From the time we have our first conversation, until your case is resolved, you may rest assured that your situation is being aggressively handled with the utmost discretion, dedication and meticulous attention to detail.

Following is the typical sequence of events and a description of how some of my work is accomplished.

GATHERING INFORMATION

If you have been asked to obtain "samples" - also known as "standards",  for comparison to the document or handwriting in question, I can assist you in locating sources for these.

If you are submitting documents and sample handwriting for examination, it is ESSENTIAL that you read the "OBTAINING SAMPLES" page. There, you will be told of more than 100 sources for appropriate comparison writing, and will learn how to properly handle, protect and safeguard all documents so as to maintain their integrity. If indeed your case should proceed to trial, it is imperative that all of your documents be intact - or as close to their original condition as possible.

 

It is also recommended that sample writings be contemporaneous - that it they ideally originate from the same time period, and from as similar conditions as possible.

The "OBTAINING SAMPLES" page will direct you to some sources of sample writings, and also provides instructions on how to request NEW writing samples be executed (in a fashion that seeks to replicate conditions and document type). For instance, signatures are ideally compared to signatures; and written paragraphs and pages to other written paragraphs and pages. Hopefully, similar samples exist, but if they do not, dissimilar types of documents may be compared,  as well as newly acquired samples compared to an older document in question. I can assist you in determining sufficient examples to proceed with your case.

If a photocopy is all you can get, send the best one available. If the original is in the hands of some agency which will not release it, attempt to obtain certified photocopies. This will bolster the document in court even if it does not facilitate the laboratory examination. In some cases, permission may be obtained for photographs to be taken of the originals at whatever location they are housed. This is a service that I can provide should the need arise. Good close-up photographs, especially in color, are usually better than the best photocopy.

Again, please read the "OBTAINING SAMPLES" page for the proper handling of all documents.

WHAT HAPPENS IN THE LABORATORY...

Depending on the nature of your case, there are several methods of laboratory examination which may be employed for comparison and evaluation. You should be aware that no invasive procedures are ever used to examine the documents in any case.  That means, the submitted documents will never be marked or altered in any way.

My laboratory houses a broad range of diagnostic tools - from the most basic measuring and magnifying devices, up to sophisticated, state of the art microscopic, illuminating and photographic equipment.

Among these items are:

As a document examiner, I am committed to rendering definitive opinions on my examinations that will stand the tests of court and the legal system. Therefore, it is common for multiple angles or methods to be employed when I examine documents. These methods include, but are not limited to, light box examination, microscopic examination - which may be simultaneously projected to my computer monitor, infrared and/or digital photography, and a host of measurement calculations using both traditional and comparator magnifiers.

It is through this painstaking and meticulous approach to the scientific comparison of your documents - combined with my expertise in identification principles, that I will formulate my opinion in your case.

In some cases, my conclusion may be available 24 to 48 hours; and often I will render an opinion within a week to 10 days at most, depending on my existing work load.

VERBAL and WRITTEN OPINIONS

When the laboratory examination of your documents is complete, I am prepared to offer you either verbal or written opinion. Some individuals elect a verbal opinion, and later opt to "upgrade" to a written opinion for the purpose of court or litigation.

In more instances than not, a thorough and convincing written opinion is sufficient for a case to be settled out of court (a significant savings to you). Every case and situation are different. It is always your option to request a written confirmation of opinion - even if you did not initially request one at the outside of the document examination.

Please refer to my fee schedule for applicable fees.

GOING TO COURT

While few (typically 1 in 7) document examination cases actually proceed to trial, preparing the necessary exhibits and presentations - for either a judge or jury, is yet another component of my work. I am available to work with an attorney that you may have chosen to represent you - and am well versed in the legal process and the workings of the court system.

If you have retained an attorney, it will be necessary for you to authorize our communication with each other; and it is ideal that we communicate as early as possible as your case approaches trial.

If an opinion has been rendered from the examination of your documents, I am prepared to serve as an expert witness - both in deposition and trial, for the purpose of defining my conclusion.

Additional court costs DO apply - as do travel expenses.

In addition, I will provide the "3-Cs" - clear, concise and convincing demonstrative exhibits to assist the judge or jury in understanding the principles and results of my conclusion in your case.
 

I look forward to the opportunity to assist you...

Disclaimer: We are not attorneys.  We do not dispense legal advice in any fashion.  We only comment on our experiences as it relates to cases we have personally been involved in regarding handwriting, forgeries, or expert witnesses.  If you want legal advice, you must consult a licensed attorney in your state.

© 2005 DIANA KING, RN, LNC, Forensic Document Examiner. All rights reserved.