F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is a Forensic Document Examiner and What Do They Do?
The field of forensic document examination offers services related to
the study of documents or other materials containing handwriting,
typewriting, or printing. A forensic document examiner draws
conclusions about documents including: verification of authenticity,
signature comparison and identification; alterations of documents
(erasures, indented writing, altered sequence of writing) and any other
problem that arises concerning the legitimacy of writing on documents.
Forensic document examiners are also known as handwriting experts. Some
people confuse the title "handwriting analyst" with a qualified
handwriting expert. Handwriting analysis is the psychological profiling
of a person based on handwriting styles. This is very different than a
"handwriting expert" (or better stated a forensic document examiner).
The document examiner is trained to determine the authorship of a
handwriting sample and provide no evaluation of the writer's mental
state. Document examiners are often used as expert witnesses in a court
of law while handwriting analysts are usually restricted to the jury
screening process and rarely give testimony on "written documents."
What makes document examination / handwriting identification possible?
Handwriting is brain writing. No two people write exactly the same.
Handwriting identification is based on two accepted principals, writing
habits and the individuality of the writing.
What is a forgery?
A forgery is an imitation or alteration of a document, handwriting or
signature, being represented as an original with the intent to defraud.
What is an exemplar?
An exemplar is a handwriting sample that is known to be genuine.
Exemplars are compared with questioned material in order to determine
the authenticity or spuriousness of what is questioned. The
authenticity of the exemplar must be verifiable. Genuineness of the
exemplars can be proven by the admission of the person who wrote it, by
witnesses who saw the person writing or who heard the person
acknowledge his handwriting, or by acceptance of the documents in the
normal course of business. An exemplar is also called a standard.
What certification does a document examiner have to have in order to testify in a court of law?
The judge will make that decision based solely upon the experience and
credentials of the document examiner. Here are some facts that will
help you understand why I am more than qualified to represent you in
court.
There is no national certification for document examiners. The
government agencies (FBI, CIA, and ATF) have "in house" two-year
programs of training and apprenticeship. I also have been part of a
two-year program attending the School of Forensic Document Examination.
My apprenticeship was under arguably the top document examiner in the
country, Mr. Curt Baggett as well as Mr. Don Lehew who has been
involved in high profile cases.
Will your professional opinion be accepted in a court of law?
All forensic document examiners have to qualify each time in a court of
law by decision of the judge. Once the court accepts an expert's
qualifications, their opinions are admissible as evidence.
I'm
not going to go to court with this. It is personal and I just really
want to know for myself if a particular person sent this to me.
Not a problem we get many such requests. After careful examination I
will know if the writings were done by the same person or a different
person.
Can I fax the handwriting samples over to you or do you need the originals?
Many of my cases are done by way of the fax machine. The originals are
always better. I will be able to find out information from the
originals that cannot be found with photocopies or faxes. If you feel
your case will go to court, having the originals will provide the best
case for winning in court. Please locate the original documents if
available.
Why should I hire you?
I provide one complete source for all of your document examining,
forgery or handwriting issues. We specialize in forged, altered or
counterfeit documents, checks, wills, deeds, legal contracts, court
preparation consultation, on-site examination, laboratory examination
and analysis, document photography, preparation of court exhibits,
preparation of written reports, deposition and court testimony. We
compare papers, inks, printing, typewriting, computer-generated
documents, facsimiles (faxes), photocopies, rubber stamps and stapler
or hole punch holes. We examine and identify signatures, hand printing,
handwriting, initials, and numbers. You can call me toll free and tell
me all about your case and you will be charged no initial consulting
fee. (A free consultation is quite rare in this industry).