Forensic Document Analysis Expert Witnesses: 9

As a Board-Certified Forensic Document Examiner (D-ABFDE) and Ink Chemist and Document Dating Specialist with over 33 years of experience, both Todd Welch and Gerry Laporte are world leaders in high-profile, extremely complex document cases.

Riley Welch LaPorte & Associates is the leading global forensic document firm, having conducted high-profile, multi-billion-dollar cases in the United Kingdom, France, Singapore, Hong Kong, Germany, Austria, Sweden, Canada, the Netherlands, Hungary, Israel, Switzerland, and Denmark. We are considered a top-tier firm, having conducted work for foreign governments, and are recognized globally by the most prominent law firms in the world for providing the highest level of forensic document examination services to both governmental and private entities.

Areas of Expertise:

Handwriting Examinations Analysis of Ink and Paper for Dating Purposes Impression Analysis Type Font Classification and Dating Page Substitutions Interlineations CPS Codes

Text Insertions Printing Process Examinations Rubber Stamp Comparisons Dry-seal Examinations Typewriter Identification and Classification Detection of Fraudulent and Counterfeit Documents Other Forensic Document Analysis

Committed to fostering education and promoting justice, both Todd Welch and Gerry Laporte contribute to the advancement of forensic science through leadership roles, including service on the BOD for the American Board of Forensic Document Examiners and American Society of Questioned Document Examiners; served as the 40th President of the Midwestern Association of Forensic Scientists (Welch); and served as members of the National Institute of Justice Forensic Science Technology Working Group.

Both Todd Welch and Gerry Laporte have testified as expert witnesses in numerous notable international ICSID cases (ICSID Case No ARB/06/8, ICSID Case No ARB/14/22, PCA Arbitration Case No 2020-21_The Hague) involving forensic document examination, handwriting analysis, ink dating, and forgery detection.

Their litigation support experience includes testifying before government officials, international tribunals, arbitrations, and mediations. Their testimony has been presented in courts worldwide handling a wide variety of legal matters including: defamation, investment law, insurance law, medical malpractice suits, will disputes, estate disputes, contract and patent disputes, trademark disputes, divorce disputes, and trade secrets cases.

Gerry Laporte and Todd Welch have international notoriety and have testified in major courts such as the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) under UNCITRAL Rules, the International Criminal Court (ICC), the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, and appellate courts in Illinois and Washington, D.C., among others. Their involvement in high-stakes litigation across multiple geographical jurisdictions confirms their reputation and widespread professional acceptance worldwide.

Jennifer L. Naso is a board-certified Forensic Document Examiner with over two decades of experience in forensic science and questioned document examination. She has served as a Forensic Document Examiner with Riley, Welch, LaPorte & Associates since 2011, where she conducts examinations involving handwriting identification, signature authenticity, document alterations, indented writing, obliterations, document authentication, printing processes, and other aspects of forensic document analysis. In addition to conducting casework, she provides technical reviews of examinations completed by other forensic document examiners.

Prior to joining Riley, Welch, LaPorte & Associates, Ms. Naso served as a Document Analyst with the United States Secret Service (USSS), where she successfully completed the agency's rigorous Questioned Document Examiner Training Program. During her tenure with the Secret Service, she conducted examinations in support of criminal investigations involving handwriting, questioned documents, and counterfeit materials. 

USAForensic is a boutique state-of-the-art forensics company with full-time labs in Phoenix, Arizona and Detroit, Michigan. Our booking office is on the east coast. This helps with an earlier start each day and with overseas cases.

Specializing in forensic Audio, Video, Cell Phones, Computers Photography & ”Cell Tower tracking” debunking.  USAForensic is court certified in Federal, US Military, US District, many State and county courts throughout the United States. International cases are not uncommon. Mr. Neumeister has worked in 23 countries over the past 40 years.

Clients range from the largest Law firms to private firms, large corporations, the Department of Defense, government agencies, advocacy groups, the DOJ to the innocence project.

Technology is flying past the court system. We’re here to work with attorneys to understand how to deal with digital or analog evidence, how to challenge it or how to get it admitted into evidence.

We prefer to work in the background assisting attorneys, even writing out Daubert 702 & 902 issues regarding other parties evidence submissions.

In a recent Federal Daubert hearing USAForensic worked with DOD JAG attorneys to get police cell tower tracking ruled inadmissible. The federal judge rule police cell tower tracking as “Garbage in, Garbage out”. 

Not a verifiable science, not peer reviewed, no scientific white-paper to support its use.

Over 600 cases in the past 3 years. From the very highest profile to simple straightforward forensic cell phone extractions or video and audio clarification for court use.

To us Data is Data & takes no side, but it has to be verifiable data.

Setec Investigations offers unparalleled expertise in computer forensics and electronic discovery, providing highly personalized, case-specific forensic analysis and litigation support services to assist in the investigation, handling, and prosecution of computer-related crimes or misuse.

Setec Investigations combines today's most advanced computer forensics and litigation support expertise with a business- and legal-friendly approach, resulting in a sound analytical foundation that carefully balances critical investigative requirements with vital legal and evidentiary needs.

Setec Investigations incorporates a cross-disciplinary team comprised of computer forensic investigators, attorneys, law enforcement specialists, and seasoned business professionals who have established a proven track record of success since 1997.

Services Overview

Setec Investigations possesses the necessary combination of technical expertise, understanding of the legal system, and specialized tools and processes enabling the discovery, collection, investigation, and production of electronic information for investigating and handling computer-related crimes or misuse.

Explore our range of service offerings:

Computer Forensic Investigations

Computer forensics and enterprise investigation services identify, gather, analyze, and preserve electronic evidence to establish a sustainable posture for internal or legal action.

Electronic Discovery

Manage large volumes of electronic data and quickly identify and isolate electronic evidence that is critical to the success of a litigation.

Litigation Support

Legal consultants and attorneys translate litigation issues into strong case strategies that effectively utilize electronic evidence.

Expert Witness

Supports the resolution of security incidents and active litigations by offering impartial and independent expert testimony, opinions, and customized reports in legal proceedings.

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:

Contracts Wills (Printed and Holographic) Deeds Affidavits Employment Agreements Checks Insurance Claims Social Security Cards Anonymous Letters Crime Scene Writing

Notarized Writing Photographs Threatening Letters Graffiti Altered Documents Handwritten Notes Computer Generated Pages Medical Records Loan documents Robo signed documents

View Mike Wakshull's Consulting Profile.

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:

Air Force Police Bank of Tokyo Bechtel (India) Bennett & Coleman Birla Soft C.R.P.F. Delhi Police Delhi University Duncan Industries Electrolux I.C.I. Fertilizer IIT New Delhi & Kanpur

Industries & MNC's J & K Bank JNU New Delhi L.I.C. Main Detective Agencies Private Parties Punjab National Bank Skanska Standard Chartered Bank State Bank of India U.P. Financial Corporation U.P. Police

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.

Colorado Office Telephone: 720-724-8077 www.denverhandwritingexpert.com

Texas Office Telephone: 832-827-3052www.houstonhandwritingexpert.com

Arizona Office Telephone: 310-985-2807 www.arizonahandwritingexpert.com

East Florida Office Telephone: 954-745-0752 www.floridahandwritingexpert.com

West Florida Office Telephone: 727-213-5722 www.floridahandwritingexpert.com

California Main Office: 793A East Foothill Blvd., #200 San Luis Obispo, CA 93405

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, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Switzerland 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:

Questioned Documents Crime Scene Evaluation Trace Evidence Ink Analysis Age Determination Authenticity Fraud Investigations

Handwriting Daubert and Cold Case (consultant) Investigations Indented Writing Striations Typewriting Erasures Office Machines Art Authentication

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. 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:

Wills Holographic Wills Various Types of Deeds Anonymous Handwriting Questioned Handwriting

Workplace Hostilities Graffiti Writing on Various Mediums (glass, walls, car doors) Historical Documents Election Signatures

FORENSIC EXPERT WITNESS - PHOTOGRAPHY

Professor Jeff Sedlik has decades of experience at the highest level of professional photography including advertising, corporate, editorial and stock. He is a respected and acknowledged authority on photography having served as Past National President of professional photography's leading trade organization,  "Advertising Photographers of America". Professor Sedlik is also an experienced Expert Witness. 

Areas of Expertise:

Contracts Copyright Licensing Publicity Rights Model Releases

Lost/Damaged Film Stock Photography Business Practices Forensic Scene Recreation Forensic Image Analysis