Locating a Witness for a Court Case: How SPI Investigations Helps Attorneys Build Stronger Cases
- Robert Stanton
- Oct 21
- 2 min read
In many legal cases, the presence—or absence—of a key witness can make all the difference. Whether a witness has moved, changed their name, or simply fallen out of contact, attorneys often rely on professional investigators to locate them quickly and discreetly.
At SPI Investigations, based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, we specialize in witness location services and legal support investigations. Our team assists attorneys and law firms in gathering reliable information that supports successful case outcomes.
The Case Background

In this case, I was hired by a client who needed to locate a witness essential to an upcoming court proceeding. The client provided initial identifying details about the person of interest — including their name, age, and a possible address — to begin the investigation.
This information served as a valuable starting point for a deeper, methodical search using professional investigative databases and fieldwork.
Step-by-Step Investigation
The first phase involved gathering supplemental background information on the individual. During this process, I discovered that the person of interest had previously owned a small business, which provided new leads for contact and identity verification.
Further research revealed that the witness had legally changed their name, a key detail that explained why prior attempts to locate them had failed. Using this updated information, I ran checks under the new name and identified several potential addresses across multiple cities.
By cross-referencing public records, motor vehicle databases, and property information, I located a vehicle registered to the person of interest, complete with current license plate details.
Surveillance and Verification
With this data in hand, I conducted targeted surveillance at each of the potential addresses. Eventually, I confirmed the correct location after observing the vehicle registered to the person of interest parked in the driveway of one residence.
I then performed additional surveillance to confirm the identity of the individual. Once I verified that the person of interest was indeed the witness in question, I notified the client and provided a concise investigative report summarizing all findings and documentation.
The Value of Professional Witness Location
Locating witnesses requires more than just access to databases — it demands strategic investigation, field verification, and experience. Whether a witness has relocated, changed their name, or deliberately avoided contact, professional investigators can uncover the truth efficiently and legally.
At SPI Investigations, we work closely with attorneys, law firms, and insurance professionals to provide:
Witness location and skip tracing services
Background and identity verification
Surveillance and address confirmation
Legal support and documentation for court proceedings
Our goal is to ensure that every client receives accurate, actionable information that strengthens their case.
About SPI Investigations
SPI Investigations is a licensed private investigation firm headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, serving clients across Michigan and the Midwest.
We specialize in:
Witness location and legal support investigations
Surveillance and background checks
Insurance and fraud investigations
Corporate and domestic cases
With decades of combined experience in law enforcement and private investigations, SPI Investigations delivers truth, accuracy, and results with professionalism and discretion.
📍 Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
📞 Contact: 616-780-5765





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