I'll try to make the story on how it all started quick:

2 years ago I we where coming down from a hill and we see a van turn off of a busy street into a neighborhood very fast with an asian woman in the drivers seat (I'm not being racist or trying to imply racism fyi), than a red camaro pulls out from a neighborhood street. The woman lost control, hit the camaro going VERY fast head-to-head, then tried to RUN and drove into a PARK... A PARK, did some donuts, and died out. We saw it all, some cops came, we told them what happened and they took down our names/numbers.

The other day, my friend gets a call from somebody by the name of Tim McCarthy (Maybe not Tim), my friend asks where he works, he does not say, my friend hangs up. Tim just called me today and asks me questions, I first ask him where he works, he quietly stops and does not answer. I then ask him if he is a lawyer or a P.I, he then tells me a P.I, I ask him again where does he work, he does not answer. I answered a few more questions, a mistake, and he said he'll call me back later and tell me he needs to talk to my parents to get permission so they can use this in court. He called I guess, but I did not answer since my parents where not home, and I didn't want to talk to him. I know I made a few mistakes and should of taken the 5th until I got some more info, BUT MY QUESTION IS: CAN PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS REFUSE TO TELL WHERE THEY WORK OR GIVE OUT ANY INFO?

 

Of course they can refuse. Just like you can refuse to answer questions outside of a summons. It's a good practice to not answer stranger's questions no matter who they work for.

Good luck. He probably works for the camaro guy's insurance company. No big deal.

 

Ok, I just dont want some stalker (no PUN FROM HISTORY), after me, begging me to answer questions. Another question:


Can I get money out of this somehow?

 

Greedy bastard

 

Hey, I need some money! I just ask this because it was in the "upperclass" neighborhood Not to be mooching off of you upperclass people :]]

Edit: Oh yea, if I dont work with him, can they mess with my insurance rates?

 

yes.

ask for travel payments if it does go to court...

everyone will make money from this lawsuit...

 

Travel Payments?

Explain more. I'm getting the feeling that this means I'll have to show up? And how much are you talking? I dont want to be an *******, I will most likely not even ask, just curious.

 

how could you take the fifth? The fifth only protects you from incriminating yourself. Based on your story, you didn't commit a crime, only witnessed an accident.

 

I thought it covered everything...

 

lol and how the heck could you get money for witnessing an accident?

 

I suppose you could rob the people involved in the accident, then when the police come to investigate the robbery you can plead the 5th.

-Chris

 

Tell that investigator not to bother you at home. He can send you his card in the mail or give you his business address over the phone (a card or letterhead is better) and if you decide to speak with him, you will contact him. Hang up if he persists with the questioning.

In CA, see web page that tells how to file a complaint against private investigators and other businesses.

--
0==WW==0
"…axles of evil…" - george w. bush

 

next time he calls ask him who he works for and that you'll lie for that party in exchange for money.

 

suggest that taking time off from work can be financially hard for you.

plus you dont have any "gas" money to get to court...

of course if they sub poena you, that forces you to go to court or else be held in contempt...

 

Ahh, thanks for the help.