FAQ

As a rule, no. While it’s not TCI’s place to formulate any opinion (and while service is literally made as a disinterested party), TCI refuses to work for opposing sides of the same matter to avoid appearance of (or actual) conflicts.

TCI exists to provide white-glove level service and unparalleled results, which usually means handling service assignments directly. Put simply, TCI provides counsel peace of mind by doing it right the first time rather than relinquishing operational control by sending to a subcontractor of unknown experience, who may simply re-subcontract to someone who may again subcontract.

When stakes are highest, TCI provides results by handling assignments nationwide (and globally) in-house, always in compliance with relevant law.

Almost never.

Merely forwarding service assignments is common, even standard, in the service industry, but TCI exists to provide white-glove service and unparalleled results in select matters where stakes are highest. Unfortunately, TCI’s experience is that excuses are often more common than results when subcontracting.

Yes, TCI has made service internationally. While TCI’s business is primarily domestic, potential assignments outside the United States are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

TCI has on-demand, visa-free access to various global destinations sometimes perceived as challenging for American citizens to enter.

No, as a matter of ethics.

For matters in state court, subpoenas served outside that state must be properly domesticated in accordance with the other state’s iteration of the Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act (UIDDA) or other relevant statute.

TCI is always willing to assist with the often-cumbersome foreign subpoena domestication process, which sometimes varies by individual counties within states.

For matters in federal court, the 2013 revisions to Rule 45 simplified many requirements. However, TCI generally will request edits to subpoenas when appropriate to ensure compliance with the 100-mile rule.

Subpoenas in American matters served on US citizens outside the United States must be in accordance with the Walsh Act or other relevant American law.

Yes. Inquiries are assessed on a case-by-case basis; infidelity matters are rarely accepted

No. TCI does not conduct “background checks” as that term is commonly used.

TCI is not a “consumer reporting agency” and nothing TCI produces should be construed as a “consumer report,” as these terms are defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act, (“FCRA”) or similar state statutes.

North American (including Caribbean) flights coach, other flights (including Hawaii) business, hotels generally under $200/night unless operationally necessary, $50 flat daily per diem (instead of meal receipts), standard rental cars unless operational reason otherwise, faster taxi/rideshare pickup is always justified, never added mileage charges, minimum 3.5 hours billed daily when waiting on location for something beyond TCI’s control (e.g. for a judge to issue a TRO), no surprise charges.

While theatrics have no inherent value, from time to time unconventional resources provide the most efficient available means toward an operationally necessary objective, like gaining a clear vantage point for surveillance.

(Yes.)

Generally, locating subjects explicitly for the ultimate purpose of legal service as well as the act of making service does not require a license, though a small minority of jurisdictions do regulate who may serve certain types of legal documents at the state, county, or municipal level.

TCI diligently complies with the letter of all state and local service licensing laws in the United States, in accordance with Article VI, Clause 2 of the US Constitution.

State and local regulation of private investigation varies widely, including on what activity even constitutes regulated private investigation. TCI always complies with legal requirements, and is willing to pursue additional state or other licensing as appropriate.

While there are no guarantees, acquiring a room number for a registered guest is operationally routine and can generally be accomplished at both high-end and low-end properties, though methods may vary depending on the establishment.