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Unlock better case outcomes, happier clients & more confidence.

The ultimate guide to Backgrounds, Records and Case Research is here.

 
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We know what it’s like to be an overwhelmed criminal defense investigator.

  • You start out with little to no training or guidance and you need to piece things together as you go.
  • You sometimes second-guess yourself or you have to fake it till you make it because you just aren’t sure you’re doing things right, or in the most efficient way.
  • You look for training to help you, because this is such a nuanced field, but there are only snippets of training out there, nothing comprehensive.
  • You invest in attending criminal defense conferences only to find out it is not even designed for you as an investigator, but for attorneys. You spend a lot of money and don’t leave with practical skills or creative investigative ideas.
  • You sometimes wonder, even though you’re an experienced investigator, if you’re really doing things according to best practice, and you hope you’re following all the ethical guidelines.
  • You want to learn from the experts in the industry so that you don’t need to reinvent the wheel, making high-stakes mistakes and feeling lost and stuck along the way.

Introducing Backgrounds, Records and Case Research

This course is comprehensive, teaching you everything from A to Z on the topic. No more piecing information together from multiple sources. It’s been written by criminal defense investigators, for criminal defense investigators—so the information is tailored for you and touches on the topics relevant to you.

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This Course Will Help You…

  • Tackle tough cases with confidence and clarity, knowing that you are following proven, best-practice methods to do the following (among others):
    • Conduct a thorough background investigation into a subject.
    • Locate people using the most effective tools.
    • Request and obtain different kinds of records effectively.
    • Perform in-depth online investigations, using Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) and social media tools.
    • Draft a subject analysis based on all your research and background investigations.
  • Consistently uncover critical details that lead to better case outcomes for your clients.
  • Strengthen client relationships by delivering high-quality work and preserving precious case resources.
  • Elevate your reputation as the go-to investigator that attorneys trust for high-stakes cases.
  • Charge more for your expertise and gain more referrals.
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What’s in the Course?

Obtaining a Background.

Delve into backgrounds—what they are, why they’re essential, as well as interpreting background database reports and transforming raw data into actionable insights. Learn how to positively identify your subject and avoid gathering intel on the wrong person.

Locating a Witness.

Explore the myriad ways of finding subjects and honing in on their most likely location before driving all the way to the wrong address.

Criminal History Investigations.

Discover the best hacks for finding and requesting court records and gathering criminal histories that tell a story. Whether it helps or hurts your case, having the complete picture gets you ready for whatever comes next.

Collecting Records.

Here, our comprehensive guide to records collection will help you to know what records exist, the difference between public and private records, and how to make airtight requests using our ready-to-use templates. We also cover strategies to avoid potential landmines—you’ll thank us later.

Internet Reconnaissance.

Learn about the wealth of Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) that is available at your fingertips to help with your case research—without the fruitless Google searches that yield nothing useful.

Social Media Reconnaissance.

Make the best possible use of this gold mine for investigators, while navigating the murky waters of online ethics safely.

Subject Analysis.

Bring all the facts about a subject together into a cohesive profile to give the defense team a clear understanding of the person and their story for building a compelling case.

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Here’s What You Get With the Course

  • Upon successful completion, you’ll become a Certified Background Investigations Expert.
  • CE credits (depending on your state).
  • Case-based training that helps you to learn while seeing how the theory is applied practically, and avoid costly real-life mistakes.
  • Ready-to-use templates and work product examples to streamline your investigations.
  • Downloadable PDF guides that you can refer to time and time again.
  • Interactive information resources.
  • Accessible online, anytime, anywhere so you can learn at your own pace.
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What Our Students Are Saying…

Jasmin Jones, Aspiring Investigator

"Coming from outside of the field, I now feel like I could really do this. I’ll be referring back to these resources for a while! The course is so thorough and well-designed; a question would come up for me and then would immediately be answered on the next screen. It was easy to stay engaged because the model case we went through was super realistic and interesting. I researched so many resources, and no other course, blogger, or YouTuber offers anything that comes close. These aren’t book skills. It’s really clear that something like this could only be taught by someone with years and years of experience in the field.  The Investigative Method is the most well-designed, comprehensive course out there."

Megan, Paralegal

“I loved the PDFs and links to outside sources (I may have even saved a few to use in my work :) ) The examples of real spreadsheets and memos to submit to attorneys are fantastic. I think this course will give people the confidence to go out and do the job.

Overall, I think it's a great course for a new investigator, especially if I could go back to review sections after I completed the course. I loved the PDFs and links to outside sources (I may have even saved a few to use in my work :) ) The examples of real spreadsheets and memos to submit to attorneys are fantastic. I think this course will give people the confidence to go out and do the job.”

Eleanor, Journalist

“Overall this is completely fascinating information. I'm obsessed with the OSINT page and gobsmacked by how much more internet there is than I even realized... I really do feel like I could find out anything about anyone now!

Coming from journalism, I thought I knew a fair amount about investigative research, but this course blew my mind wide open. Through in-depth examples and engaging storytelling, I learned so much about the tools, methods, and ethics around background investigations. There's a real art to this work, and I'm grateful for the supportive, informative, and fun way AKI handed me a paintbrush.”

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Who Will You Learn With?

This course has been developed by Amber Kaset and her growing team at AK Investigations. 

Amber founded AK Investigations in 2010, after seven years at the Metropolitan Public Defender in Nashville where she worked as a criminal defense investigator and interpreter. The agency began as a one-woman operation in Nashville, TN, and has since grown to a team of multiple investigators with diverse skills and specialties. 

Amber and her team provide investigative services, training, and consulting nationwide, assisting defense teams and investigators in elevating their practice. They have handled over 1,000 cases, including high-profile white-collar crimes and civil lawsuits, hundreds of murders, and over thirty death penalty cases across multiple states, and are dedicated to providing thoughtful, high-quality support tailored to the unique needs of each case, regardless of its complexity or the client's circumstances.

All of this means that this course is giving you the benefit of more than a thousand cases’ worth of experience, fast-tracking your journey to success.

Pricing Options

Limited time offer!

Only $599

Regular price: $899

  • Access the full course and bonus downloads
  • Get the Expert Method Background Certified Investigator certificate.
  • Get 13 CE credits in approved states.
  • Display our digital badge on your LinkedIn/social profiles and website.
  • Enjoy ONE YEAR of unlimited, anytime access!
Sign up for 33% discount!

Bulk discount for organizations

  • Access the full course and bonus downloads
  • Get the Expert Method Background Certified Investigator certificate for every license you buy.
  • Display our digital badge on your LinkedIn profile.
  • Enjoy ONE YEAR of unlimited, anytime access per license!
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*Installment payment options are available upon checkout.

CE Credits for This Course

If you need Continuing Education (CE) credits for professional development purposes, this course will give you 13 CE credits once you’ve completed it successfully, and is accredited in the following states:

  • Alabama
  • Oklahoma
  • Minnesota
  • Tennessee
  • South Carolina
  • North Carolina
  • Missouri
  • We are in the process of obtaining accreditation in other states, too!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Limited Time Offer

Pay only $599! Offer valid for a limited time. 

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This Is Your Chance, Don’t Miss It.

Where would your career be a month from now, six months from now, a year from now, if you can level up your research skills, spending your time more effectively, digging up incredibly useful information that your attorney clients rave about, and the confidence that you can deliver? 

Comprehensive training like this will give you the edge. 

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Refund Policy

We do not offer refunds on our course due to the immediate access provided to all course materials, including proprietary resources and certifications.  Our course is a comprehensive investment in your professional development, offering in-depth training, industry-recognized certification, and practical tools you can apply immediately. We stand by the quality of our content and encourage you to reach out with any questions before purchasing to ensure it’s the right fit for your needs.