What is a forgery?
A forgery is an imitation or alteration of a document, handwriting or signature, being represented as being an original, with intent to defraud.
What is a handwriting expert/document examiner?
A
forensic document examiner is sometimes called a
handwriting expert or
handwriting analyst. Document examination and handwriting identification is an evaluation used to form an opinion that comes from the comparison of writing habits and evaluates the significance of their similarities and differences.
What types of documents do you examine?
• Forged, altered or counterfeit documents
• Checks, Wills, Deeds, Legal Contracts
• Insurance Records
• Court Documents
• Medical Records
• Computer-printed or Typewritten Documents
• Photocopied or Facsimile Documents
• Latent Impressions
What other services do you provide?
• Case preparation consultation
• On-site examination
• Laboratory examination and analysis
• Document photography
• Preparation of court exhibits
• Preparation of written reports
• Deposition or courtroom testimony
In what states or countries have you rendered an opinion?
I have rendered an opinion or testified in court in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming and the District of Columbia, and in Bahamas, Belize, Bermuda, Canada, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, China, England, Ethiopia, Greece, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Jamaica, Japan, Laos, Northern Ireland, Palestine, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, South Africa, Switzerland & Turkey.
How much does a handwriting expert charge to render an opinion?
I work on retainer fee, like a lawyer. My retainer is a nonrefundable $585, unless you want a verbal opinion only. Then the retainer is $390. Upon the conclusion of my investigation, I will contact you with a verbal opinion. If my opinion is found in your favor, I will also supply you with a notarized letter stating my opinion. All other charges are dependent on the type of case and whether the case goes to court. I can discuss the details of such charges during your free initial consultation visit. See the Fee Schedule for a complete list.
Why should I hire you?
I have the experience to solve your case quickly and correctly. I also offer a FREE initial consultation visit for all cases, not just new clients. A majority of document examiners require hundreds and even thousands of dollars in advanced even before they even LOOK at a document. I never charge you for services that are not rendered. Expert witness testimony has been previously performed successfully for my clients.
What training does a handwriting expert need in order to testify in a court of law?
All professional organizations for document examiners require at least a two-year apprenticeship with a full-time qualified document examiner. My mentorsship was directed by Don Lehew. I have also trained with Kathie Koppenhaver, Bill Koppenhaver and Reed Hayes. A handwriting expert's training continues throughout life as they attend training conferences, conduct research, and publish articles for trade journals.
Can I just fax the handwriting sample to you, or must you have the originals?
Originals are much better. There are things that the originals can reveal that simply cannot be derived from copy or fax. But sometimes a copy, scan or fax is the only thing there is to examine. All that is required is that we examine the "best available evidence." In many cases an opinion can be rendered from a fax or copy. For both our protection, a Chain of Custody form must be signed whenever originals are examined.
Will this opinion be accepted in a court of law?
Each expert witness is qualified in a court of law by decision of the judge. Once the court accepts my qualifications, my opinion will be admissible subject to cross examination.
How much will it cost to have you come to court and testify in person?
Refer to my Fee Schedule for a summary. The final cost will depend on the particulars of the case and what court preparations need to be made.
