A witness may have information that matters to a case, but an old address, disconnected phone number or incomplete report can make that person difficult to reach. O’Neal Investigations helps attorneys and private clients identify and locate witnesses and document what they know.
We serve Jacksonville, St. Augustine, St. Johns County and surrounding Northeast Florida communities. Keith O’Neal personally conducts or oversees each assignment, with more than 35 years of investigative and law enforcement experience.
Finding the right person
A name in a file is a starting point. Locating a witness may require comparing public records, evaluating available contact information, researching connections and conducting field inquiries. Identity and current whereabouts should be verified rather than assumed from a single database result.
We can assist with:
- Witnesses whose contact information is outdated
- People identified in incident reports or case materials
- Potential witnesses who were not included in the initial account
- Subjects whose identity or location needs confirmation
The scope depends on the information available, the purpose of the assignment and any practical or legal limitations.
Interviews that preserve the witness’s account
Finding someone does not establish what that person knows. An investigative interview should distinguish firsthand observations from assumptions, secondhand information and details the witness cannot reliably recall.
Our goal is to ask appropriate questions, document the account accurately and identify issues that may require further review. We do not attempt to shape a witness’s answers to support a preferred outcome.
Why timing matters
People move, contact details change and memories become less precise. Related evidence, such as nearby video, may also become unavailable. Early discussion gives counsel more opportunity to decide which witnesses and facts deserve attention.
For a broader explanation, read when an attorney should consider investigative assistance.
What to provide at the start
- The witness’s name and any known identifying details
- Last known contact information and relevant locations
- The incident or case background and key dates
- The questions counsel needs answered
- Any deadlines, contact restrictions or other instructions
We discuss scope, timing and budget before substantial work begins. Findings and unresolved questions are organized for your review. Counsel remains responsible for legal strategy and the use of witness information in a proceeding.
Discuss a witness location or interview assignment
Call 904-703-8825 or request a free confidential consultation. Review our investigative services or learn about Keith O’Neal.