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Real Results from San Francisco’s Trusted Private Investigators
Results, not empty promises
At Spade & Archer®, we believe results speak louder than promises. Our decades of experience have helped clients across San Francisco and the Bay Area achieve peace of mind, justice, and security. Below, explore real-world case studies and client stories that highlight our investigative expertise, creative problem-solving, and unwavering commitment to client success.
What Our Clients Say
“Very professional agency. They delivered as promised, with great communication throughout.”
— Andrew K., San Francisco
“I had a delicate situation that needed urgent investigation. The team handled my case with sensitivity and professionalism.”
— Janete J., Oakland
“Their creative approach and timely results exceeded my expectations. Highly recommend!”
— Kevin W., Marin County
Trust Is What Built Our Investigation Firm In SF Bay Area
Why clients choose Spade & Archer
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Proven Track Record: Thousands of successful cases across the Bay Area.
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Custom Solutions: Every investigation is uniquely tailored to your goals.
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Transparent Communication: You’re kept informed at every step.
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Endorsed by Attorneys and Businesses: Our work is trusted by legal professionals and organizations throughout California.
Family Law Success Story
Challenge:
A parent was concerned about their child’s well-being during custody exchanges. They needed clear, court-admissible evidence to support their concerns.
Our Approach:
We collaborated with the client to understand the situation, then conducted discreet surveillance and gathered detailed documentation of the child’s environment and interactions.
Outcome:
Our comprehensive report provided the court with objective facts, helping secure a safer arrangement for the child.
What We Learned:
Every family situation is unique. By listening closely and tailoring our approach, we can deliver results that truly make a difference for families.
Corporate Investigation: Exposing Employee Fraud
Challenge:
A local business suspected an employee of abusing sick leave, causing financial losses and low morale.
Our Approach:
We combined surveillance with background checks to verify the employee’s activities during claimed sick days.
Outcome:
The evidence enabled the business to take appropriate action, saving thousands of dollars and reinforcing a culture of accountability.
What We Learned:
Timely, discreet investigations are vital for protecting businesses—and for supporting honest employees.
Asset Search & Recovery: Achieving a Fair Settlement
Challenge:
During a complex divorce, a client suspected their spouse was hiding assets.
Our Approach:
Using advanced investigative databases and techniques, we traced undisclosed financial holdings and property.
Outcome:
Our findings led to a fairer settlement for our client, ensuring their financial interests were protected.
What We Learned:
Persistence, timeliness, and attention to detail are key in high-stakes asset investigations.
Missing Persons: Reuniting Families
Challenge:
A family lost contact with a loved one and needed help locating them quickly.
Our Approach:
We leveraged our network, public records, and proprietary databases to trace the individual’s whereabouts.
Outcome:
The family was reunited, and the client expressed immense relief and gratitude.
What We Learned:
Empathy and urgency are essential in sensitive missing person cases.
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How much does a background check cost?We custom tailor each background check to the needs of the matter at hand. You can count on a background check starting at $416 for a good point of reference. However, depending on what you require, many cost around $1250 and into the many thousands of dollars, again, depending on what your mission is and what is important to know.
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What does a background investigation cost?Background investigations are more in-depth and can focus on a certain area, be broad in nature or go very deep. Background investigations start at $1250.00
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What's the differnece in a background check/investigation and criminal history?Criminal history investigations can be part of a background check/investigation. They can also be a stand alone service you choose to hire us for. Criminal history checks start at $400 where a basic background check starts at $600.
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How long does a background check/investigation take?Depending upon the information you desire, a background check can be completed the same day. This is especially true of criminal history checks that use our proprietary sources to see if the Subject of investigation has a criminal history in the State and Counties we have access to. Some take longer, this is solely dependent upon how deep you wish to go. Some background investigations can take a month, but this is generally the case when we are interviewing people during the background investigation.
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Will the person know I am conducting a criminal history check?Nope. No one will ever know, unless you tell them.
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How much does a criminal history check cost?Prices start at $416. A lot will depend upon how deep the criminal check needs to go. For example, has the person lived in 27 counties across the U.S.? If so, then it can get more expensive than $416. This will also largely depend on whether we need to get the source documents from the courthouse they reside in. This will add significant costs.
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Is the background check/investigation discreet?100% yes. There is nothing that leaves a trail on discreet background inquiries. However, some types of background investigations need the subject's permission to go into various areas of their life or if making financial inquiries. We will advise you ahead of time if that is the case so you can decide if this is what you want.
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Why use you for criminal history over those cheap sites online?Because they're crap. They are not private investigators and they do not have access to the proprietary data we have. Plus there is no one working on your case. It's nothing more than a data dump. Sometimes there is accurate information. But do you really want to trust your decision to a cheap, unreliable data dump? Of course not! We have a lot to say about these online sources, but read more in our blog articles.
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Do you conduct nationwide criminal checks?It is very misleading when private investigators talk about "nationwide" criminal history investigations. There are many nuances to this investigation, including which counting is reporting current data, what State has access to what information, etc. It's complex and best explained when you consult with us. Suffice it to say, there is no way we can just plug someones identifiers in and spit out a nationwide record, there are nuances to know and understand. Sometimes, records are not available unless we send someone to that particular courthouse.