Learn About My World of Forensic Investigations
Handwriting and document forensics have been my specialty and passion for 20 years. I continue to be fascinated by this work…no two cases are ever alike! Forensics can be used to help people protect their assets, their reputation, and their peace of mind. My consultations combine handwriting expertise and forensic science in order to find the truth about who wrote, or who didn’t write something suspicious, malicious, libelous or otherwise disturbing.
The stroke of a pen, as in a falsified signature on a last will and testament, can move an entire estate into the hands of an unintended individual. Over the years, I have seen and help to thwart many such attempts. One of the most memorable such cases for me involved a title to several valuable horses.
Regarding one’s reputation, in the workplace or in the family, I’ve examined:
• Handwritten anonymous notes composed by a tattletale including slanderous or untruthful comments about the target.
• Falsified accounting records exposing a thief.
• A love note discovered by the husband, addressed to his wife yet signed by the “other guy.”
Peace of mind can be restored after the culprit is identified and the truth is revealed. In order to identify the writer using forensics, I carefully measure the handwriting, the spaces between the letters/words, the relative position of the words to the baseline, and I look for unusual pen lifts (See: Glossary on my website). These observations become the basis, in the comparison process, for forming my opinion. Then I may be called to testify as an expert witness.
Recently, during a trial, I was the rebuttal witness. I revealed precisely how the opinion of the opposing handwriting expert was unreliable due to his errors. This assisted my client-attorney in an attack on cross-examination. Free tools are available on my website to help you with your cases involving document forensics.
For cases that do not involve handwriting, there may be question about the authenticity of artwork, historic artifacts or memorabilia. I test the item to determine if it is real or fake. One case involved a 1906 baseball trading card (Honus Wagner T-206) found at a local garage sale in a box of vintage postcards. Only a few are still in circulation. One sold for 2.8 million dollars. Unfortunately, for my client, the forensic tests I conducted proved his to be a fake.
When you have a question about using forensics, please call me. I will be happy to discuss your case, evaluate your evidence, and guide you through the proper process to help your client protect their assets.
By J. Joseph & Associates, Forensic Handwriting Investigations
Board Certified Forensic Handwriting Examiner
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jacqueline Joseph, D-BFDEBoard Certified Forensic Handwriting Examiner
Jacqueline Joseph, a certified forensic document examiner and evidence consultant, has been located in downtown Portland, Oregon since 1992. She is qualified to testify in court and uses court-accepted forensic standards and equipment that may help you gain the proof you seek and answers you need.
Copyright J. Joseph & Associates, Forensic Handwriting Investigations
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer.For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
