Frequently Asked Questions
We serve as your private investigator in the North Metro Atlanta area.
About Southern Charm
Yes. We are a licensed Georgia private investigation agency, License #PDC003053. A Georgia license covers investigations anywhere in the state and for any state that has a reciprocity.
Josh Baar, a retired police officer with 20 years in law enforcement, including undercover surveillance, a specialized unit locating people and assets, DUI enforcement as a Drug Recognition Expert and DUI instructor, and crisis and hostage negotiation. He has testified as an expert witness in multiple high-profile trials.
Yes. Every inquiry and case is confidential. We share findings only with you, or with your attorney at your direction.
Field work across North Georgia and metro Atlanta, including Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Marietta, Woodstock, Canton, Jasper, Ellijay, Blue Ridge and Blairsville. Records research and case reviews are available statewide.
A clear written report with every finding tied to its source, plus photos or video when the work includes surveillance or site visits.
Call or text 404-214-4000, or use the contact form. Share only what you’re comfortable with.
Cost, turnaround and deadlines
It depends on the service and scope. Every engagement is quoted in writing before any work begins. Contractor and property vetting offer two tiers so you can choose the level of detail. Medical bill reviews start with a free first look.
Sometimes we do, depending on the investigation.
Most records-based work, like due diligence, asset searches, locates and contractor vetting, takes 10-14 business days. Property and neighbor vetting can take a few days longer when we request police and code records from the county. Surveillance and DUI case reviews are scheduled around your deadlines.
Yes. Tell us the date when you contact us. Rush turnaround is available for most services.
DUI, locates, asset searches and surveillance
Yes. Much of our work is done for attorneys: DUI case review, witness and defendant locates, heir searches, asset searches and surveillance.
We review DUI cases for individuals.
No. Bank and financial account information comes through a subpoena, court order or the account holder’s consent, not an investigator. Our asset searches cover real estate, vehicles, business interests, liens, judgments and property transfers.
No. We don’t collect debts or locate people for debt collection.
Yes, when it’s done right. We observe only from lawful, public places. We don’t trespass or record private conversations.
Contractor and property vetting
Contractor Vetting checks the business you’re about to hire: license, insurance, lawsuits, liens, permits and references. Property & Neighbor Vetting checks the land and homes around a property you’re about to buy: who owns nearby land, planned development, short-term rentals and the public record on neighboring addresses.
Not from our research. We only contact the contractor’s insurance carrier to confirm coverage, and we call references only from the list the contractor gave you.
No. We research properties and the public records tied to them, such as code complaints, police call activity and recorded disputes at nearby addresses. We don’t prepare personal background reports on the people who live there.
No. It complements your closing attorney, title company and home inspector; it doesn’t replace them.
Yes. Our Full Property & Neighbor Vetting includes visits on a weeknight and a weekend, with photos and notes on what the area is really like.
Medical Bill Review
We review your bills and compare them with your medical records, along with the hospital’s charge master and other information, to see what you should have been charged. We then work with the hospital to find the best outcome for you as your advocate.
If we find errors, the full audit is a flat fee quoted in writing before we start. If we don’t find errors, you don’t pay.
We can audit the original charges so you know what you actually owe. We then work on your behalf as your advocate.
What we don't do
No. We’re an investigation firm, not a law firm. We gather and document facts; your attorney advises you on what to do with them.
We follow the law like anyone else. We can’t trespass, wiretap, impersonate law enforcement, hack accounts, or obtain bank, phone or other protected records without legal authority.
No. We decline work that isn’t for a lawful purpose, including locating someone for a person they have a protective order against, or any request meant to harass.