Is It Illegal to Hire a Private Investigator in Tennessee? (Murfreesboro Legal Guide)

Paul Dillon • December 25, 2025
private investigator murfreesboro tn

Let's be real... if you're Googling "Is it illegal to hire a private investigator?" you're probably in the middle of something stressful, confusing, or downright frustrating. Whether you're facing a custody dispute, suspicious behavior, or a situation that just feels off, you deserve to know exactly what's legal, and what's not, when working with a private investigator Murfreesboro TN residents trust. Let's break this down with clarity and a friendly nudge in the right direction, so you can move forward with confidence.


Is It Illegal to Hire a Private Investigator in Tennessee? (Murfreesboro Legal Guide)

Hiring a private investigator Murfreesboro is 100% legal in Tennessee, as long as you hire a licensed PI and they follow state laws. Tennessee regulates investigators through the Private Investigation and Polygraph Commission, which requires background checks, training, and proper licensing. What this means for you: a Murfreesboro private investigator can conduct surveillance, gather evidence, interview witnesses, pull public records, and document behavior in a way that holds up in Rutherford County courts.

However, there are clear limits. A private investigator Murfreesboro Tennessee cannot trespass, hack phones, access private financial accounts, plant trackers on vehicles you don't own, impersonate law enforcement, or wiretap anyone. These restrictions exist to protect privacy rights and prevent evidence from being thrown out in court. So while the act of hiring a PI is legal, choosing an unlicensed investigator or encouraging someone to break the law could get you tangled in legal consequences.

The bottom line: hiring private investigators in Murfreesboro TN is legal, safe, and common, especially for child custody, infidelity, and fraud related cases... just be sure you're working with a licensed professional who knows Tennessee law.


Local Insight / Story

In Murfreesboro, it's not unusual for someone to quietly hire a private investigator Murfreesboro TN before walking into a lawyer's office. One local resident recently shared that surveillance footage from a licensed private investigator Murfreesboro completely changed the trajectory of her custody case in Rutherford County. The judge accepted the evidence without question because it was gathered legally... no shortcuts, no gray areas.

That's the difference a licensed Murfreesboro private investigator makes. In a town the size of Murfreesboro, word travels fast, and the courts here know the reputable investigators by name. When your situation is delicate, having someone who understands local routes, neighborhoods, and typical court expectations becomes a real advantage. A trusted private investigator Murfreesboro Tennessee brings not just skills, but local credibility.


 Can You Sue Someone for Hiring a Private Investigator?

Generally, no... you can't sue someone simply for hiring a private investigator Murfreesboro if the investigator operated within the law. Gathering public information or observing someone in a public space is not grounds for a lawsuit.

However, if the PI (or the person who hired them) crosses into illegal territory, harassment, trespassing, stalking, wiretapping, or invasion of privacy, that's when lawsuits and criminal charges can come into play.

In short:

  • Hiring a private investigator Murfreesboro TN = legal.
  • Hiring a reckless or unlicensed PI = lawsuit waiting to happen.

If you're working with licensed private investigators in Murfreesboro TN, you're already protecting yourself from most legal risks.


Is Hiring Private Investigators Legal?

Yes, in Tennessee, hiring a private investigator Murfreesboro is legal and widely used for:

  • Child custody documentation
  • Infidelity investigations
  • Fraud and insurance investigations
  • Background checks
  • Missing persons
  • Workplace investigations

The key is licensing. Always ask for a Tennessee State License Number. A legitimate Murfreesboro private investigator will never hesitate to provide it. This simple step protects you from working with someone who could compromise your case or put you at legal risk.

When you hire private investigators in Murfreesboro TN, you're hiring professionals who understand both state law and local court expectations, two things that matter when evidence goes before a Rutherford County judge.


What Is the Average Cost of a Private Investigator?

In Murfreesboro, the average cost for a private investigator Murfreesboro TN ranges from $300 to $3,000+, depending on the complexity of the case. Here's a simple breakdown:

  • Surveillance: $70–$210/hour
  • Background checks: Flat rate, $75–$300
  • Child custody investigations: $500–$3,000+
  • Infidelity cases: Usually require a retainer ($500–$1,500+)

Most private investigators in Murfreesboro TN require a retainer because surveillance often unfolds over multiple days or nights. When you're working with a licensed private investigator Murfreesboro Tennessee, you're paying for professionalism, legal compliance, and evidence that will stand up in court, not just information gathering.


 Is It Illegal to Hire a Private Investigator to Follow Someone?

Not at all... following someone is legal when done by a licensed private investigator Murfreesboro in public places where there is no expectation of privacy.

But here's what is illegal:

  • Following someone onto private property
  • Hidden cameras in private spaces
  • GPS tracking a vehicle you don't own
  • Using intimidation or harassment
  • Recording private conversations without consent

So yes, you can legally hire a Murfreesboro private investigator to follow someone... just not into places where privacy is protected. This is why working with experienced private investigators in Murfreesboro TN matters. They know exactly where the legal boundaries are, and they stay on the right side of them.

A professional private investigator Murfreesboro TN understands Tennessee surveillance laws, Rutherford County norms, and how to gather evidence that won't get thrown out in court. That local knowledge is worth every penny.


If You're in Murfreesboro, Here's How We Can Help…

If you're dealing with a sensitive situation and want clear, legal, court ready evidence, you deserve the guidance of a licensed private investigator Murfreesboro Tennessee who knows the law inside and out.

Whether you're navigating a custody case, concerned about infidelity, or trying to document fraud, working with trusted private investigators in Murfreesboro TN gives you peace of mind and results that hold up where it matters most... in court.

If you're in Murfreesboro and want to talk through your options, no pressure, no obligation, The Dillon Agency is here whenever you're ready. Let's figure out the best path forward, together. Learn more about our services here.


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On the other hand, if you're searching for someone who left Tennessee decades ago with minimal information, the Tennessee private investigator may need to conduct interviews, pull archived records, and coordinate with contacts in multiple states. That level of fieldwork and coordination naturally increases both time and cost. Private investigators in Franklin TN pride themselves on efficiency. The goal isn't to rack up hours... it's to find your person as quickly and accurately asIf you're searching for someone (an old friend, a family member you've lost touch with, or someone who needs to be found for legal reasons), you're probably bouncing between two questions: "Is this even possible?" and "How much is this going to cost me?". We love solving puzzles, but we also like knowing the rules of the game before we start playing. And when you're in a situation that already feels emotional or urgent, the last thing you want is vague information or another sales pitch. You want clarity. You want logic. You want a plan. Let's break this down together in a way that's transparent, quick, and totally fluff free. How Much Does It Cost to Hire Someone to Find a Person in Franklin, TN? Hiring a private investigator Franklin TN to find a person typically costs between $75 and $150 per hour, depending on the investigator's experience, licensing, and the complexity of the case. Most private investigator services Franklin, TN require a retainer of $1,000–$2,500 to begin working, which functions like a prepaid balance toward hourly work. The total cost depends on several factors: how much information you already have, whether digital research or in person fieldwork is needed, and how far the search extends beyond Williamson County. Straightforward "skip trace" style searches, like locating a current address, may fall on the lower end of the range, while cases involving missing relatives, evasive individuals, or multi state leads will require more time and budget. In Tennessee, a Tennessee private investigator must be state licensed, which ensures all search methods are legal and evidence based. While prices vary, a reputable private investigator Franklin, TN will give you an estimated range before starting, explain how hours are used, and keep you updated so you're not surprised by the final invoice. Overall, expect most cases to land between $500 and $3,500, depending on urgency and complexity. In Franklin, these cases often start the same way: someone walks into a PI office holding just a thread... maybe a first name, a city someone once lived in, or a rumor passed through family. One private investigator Franklin Tennessee likes to say, "Finding people in Franklin is like tracing footsteps through the square. There's always a trail, you just have to know where to look." Local cases benefit from exactly that: community ties, familiarity with Williamson County records, and connections built over years of investigations. Even a small detail, like knowing someone once worked in Cool Springs or attended school in Brentwood, can completely change the direction and cost of the case when you're working with experienced private investigators in Franklin TN . Can I pay someone to find a person? Yes. Private investigator services Franklin, TN are legally allowed to locate individuals as long as the reason is lawful and ethical. This includes finding estranged family, former partners, witnesses, biological parents, debtors, or individuals needed for legal matters. A licensed private investigator Tennessee uses a mix of database research, digital footprints, interviews, and real world investigation to confirm identity and location. When you hire a private investigator Franklin TN , you're working with someone who understands both the legal boundaries and the practical tools needed to track down hard to find individuals. Whether you're reconnecting with a loved one or need someone located for legal proceedings, Tennessee private investigator professionals operate under strict ethical guidelines to protect your privacy and ensure the search is conducted legally. How much does it cost for a private investigator to find a person? Most private investigators in Franklin TN charge $75–$150 per hour for location searches. Simple cases requiring database research only may fall around $300–$600, while more involved investigations with surveillance, interviews, or multi state leads can reach $2,500 or more. When consulting with a private investigator Franklin, TN , you'll typically receive a customized quote based on what you already know about the person. If you have a full name, last known city, or approximate age, the private investigator Franklin Tennessee can often provide tighter cost estimates. Cases that involve older leads, common names, or individuals who've intentionally gone off the grid will naturally require more investigative hours and a higher investment. Working with a private investigator Tennessee professional means you'll get transparent billing. Reputable agencies explain their process upfront, outline expected time commitments, and keep you informed as the case progresses. How much does it cost to find a person? On average, expect a total investment of $500–$3,500 when hiring a private investigator Franklin TN to locate someone. You'll get a more accurate quote once the investigator reviews the information you already have. For example, if you're trying to reconnect with a relative and you have their last known address and phone number from five years ago, a skilled private investigator services Franklin, TN team might complete the search in just a few hours of database work and verification calls. That could keep your total closer to the $500–$800 range. possible while keeping you informed every step of the way. What is the average cost to hire somebody? For a licensed private investigator Franklin, TN , the average hourly rate falls between $100–$150, especially for experienced professionals or agencies with high review counts. Franklin tends to trend slightly higher than the state average due to demand and the cost of specialized expertise. When you're evaluating private investigator services Franklin, TN , keep in mind that experience matters. A seasoned private investigator Tennessee professional with years of fieldwork, database access, and community connections will often solve cases faster than a newer investigator charging $75 per hour. The slightly higher rate can actually save you money in the long run by reducing total hours billed. Additionally, private investigator Franklin Tennessee agencies often have access to proprietary databases, advanced skip tracing tools, and networks that independent contractors may not. This infrastructure allows them to move quickly and deliver results with greater accuracy, which translates to better value for clients who need answers fast. If you're comparing quotes from multiple private investigators in Franklin TN , don't just look at the hourly rate. Ask about their licensing, years of experience, case success rate, and whether they provide itemized billing. A transparent, professional Tennessee private investigator will be happy to walk you through their process and help you understand what you're paying for. If you're in Franklin, TN and you need help locating someone, whether it's a missing connection or an important legal matter, our team of experienced private investigators in Franklin TN at The Dillon Agency is here to make the process clear, ethical, and as efficient as possible. We're happy to talk through your situation, explain costs upfront, and help you understand your best options. As a licensed private investigator Tennessee team, we bring years of local expertise, access to advanced investigative tools, and a commitment to transparency that sets us apart. When you're ready, just reach out. We're here when you need answers. Learn more about our services here.
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