Why DeLand Investigations?

I formed DeLand Investigations in 2012 following a 20-year career in Utah law enforcement. Being the son of a successful criminal defense attorney afforded me a unique perspective as a law enforcement officer of seeing not only the aggravating factors of cases I handled but also the mitigating circumstances. I believe this made me a better law enforcement officer by forcing me to take a wider look at all matters rather than exercise tunnel vision. Naturally, I felt a calling to stand between victims of crimes and those who perpetrate them and to bring violators to justice, but I also endeavored to treat all persons with respect and ensure that justice was fair and impartial for all. Though I will always support my brothers and sisters in law enforcement who serve with integrity, I believe that my profession as a criminal defense investigator is equally imperative in pursuit of truth and fairness.

Why DeLand Investigations? Because it is my strong belief that it takes more than just a private investigator license to make a good private investigator. It takes experience, a genuine belief in truth and fairness, a willingness to invest the time and effort necessary to provide a thorough and complete investigation, the kind you want and need when you are the defendant. It also takes someone who will listen to you, treat you with respect, and be available to you when you have questions or concerns.

I am humbled that those I have worked with have said the following:

Client: “I was forced to find a good attorney and he referred Nick DeLand to me to help evaluate the government’s investigation and spotlight the deficiencies. I wanted to make sure that the investigator that I was hiring was one who I trusted, who also believed in me and would leave no stone unturned in my defense. I also knew that the investigator had to be able to conduct an investigation on my behalf, that was thorough, complete and it was important that the investigator was willing to listen to me.

I was immediately impressed with the capability that Nick showed. His demeanor was honest and confident. He listened to me as a client and provided me with a way to contact him at any moment. He was able to provide me with an education of the criminal justice process and give me some idea of what the road ahead of me was going to be like. Overall, this road turned out to be several years. Nick was authentic and never patronizing. He truly cared about me and my family through all the torment and uncertainty. Nick was always available for questions and concerns and he was responsive to any need that I presented.

Nick worked well with my attorney and, with his background in the criminal justice system, helped me understand much of what was going on. I was able to have Nick by my side throughout the entire multi-year process and he sat shoulder to shoulder with me during a week-long trial. During this trial, evidence that Nick was able to uncover was presented and I was found not-guilty by a jury of my peers. The investigation that Nick conducted did indeed prove my innocence.”

Client: “I am forever grateful to Nick DeLand for the way he handled our case, and also how he handled our thoughts and feelings. I don’t know how we would’ve made it through our hellish nightmare as well as we did if we hadn’t had him walking with us through it. We didn’t feel alone, and we trusted what he was doing and how he was doing it. I can’t imagine anyone doing it better, and would recommend him to anyone, anytime.”

Lawyer: “Mr. DeLand is an excellent investigator. He is known in my office, and in the legal community, as someone who is and was extremely thorough, and detail oriented. I always knew I could count on Nick to get to the point of the problem at hand, and to use his experience and creativity when a problem arose, without the necessity of calling me for direction.”

Lawyer: “I have had the opportunity to work closely with Mr. DeLand. He has provided invaluable investigative services for a variety of cases, from misdemeanors to murders. His diligent and thorough investigations have been instrumental in obtaining acquittals, dismissals and favorable offers. Mr. DeLand is always quick to respond to demands, and frequently provides even more information than was expected.

Mr. DeLand routinely works well past the hours expected of him. While working on a case, I will often receive texts or e-mails from Mr. DeLand at all hours of the day as he is constantly thinking about a case and wanting to help. Given this quality, he is excellent at managing clients and their concerns.”

Lawyer: “Many times, I have complimented Nick on his phenomenal interviewing of witnesses. He is so thorough and detailed, he does not miss a thing. He is very likable, which is critical in getting a person to “open up” to you during an interview. Nick is a very personable, kind person as well. He gets along with everyone.

Nick is irreplaceable. I have worked with many private investigators and former police officers over the years. Nick is hands-down the best PI I have ever employed.”

Lawyer: “Nick and I have worked together in the criminal law arena most notably on high level felony offenses. During my time as an attorney I have been a child welfare attorney, a prosecuting attorney and defense attorney. I have had the opportunity and duty to work with dozens of law enforcement professionals in each position I have held. My experiences with Nick have been above first rate. Nick is thorough, professional and always prepared. He brings unique insight to investigations and the courtroom.

Most recently, as a defense attorney, I retained Nick’s services as a private investigator and investigation expert in a felony level person crime. I relied on Nick’s solid, extensive and thorough work as a detective on the case. His professionalism and dedication to detail made my job easy in presenting the case to the court and jury. During Nick’s testimony, he logically and persuasively presented our theory of the case to the jury. His firm understanding of the issues and thorough knowledge of the case along with his pleasant and professional presentation to the jury was simply outstanding. I’ve litigated cases for over 17 years and I have never had a witness with more command of the courtroom and the facts.”