Transparent pricing. No surprises.
Detailed written quote before any work begins. No retainer ambushes, no scope creep. Phased plans available so you can manage costs while we build your case.
Service rate card.
- Hourly investigation rate: $95.00/hr
- Mileage: $0.55/mile
- Tech monitoring (GPS & covert video): $350/week
- Drone surveillance: $150/hour
- Process service: $85/hr + $0.55/mile
- Mobile device examination: $750 minimum
- Vehicle bug sweep (at our office): $250
- Witness location (database-locate): $250 per individual
- SC Criminal Records check: $250 with full name and DOB
- SC Driver’s history: $125 with full name and DOB
- Reverse phone number lookup: $200
Minimum retainers.
- Infidelity, child custody, insurance fraud, civil: $1,500 minimum retainer
- Database research only: often start at lower amounts
- Criminal defense: $1,000–$2,000 retainer depending on complexity
- Public Defender / court-appointed (with judicial fee approval order): no advance retainer; billed at court-approved rate
Fees FAQ.
How much does a private investigator cost in South Carolina?
Stillinger’s base rate is $95/hr for surveillance and investigation work. Infidelity, child custody, insurance fraud, and civil cases require a $1,500 minimum retainer. Criminal defense retainers start at $1,000–$2,000. Digital forensics starts at $750.
Do you require a retainer in advance?
Yes — for most case types. SC law requires a written contract before services begin. Public Defender / court-appointed cases with a signed judicial order do not require advance retainer.
Can the other party be required to pay PI fees?
In many cases — particularly SC Family Court matters — your attorney can request the court order the subject of the investigation to reimburse your investigator costs.
What payment methods do you accept?
All major credit cards, ACH, and online payment. Insurance companies and law firms can be invoiced under standard terms.
Why is there a $50 consultation fee in some cases?
For a deep-dive case strategy session including review of materials and a written investigation plan, we charge a $50 consultation fee. Initial intake call is always free.
Get a written quote. Free, no obligation.
Tell us your case type. We’ll respond promptly with a transparent retainer estimate.
- Direct line to a senior investigator — not an answering service or sales rep
- 1-hour callback promise — including nights, weekends, and holidays
- Honest assessment — we’ll tell you upfront if we can help, and what it takes
- Complete confidentiality — your inquiry is privileged from the moment you submit
- No pressure, no sales — we’ve never made a single cold-call in 25 years
Or call directly · (803) 400-1974
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Get a written quote in your free consultation.
One call. One licensed investigator. One free, fully confidential conversation about exactly what’s possible in your case.
(803) 400-1974