Common Questions About Hiring a Private Investigator in California
Serving Sacramento, the Bay Area, and Northern California
Get Clear Answers Before You Hire a Private Investigator
If you’re considering working with a private investigator, it’s normal to have questions. And when your situation involves sensitive personal, legal, or business concerns, you want better clarity about the investigation service you hire.
At Bonnington PI, based in Sacramento, CA, we uphold the highest standards of transparency, legality, and professionalism in everything we do.
Below you’ll find answers to our most frequently asked questions, covering licensing, confidentiality, background checks, and what to expect from the investigation.
Licensing & Legal Requirements in California
Can a Private Investigator Operate Without a License in California?
No. In California, all private investigators must be licensed by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). If someone is operating without a license, it’s illegal, and they can face criminal charges and civil penalties.
Always verify a PI’s license at www.bsis.ca.gov.
What Are the Requirements to Become a Licensed Private Investigator?
To qualify for a PI license in California, a person must meet these state requirements.
- They should be at least 18 years old.
- They need to clear a criminal background check (CA DOJ + FBI).
- It’s important to complete 6,000 hours of verified investigative experience. Some degrees in criminal justice, law, or police science may count toward this total.
- They also need to pass a two-hour written exam.
- They must submit a complete application and pay all required fees to BSIS.
Licensing confirms that a private investigator is both legally authorized and professionally trained to conduct investigations.
How Can I Verify a Private Investigator's License?
You should go to the official California BSIS website, www.bsis.ca.gov. Then search by license number or business name to verify the PI’s legal status and qualifications.
Strict Privacy & Legal Compliance
Do Private Investigators and Clients Have Attorney-Client Privilege?
No. While all communication with Bonnington PI is handled confidentially and with care, PIs are not generally protected by the attorney-client privilege.
However, you can have this privilege under a few conditions.
- If you hire a PI directly by your attorney, their work may be protected under the attorney work-product doctrine. This means some investigative materials may not have to be shared during a lawsuit.
- If a client admits a crime, a PI is not legally bound to report it. However, they may choose to do so depending on the situation.
- If a client attempts to use the investigation for illegal activity or to mislead someone, the PI will immediately stop working on the case.
Note – If your case involves active litigation, hire Bonnington PI through your attorney for the highest level of legal protection.
Real Results
Can You Guarantee the Results?
No. A professional investigator should never guarantee results because investigations depend on several factors, like subject behavior, accuracy, and availability of information, surveillance conditions, and legal access to data.
At Bonnington PI, we guarantee –
- Legal and honest investigative practices
- Thorough documentation
- Respect for your privacy
- Clear and trustworthy reports
Even if no wrongdoing is uncovered, our investigation results may still help you move forward with better clarity and confidence.
Speak With Our Licensed Investigator Today
Background Checks - Internet vs. Professional Investigations
Can You Get the Same Results From an Online Background Check?
No. Internet searches may provide surface-level details, but they lack accuracy, depth, and legality. That’s because many online tools pull outdated or unverifiable data.
On the other hand, professional investigations go deeper. A licensed private investigator uses verified databases, court records, and legal methods to gather reliable and up-to-date facts. The information is properly documented and can often be used in court.
Why Are Professional Background Checks Better?
Licensed private investigators can have access to a lot of information that online apps may not provide.
- Verified databases that are not open to the public
- Criminal & civil court records
- Property ownership and asset searches
- Employment & education verification
- Alias & identity checks
- Court-admissible documentation
At Bonnington PI, we deliver clear, reliable reports according to your needs. Whether you need information for hiring someone, legal cases, tenant screening, or personal safety, we can provide it all.
Common Myths About Internet Background Checks
- Google shows everything I need to know.
- Not always. Most criminal and court records are not even indexed by search engines.
- If it’s not available online, it doesn’t exist.
- Most of the time, important records may not be present online. They can only be found in licensed, subscription-only databases or through field investigation.
- Free background sites are accurate.
- Free background checking sites may not be accurate. They usually pull incomplete or incorrect data and may violate privacy laws.
- I can use online information in court.
- You can if it’s legally obtained. Only verified evidence from a licensed PI can stand up in court.
- Social media tells the whole story.
- People often control what they show online and hide what they don’t want others to see, so you can’t know about their real side. That’s why we go deeper to identify hidden accounts, offline behavior, and more.
Schedule a Free, Confidential Consultation
Bonnington PI - The Most Trusted Private Investigators in California
Hiring a private investigator is a serious decision. It can affect legal outcomes, relationships, and personal safety. Whether you’re dealing with infidelity, child custody, background checks, or business disputes, Bonnington PI helps you find clear answers with professionalism and caution.
Call (916) 936-7773 to schedule a free consultation. We’re based in Sacramento, CA, and serving Northern California, the Bay Area, and the Greater Sacramento Valley.