Is it illegal to get a private investigator to follow someone?

Paul Dillon • November 11, 2025
Private Investigator Franklin TN

No, it's not illegal to hire a Private Investigator Franklin TN to follow someone, as long as the investigator operates within the limits of Tennessee law. Licensed private investigators in Franklin TN are permitted to conduct surveillance in public spaces, track patterns of movement, and gather photographic or video evidence... all without violating privacy rights.


However, there are clear boundaries. A private investigator Tennessee cannot trespass, install tracking devices without consent, or record private conversations. Their authority mirrors that of a private citizen; what makes a professional Tennessee private investigator valuable is their ability to collect admissible, court ready evidence without crossing those legal lines.


When done right, surveillance is a lawful tool, often used in child custody, infidelity, or insurance fraud cases, to uncover truth while respecting state and federal privacy protections.


Is it illegal to get a private investigator to follow someone?


Here in Franklin, many clients contact The Dillon Agency after a moment of hesitation, unsure if hiring a PI feels "too extreme" or "legally risky." It's not. In fact, Tennessee requires all private investigator services Franklin, TN professionals to be licensed by the Tennessee Private Investigation and Polygraph Commission.


That means when you hire a local private investigator Franklin, TN, you're working with someone bound by strict confidentiality and conduct standards. Our cases often intersect with Williamson County courts, so we ensure that every piece of evidence, from surveillance footage to witness interviews, is gathered lawfully and ethically by a qualified private investigator Franklin Tennessee.


Put simply: if your private investigator Tennessee is licensed and transparent about methods, you're on solid legal ground.


Is it legal for a PI to follow you?


Yes, if you're being followed by a licensed Tennessee private investigator conducting surveillance for a legitimate case (like a spouse's infidelity or a custody dispute), it's legal as long as they're observing you in public places. If a private investigator Franklin TN were to follow you onto private property or attempt to record inside your home, that would violate trespassing and privacy laws.


Professional private investigators in Franklin TN are trained to stay invisible yet compliant... blending discretion with legality.


How much is it for a private detective to follow someone in Franklin, TN?


In Franklin and the surrounding Williamson County area, most private investigator services Franklin, TN charge between $85 and $150 per hour, depending on the complexity of the surveillance and the number of investigators required. Many firms, including The Dillon Agency, work on a retainer model, typically $1,500–$2,500 upfront, which is applied toward investigative hours.


Surveillance cases (like suspected infidelity) conducted by a private investigator Franklin, TN may take 10–20 hours, while more complex legal investigations can extend further. A transparent private investigator Franklin Tennessee should outline estimated hours and reporting frequency upfront, so you're never left guessing where your investment goes.


What is illegal for a private investigator to do?


Even the best Tennessee private investigator has boundaries. Here's what a private investigator Tennessee cannot legally do:


  • Trespass or enter private property without permission
  • Hack email, phones, or social media accounts
  • Place GPS trackers without consent or ownership rights
  • Impersonate law enforcement or obtain information under false pretenses
  • Record private conversations without one party consent (Tennessee is a one party consent state, but violating that still has legal consequences)


A reputable private investigator Franklin TN knows the difference between evidence and invasion, and builds their case through skill... not shortcuts.


What are the laws around private investigators in Tennessee?


The Tennessee Private Investigator Licensing and Regulatory Act sets the standards for this profession. Every private investigator services Franklin, TN provider must:


  • Pass a background check and licensing exam
  • Carry proof of liability insurance
  • Abide by the Tennessee Code Annotated §62 26 201 and related laws
  • Maintain strict confidentiality in all client matters


In short, the law isn't against investigation... it's against unethical behavior. Hiring a legitimate, licensed private investigator Franklin, TN ensures your case stands up to legal scrutiny.


If you're in Franklin, here's how we can help


If you're navigating something personal, like uncertainty in your relationship or concerns about child safety, you deserve answers gathered the right way. At The Dillon Agency, our licensed private investigators in Franklin TN handle each case confidentially, ethically, and professionally, ensuring every fact we uncover holds up both in truth and in court.


Working with a trusted private investigator Franklin Tennessee means you're never left in the dark. From domestic concerns to corporate matters, our team of experienced Tennessee private investigator professionals approaches each situation with care, precision, and respect for both the law and your privacy.


You don't have to guess what's real. Contact
The Dillon Agency today for a discreet, no pressure consultation with a private investigator Franklin TN... and get clarity the legal way. Learn more here...

Is it illegal to get a private investigator to follow someone?

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