As in all professions, document examiners have a range of expertise and experience. As important as it is for your client to make a clear assessment of your abilities to serve them successfully, it is up to you to determine in advance, with a high degree of accuracy, whether the document examiner you plan to […]
Definitions for questioned document examiners Federal and states codes offer a legal definition of writing. Forensic document examiners often are retained to authenticate writing. According to the Scientific Working Group for Forensic Document Examination (www.swgdoc.org), “The forensic document examiner conducts scientific examinations, comparisons, and analyses of documents in order to: (1) establish genuineness or non-genuineness, […]
A document examiner is not able to declare a signature or document is a forgery! Since forgery requires intent to deceive this opinion is not for the document examiner to offer. The questioned document examiner may opine whether the signature is authentic or not authentic. Forgery is for the trier of fact to determine. Your document […]
Given the technology readily available to anyone, creating false documents is quite easy. Even so, some people elect to use old technology such as copy machines and typewriters to create a forged document that appears to be real. In a recent case that was heard in Los Angeles Superior Court, a plaintiff either created or […]
Is the signature a forged signature? A document examiner should never opine, “that is a forged signature” or “that is forged writing.” Forgery implies intent to deceive. Intent to deceive is for the trier of fact to decide. The questioned document examiner will only opine as to the authenticity of writing or authenticity of a […]
Are your forensic document examiner’s credentials valid? Does your prospective document examiner have false information on their CV or web site? Is their school a legitimate school for training forensic document examiners? These are important questions to answer before retaining a document examiner. Although most questioned document examiners are honest and reputable, it is important […]
Courtroom bias is a large problem in the legal system. Attorneys are paid to be advocates for their clients. As forensic document examiners, we are hired to be advocates for the evidence. Care must be taken not to provide information about the case to the case that can subconsciously bias the questioned document examination. Statements […]
Do you know the document examiner you plan to retain holds the credentials claimed on their CV? Before you retain a forensic document examiner use social media to research your document examiner. Learn whether the information provided to you is correct. A good place to start to research your document examiner is by typing their […]
What do you look for in a forensic examiner before retaining them to be your partner on a legal case? Price is not the most important aspect since the low price expert witness may prove to be the most expensive if the results are inadequate. There are no licensing requirements for many forensic disciplines, including forensic […]