insurance fraud investigations, and corporate investigations, and can collaborate with law enforcement agencies and other professionals in the criminal justice system.

What is a day in the life of a Private Investigator?

Generally speaking, the daily life of a private investigator involves conducting research, surveillance, interviewing witnesses, analyzing information, and preparing reports. Their day-to-day activities may vary depending on the nature of their case and the clients they are working for.

Frequently Asked Questions - Service of Process

What is Service of Process?

In simple terms, Service of Process is the procedure by which a party to a court matter gives an appropriate notice to another party, in an effort to establish jurisdiction and enable that person to respond. Service of Process is almost always required in order to move to the next step of your initial court proceedings. You can find more information at - https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2023-court-rules.pdf and navigate to page 27 for detailed information.

Who can legally serve papers in Colorado?

In legal proceedings, the process can be served by any individual over the age of 18 who is not directly involved in the case. Importantly, this means that friends and family members—whose emotional investment in your outcome may bias their actions—are not eligible to serve legal documents.

Does a Process Server need to be licensed in Colorado?

Colorado does not regulate or license private "Process Servers" at this time.

Can I serve papers myself?

No. It is not lawful to serve your own paperwork. For the same reason that it is frowned upon to have friends or family, the court must be able to rely on credible and unbiased information that the respondent had proper lawful notice.

What are the benefits of using a 3rd party Process Server from Kratos Investigations and Process Service LLC?

Precision and Trustworthiness in Legal Services

When it comes to legal matters, accuracy and credibility are paramount. If the service of court documents or the subsequent paperwork isn’t executed correctly according to procedural rules, your case could face dismissal or delays. Additionally, judges often view claims made by friends or relatives who served court documents with skepticism.

Our Approach: Unbiased, Professional, and Transparent

At our company, we take a different approach. As an unbiased third-party professional service, we ensure that every serve is performed lawfully. We go beyond mere claims by providing concrete evidence. Our comprehensive reports include body camera footage and a detailed affidavit, giving you the confidence that your legal documents were served accurately and in compliance with all procedural rules.

Do I need to hire a process server where I am located or where the papers are to be served?

It is best practice to have the process server that is hired as close to the location of the respondent needing served as possible. Here at Kratos Investigations and Process Service LLC we service all of Colorado.

While we do serve all of Colorado, please note there will be additional fuel and maintenance costs added on to our Pricing outside of the Colorado Springs | Castle Rock | Denver | Pueblo | Woodland Park areas; as stated in - https://www.kratosinvestigations.com/services/service-of-process/.

Do you need the original copies?

There are very few circumstances where we would need to serve "original" documentation. As long as all of the legal information is accurate and correct, Colorado requires only a copy of the documents to be served. Please email any documents to contact@kratosinvestigations.com.

What documents can you serve?

We serve all types of paperwork including but not limited to: citations, petitions, summons, complaints, subpoenas, family court papers, protective orders, collection letters, notices, discovery documents, orders to show cause, motions, garnishments, child support, evictions, civil summons and complaints.

How long does it take to get papers served?

This is up to your discretion. We offer packages to meet a variety of needs and a variety of Process Service types while maintaining our budget friendliness. Please visit the Process Service page for more information.

Don't forget to ask about our pro-bono opportunities! We offer these opportunities to continue building and maintain our reputation while being able to connect with people from the communities we aid. Eligibility depends on the area/location of Service of Process. Locations outside of the Colorado Springs | Castle Rock | Denver | Pueblo | Woodland Park areas are currently not eligible for Pro Bono Opportunities; likewise any Services where the respondents whereabouts are unknown would require additional PI services such as skip trace reporting, DMV records* and General Surveillance which would be properly calculated at the time of contractual agreement.

*DMV Records will not be available for final reporting provided to you.

What if the person is unable to be found or is evasive?

We offer a variety of packages to cover these scenarios. Please refer to the question above and our Process Service page for additional information.

What is an Affidavit of Service?

When the contract term ends and we are able to successfully serve the respondent, the Investigator assigned to the case will complete an Affidavit. An affidavit is a document that affirms what happened during the Process of Service. We will have the affidavit signed and notarized under penalty of perjury, that the facts contained within are accurate. This is the primary document the courts would need as proof of completing the obligation of Service of Process.

Can you file my Affidavit of Service with the Court Clerk?

We will keep you updated every step of the way! Once the affidavit is ready, we will provide you with a copy via secured and encrypted email communications and we will confirm if you want us to mail it to you or your court.

What if the person being served refuses to accept the service papers?

Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure (CRCP) state that we must be able to identify the person, articulate why we believed that was the respondent, offer to provide the documents to that person, and then after that person refuses or fails to accept them, we are required to post them in a conspicuous place i.e. posted on the front door. If we can get the person’s face on our body camera, we will be able to achieve lawful Service of Process.

Ask about CRCP - Rule 4 and C.R.S. 7-90-704

Find more about CRCP beginning on Page 27, Rule 4 at - https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2023-court-rules.pdf

Find more about C.R.S. 7-90-704 at - https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/info_center/laws/Title7/Title7Article90Part7.html#a7-90-704