In the world of the courtroom, it is of incredible importance to make sure that every piece of evidence has been closely investigated to ensure their validity as a source of information for a legal case. This is especially true of document evidence, which can more easily be altered or forged than bullet casings from a crime scene or other items.
A forensic document examiner inspects documents that come into question which may be forged or altered to cover up instances of wrong-doing. In cases like harassment, financial fraud and many others, documented evidence from a paper trail can often make or break a case.
Today, the Forensic QDE Lab wants to help its readers from all over the world understand that there is a right way to organize documentation before it is submitted to a qualified Questioned Document Examiner (QDE). Our page on preparing documents for examination by a QDE has plenty of tips and pieces of useful information in this regard.
First and foremost, try to make sure that you have protected all original documents against wear or other issues, such as an inopportune coffee spill. Only handle the document when necessary, and keep it in a file folder or under a report cover at all other times. Do not do anything that would alter the document, such as stapling or making any marks on the paper.
If you have copies, which are known in the legal world as “exemplars,” keep those copies stored in a safe place. If the document in question is handwritten, try to obtain as many notes, memos or other pieces of writing that features the penmanship of the first document’s writer. This will help a forensics expert properly identify the writer of the document, a fact on which an entire case may turn on.
When entering into any litigation, the anxiety and stress of the process may cause you to miss some of the finer details, which can seal a case in your favor. Call Linda Mitchell to get the best advice around for handling the documents you plan to enter as evidence in a case. Our expertise will make you look like a seasoned professional in the courtroom.