Documents / Handwriting / Recordings Examination and Analysis Expert Witnesses: 18

Handwriting Identification and Discrimination

Signature Comparison

Techniques for Distinguishing Forged Signatures

Disguised Handwriting

Altered Numbers

Anonymous Writing

Factors that Affect Writing

SERVICES: Audio and video recording authentication, enhancement, transcription, and analysis, including body worn camera and security video recordings. Acoustic forensic analysis, including audibility of warning signals, speech - voice comparison, and gunshot - weapon recording analysis (e.g., Taser, ShotSpotter).  Audio technology and patent expert witness/consultant. Forensic musicology analysis. Forensic field recording and analysis per ANSI and recognized standards.

EXPERTISE: Consultation in over 800 audio-video and acoustic forensic cases since 1987. Expert testimony over eighty times, in U.S. Federal and State courts including the United States International Trade Commission (USITC), and courts in Canada and International arbitration panels (World Bank-ICSID).

DEGREES/MEMBERSHIPS: Ph.D. UC San Diego (Computer Audio) 1987; Fellow, Audio Engineering Society (AES); Member, Society of Forensic Engineers and Scientists (SFES), Acoustical Society of America (ASA).

Brenda Petty, CQDE, has over 18 years of experience as a Forensic Document Examiner. She is currently a member of the International Association of Document Examiners and has earned the designation of Certified Questioned Document Examiner.  

Litigation Support - Ms. Petty has examined over 1,500 cases both nationally and internationally. Clients have included attorneys, individuals, police departments, public defenders' offices, and various government offices. Ms. Petty has testified in 13 states in the United States, most provinces in Canada, the Bahamas, and Bermuda. She has been qualified under Federal Rules of Evidence 702 and has gone through Daubert Challenges favorably.

Ideal Client Engagement: Ideal clients include anyone or any office that needs a document examined for genuineness, questioned signatures, alterations, historical purposes, anonymous writing, election boards verifying signatures, etc. Ms. Petty has examined historical documents for content as well as identification and participated in an examination of signatures that involved the 2020 election process. 

Areas of Expertise:

Michael T. Motley, Ph.D. has over thirty-five years of experience in the fields of Communication & Psycholinguistics. Dr. Motley serves as an expert witness for opinions on the  clarity, lack of clarity, and most likely interpretation of common messages such as  warning labels, instructions, advertising, contracts, waivers, and so forth. He has served on over 30 cases; about 2/3 for plaintiff and 1/3 for defense. Dr. Motley is a Professor Emeritus of Communication at the University of California at Davis. He has authored almost 200 books, articles, and research papers in communication and psycholinguistics. He has won eighteen excellence awards for his research and was recognized as among the "Top 1%" of communication scholars of the 1970's, 1980's, and 1990's. Areas of Expertise:

• Communication Messages: Meaning, Ambiguity, Likely and Alternate Interpretations, Communicative Intention
• Adequacy/Inadequacy of Messages: Product Warnings, Instructions, Waivers, Advertisements
• Male / Female Misunderstandings: Sexual Consent/Resistance, Date Rape

Services Offered:

• Expert testimony & Consultation
• Opinion on Adequacy of Communication Messages
• Opinion on Likely Consumer Interpretation of Warnings, Instructions, Advertising
• Opinion on Likely Intrepretation of Sexual Resistance/Consent Messages and Behaviors
• Social-scientific testing of expert opinion (his and others')

View Consulting Profile.

Dr. Ron Martinelli, PhD, CMI-V, is a nationally renowned Forensic Criminologist and a federal/state courts qualified law enforcement and premises liability expert who is also a Certified Medical Investigator (physician's level) and a Certified Suicide Investigator. 

Dr. Martinelli directs the nation's only Forensic Death Investigations & Independent Review Team of 26 law enforcement, forensic and medical experts and specializes in officer-involved death cases, civilian self-defense shooting cases and premises liability/security cases. He is a forensic/law enforcement expert to the U.S. Department of Justice, several State Attorney Generals' Offices, numerous major municipalities and nationally prominent private law firms specializing in wrongful death, civil rights and premises liability. 

Dr. Martinelli is the prevailing expert in over 90% of his retained cases. He has saved defendants over $600M and earned plaintiffs over $280 million in jury verdicts and settlements since 2004. He is the media's go-to forensic expert for FOX News, One America News Network, CNN, HLN, Sky News, BBC, NPR, and the History & Discovery Channels. Dr. Martinelli is skilled in officer-involved shootings, in-custody deaths, crime scene reconstruction, forensics, applied sciences, human factors, psycho-medical emergencies and premises liability and security cases. His unique and extensive field experience, combined his academic and scientific credentials, excellent written reports and persuasive testimony, make him a very appealing expert to attorneys and juries alike.

Areas of Expertise:

• Arrests
• Search & Seizure
• Use of Force / Excessive Force - All Levels and Weaponry
• Officer Involved Shootings(OIS)
• In-Custody Deaths
• Criminal Investigations
• Law Enforcement & Corrections Practices, Training & Supervision
• Adult & Juvenile Corrections
• Law Enforcement Negligence
• Civilian Self-Defense, Premises Liability, Security, Foreseeable Harm
• Insurance Cases
• Human Factors

Katherine Mainolfi Koppenhaver, a Board Certified Document Examiner, has been a document examiner for the past 40 years and has testified in court and deposition over 550 times. She has an international clientele. Her book, "Attorney's Guide to Document Examination," was published by Greenwood Press in 2002. Humana Press has recently released her latest book, Forensic Document Examination, Principles and Practice. She has a  support staff enabling her to handle cases in a timely manner.

Contact Forensic Document Examiners for:

• Examination of Questioned Documents
• List of 101 Places to Look for Handwriting Specimens
• Request Writing Forms and Instructions
• List of Publications
• Fee Agreement Contract
• Fee Schedule
• References

Global Forensic Services, LLC (GFS) is a Forensic Consulting, Laboratory and Investigative Firm offering over 44 years of experience and training in a wide range of forensic science and private investigation disciplines.

Larry Stewart has personally examined tens of thousands of individual items of evidence from sources such as state, local, and federal agencies (e.g. Federal Bureau of Investigation, Secret Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Central Intelligence Agency, and others), and foreign governments. On several occasions he has examined cases involving international disputes between governments. 

Mr. Stewart has testified as an Expert Witness in state, federal and military courts of law, as well as in foreign court systems to include; Austria, Australia, Canada, Germany, Sri Lanka and Thailand. He has also testified at The Hague in the Netherlands and three times as an expert before the U.S. Congress. 

Areas of Expertise Include:

Mr. Broyles represents 19 years experience in providing expert witness and forensic examination services combined with 32+ years experience in research, design & development of computer software and electronic products to include forensic lab equipment and forensic audio/video/image software.  This combination of experience gives invaluable insights into the forensic processes and application in each unique case or project.  Court Qualified.  Detail CV available on request.    

Areas of Expertise:

Specializing in Recorded Evidence Analysis, Enhancement and Restoration Services of Video, Audio, Image, Sound, Voice, Surveillance and Time Lapse Recordings; both digital and analog; through the use of custom and professional analysis systems.

Providing court qualified expert witness services to assist litigation support, public defenders, law enforcement, attorneys, government, and the general public.  Since 2004.  Local, nationwide and international.

Stated goal is to help you get the most from your recorded evidence.   Call now to get started.

Memberships, Affiliations and Training:

• Audio Engineering Society (AES)
• Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers (IEEE)
• Law Enforcement Video and Emergency Services Video Association (LEVA)
• New York Institute for Forensic Audio (NYIFA)
• International Association of Identification Rocky Mtn Division (RMDIAI)

George Reis is the president and owner of Imaging Forensics, Inc., and has been providing expert witness services and training in Forensic Image Analysis, Forensic Video Analysis, and Forensic and Technical Photography through Imaging Forensics since 2004. He is Certified in Forensic Photography and Imaging by the International Association for Identification, and is certified in Forensic Video Analysis by the Law Enforcement and Video Services Association (LEVA). He is a member of the editorial review board for the Journal of Forensic Identification.

Litigation Support -  Mr. Reis has testified more than 80 times in depositions and in Federal, State, Military Courts and Internal Court. He has provided training throughout the United States to individuals and agencies including the FBI, Secret Service, US Army Crime Lab; and internationally in England, Hong Kong, Singapore, Qatar, Canada, and Australia.

Mr. Reis worked from 1989 to 2004 at the Newport Beach Police Department in Southern California, as a forensic photographer, image analyst, crime scene investigator, and latent fingerprint examiner. He introduced digital imaging to that agency in 1992, making them one of the first law enforcement agencies in the world to utilize this technology.

• Image Analysis Services: 
  • Image and Video Analysis, Image and Video Authentication, Image and Video Enhancement, Comparative Analysis
• Forensic Photography:  
  • Items of Evidence, Close-up / Macro Photography, Exploded View Photography, Low Altitude Aerial Photography, Crime and Accident Scenes, Eyewitness Perspective, Reverse Projection / Reconstruction
• Training:
  • Over 1,000 police agencies have taken advantage of digital imaging training by Imaging Forensics — either through regional workshops or in-house training. Imaging Forensics offers regional workshops throughout the United States as well as in-house training to meet the needs of your agency.

Laurie Hoeltzel, PhDc, a Forensic Document Examiner, has studied handwriting examination and apprenticed under some of the leading court-qualified Forensic Document Experts in the United States. She spent 11 years serving her country in the United States Air Force, including three tours of duty in Iraq, while obtaining a Bachelors degree and Document Examination Certificates. Laurie Hoeltzel has been 100% court-qualified and her testimony has always been allowed.

Litigation Support - Ms. Hoeltzel has reviewed numerous signatures and handwritings, examined case documents, and rendered an opinion on cases in AZ, AL, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, IN, IA, IL, KS, KY, LA, MI, MD, MO, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, NY, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WV, WI, WA, Washington D.C.; Montreal & Quebec Canada; Freeport & Nassau, Bahamas. She is court-qualified and attorney-recommended. With over 20 years of experience, she is available for depositions and court testimony when necessary, Ms. Hoeltzel offers her expertise to counsel for both plaintiff and defendant NATIONWIDE!

Areas of Specific Training:

• Handwriting Identification
• Signature Comparison
• Distinguishing Forged Signatures Techniques
• Disguised Handwriting
• Altered Numbers
• Anonymous Writing
• Factors that Affect Writing

Disputed Documents or Signatures Analysis on: Wills, checks, contracts, deeds, account ledgers, mortgages, loans, notary disputes, and medical records. Investigation and Analysis for: Questioned signatures, suspect documents, forgeries, identity theft, robo-signing, anonymous letters, bond authentication, alterations, obliterations, erasures, typewritten documents, altered medical records, graffiti, handwritten numbers, suicide notes, and computerized and handwritten documents.

August Meyer, QDE is a court qualified Forensic Handwriting and Document Examiner. He has been trained in the examination of handwriting and documents to include simulated signatures, disguised writing, altered documents, ink and paper analysis, and anonymous and threatening notes. 

Since 2014, Meyer has worked cases ranging from medical malpractice to title transfers. Through the National Gang Crime Research Center (NGCRC), he has approximately 175 hours of training and education in gang-related activity. In 2016 he was invited to be a guest presenter to the American Handwriting Analysis Foundation and gave a seminar covering gang culture, structure, and graffiti. In this presentation he showed how gang members will often work their symbols into their handwriting allowing an examiner to identify possible gang affiliations and rivalries from nothing more than handwriting.

Litigation Support - Meyer has worked cases across the country from Las Vegas to Indiana. He consults with attorneys to review opposing expert's reports on handwriting to identify and exploit weaknesses. He has successfully testified in court resulting in favorable resolutions for his clients. 

Areas of Expertise:

Meyer participates in continuous training and annual proficiency testing from the Scientific Association of Forensic Examiners and the International Association of Document Examiners. Additionally, Meyer has published three articles in peer reviewed journals.

Mr. V C Misra is a leading Forensic Handwriting, Finger Print and Document Examiner with over 21 years of experience. He has solved and given opinion on thousands of cases in India, UK, USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, Germany, Italy, France, Russia, South Africa and UAE. Mr. Misra's Expertise Includes:

• Examination of Handwriting, Signatures, Fraudulent Additions and Alterations
• Approximate Age of Documents
• Photo Static and Scanned Transplantations of Signatures
• Traced, Freehand and Impersonation Forgeries
• Denial of Normal or Disguised (Changed) Signatures
• Anonymous Letters
• Body Writings on Account Opening Forms
• Denial of Withdrawal of Money
• Development of Latent Finger or Palm Prints from the Cheques
• Bank Documents by Ninhydrin (Chemical) Method Used for Impression Sweat on Paper
• Opinions on Folds
• Sequence of Strokes and Distinction Between Inks
• Insertion of Typed or Printed Matter
• Fake Currency Notes
• Credit Card Forgeries
• Identification of Computer Typed Documents
• Fake Seals and Rubber Stamps

Mr. Misra's Expert Opinion is Available in the Following Languages: English; French; German; Russian; Spanish; Hindi; Gujarati; Urdu; Marathi; Regional Languages of India or Abroad. Clients Include:

Principle Forensics is a national Media Forensics Laboratory. They Recover, Authenticate, Enhance, and Analyze all types of recorded evidence, including Video, Audio, and Digital Images. Principle Forensics backs all their work with experienced, highly trained, expert testimony.

Nick Barreiro, BAC, AVFA, DIVRT, Chief Forensic Analyst, is a Certified Audio Video Forensic Analyst and an FBI-trained member of the Digital Imaging and Video Recovery Team. During his 15-year law enforcement career, he was a patrol sergeant, technology project manager, media forensics expert, detective, digital evidence specialist, and patrol officer. Prior to his career in law enforcement, Mr. Barreiro was an audio engineer and producer in California. He also worked for KBMB radio in Sacramento and has extensive experience and training in audio enhancement and analysis.

Litigation Support - Mr. Barreiro works with attorneys representing plaintiffs and defendants in civil or criminal matters in which Audio, Video, or Image Evidence plays a key role. He has tremendous technical knowledge and training, but also extensive experience on the witness stand.

Mr. Barreiro has enhanced and analyzed digital media from simple slip-and-fall cases and minor traffic accidents to complex investigations such as homicides and officer-involved shootings. He has testified 100s of times in criminal cases, civil cases, arbitration, and depositions. A highly trained and experienced forensic analyst, he provides technically detailed and precise results with expedited turnaround times.

Video, Audio, and Image Forensics

Mike Wakshull is a civil and criminal court-qualified document examiner who partners with legal clients to dissect the evidence presented in handwritten and computer-generated questioned documents. His valid approach often produces winning arguments during the trial. Wakshull applies his scientific training to examine questioned documents which is a court requirement. He uses generally accepted practices such as SWGDOC and ANSI/ASB standards. His laboratory is well-equipped with high powered digital microscopes, VSC80, ESDA, high quality digital scanners, and software. He has built a large forensic reference library. Wakshull is skilled at creating and explaining complex exhibits in easy-to-understand language and pictures. His courtroom approach is to teach and engage the trial participants—opposing attorney, judge and jury.

Mike Wakshull holds a graduate school certificate in Forensic Document Examination. Since 2010 Mr. Wakshull has worked and studied in the science and discipline of Document Examination and Handwriting Analysis. He is one of only a handful of forensic document examiners with graduate school training in the science of forensic document examination. His opinion is always based on sound fundamentals of evidence. Mr. Wakshull has spoken at International and local conferences and seminars and also holds professional certifications that bring unique skills to your case. As a Certified Quality Engineer, Mr. Wakshull studied the science of variability and applied this to the analysis of handwriting and documents. As a Certified Information Systems Auditor, he applies his knowledge of information systems and technology to the analysis of documents.

Q9 Consulting, Inc. Has both an extensive research library and laboratory. Q9 Consulting, Inc. serves Southern California counties of Riverside, San Diego, Orange, San Bernardino, and surrounding regions. Mike has worked cases from 29 states and five countries. Work is accepted from all other locations.

Areas of Expertise:

View Mike Wakshull's Consulting Profile.

Greg Litster has over 18 years of experience in the Banking Industry specializing in Check Fraud Prevention, High-Security Checks, and Expert Witness Services. With his vast knowledge and expertise in the area of fraud, garnered from his experience in developing safeguards against it, Mr. Litster is well-equipped to provide Expert Witness services to organizations and attorneys for both Plaintiff and Defense. He has been retained for matters including:

CHECK FRAUD - EMBEZZLEMENT - CYBER CRIME

Background: As a Senior Vice President and head of his bank’s Financial Services Division, Mr. Litster was charged with responding to a 1990s epidemic rise in fraudulent checks hitting his bank's corporate customers’ accounts. He established stronger internal controls and helped create fraud prevention products, including a completely new type of check called the SAFECheck. Mr. Litster organized the SAFEChecks Division within the bank and over the next three years, fraud losses and attempts dropped by 95%. 

Mr. Litster acquired the SAFEChecks Division from the bank in 1997. SAFEChecks continues to be America’s leader in check fraud prevention. SAFEChecks offers many styles of high security business and personal checks, Positive Pay software, secure check writing software, envelopes, toner, and pressure seal equipment. 

Expert Witness Case Samples:

• Deluxe Corporation v. St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company;
• Experi-Metal, Inc. v. Comerica Bank;
• First National Bank of Colorado v. Robert W. Baird & Co.

View SAFEChecks Consulting Profile.