1.  Can photocopies or cell phone photos be examined?

Photocopies and cell phone photographs can be examined; however, the quality of the image will limit any opinion. If an original document exists, it should be submitted or arrangements made for its examination, as original documents may contain minute details not present in copies or photographs. Photocopies and images may be out of focus, incomplete, or of poor quality, and there is the potential for alteration or manipulation, which may further limit the examination and conclusions.

2.  Can I submit evidence via email/PDF?

Evidence may be submitted via a PDF for an initial review, however, the opinion will be limited based upon details that may be absent or added by the PDF process. Without the original document, there is the possibility that the PDF could be altered or manipulated.  The best evidence should be submitted at a later date. For evidential purposes the documents should be submitted via a delivery service such as FedEx, a courier or hand delivery of the evidence.

3.  What is the difference between a Forensic Document Examiner and a Graphologist?

A Forensic Document Examiner is a highly trained individual who conducts forensic examinations based upon scientific principles that analyze, compare and evaluate to either identify or eliminate handwriting/printing, typewriters, electronic fonts, photocopies, facsimiles, printing processes, mechanical devices, paper and inks.  From these examinations, demonstrative charts and expert opinions are rendered. A graphologist or graphoanalyst attempts to analyze a person's handwriting to determine personality or character traits.

4.  Do Forensic Document Examiners need to meet minimum training qualifications?

Qualified and properly trained examiners must meet minimum qualifications within the field.  These minimum qualifications can be found at AAFS under ASB Published Standards.  Research your expert's qualifications carefully and compare them to the AAFS ASB Scope of Expertise for FDE's before retaining any forensic document examiner. 

5. Is the testimony of Forensic Document Examiners accepted in the courts?

Testimony in the Forensic Document field by properly trained and qualified examiners has been accepted by local, state and federal courts for many years.  The Department of Justice sponsored research conducted by Drexel University showing that Forensic Document Examination is an expertise specifically gained through proper training and experience and goes beyond the skills of laypeople.

6.  What does "court qualified" mean?

The term “court qualified” can be misleading, as courts may permit testimony from individuals whose knowledge exceeds that of a layperson under Rule 702, however, such acceptance does not constitute an endorsement of their training, qualifications, or experience.

7.  Has the expert ever been excluded or disqualified as an expert in a court of law by a Judge?

Research your expert thoroughly and ask about any exclusions or disqualifications by a Judge.  An exclusion or disqualification as an expert can impede future testimonies.