Plain-language reference material for attorneys, investigators, and clients evaluating a forensic engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Digital forensics is the disciplined examination of digital evidence — devices, files, network records, cell company warrant returns and the like — to answer factual questions in a legal or investigative context. The work emphasizes preservation of the original evidence, documentation of methodology, and conclusions tied directly to the artifacts that support them.

Computers (desktops, laptops, servers), mobile devices (iPhone, Android, tablets), removable media (USB drives, SD cards, external hard drives, optical media), cell company warrant returns, geolocation data and a range of less common devices including drones and specialty storage. Where a device is physically damaged, our affiliated data recovery operation can perform clean-room and chip-off recovery.

No. Our testimony has been provided primarily on behalf of the defense, but engagements are accepted on either side of criminal and civil matters. The methodology and standards applied do not change with the retaining party.

Yes. The practice’s lead forensic analyst has been qualified as an expert witness in digital forensics, data recovery, and NCMEC-related matters in Wisconsin criminal and civil courts. A non-exhaustive list of qualifications is available on request.

Engagements are accepted throughout Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Courts in which the practice has appeared include Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, Washington, Dodge, Jefferson, Lincoln, Vilas, and Burnett Counties. Out-of-state work is considered on a case-by-case basis.

It depends on scope. A focused review of a single mobile device may turn in a week or two; a multi-device matter with cellular records, computer images, and timeline analysis may take longer. Realistic timelines are set during the intake call.

Often, yes. Whether deleted data is recoverable depends on the device, the file system, how recently the data was deleted, and what has happened on the device since. We can usually advise during intake whether recovery is likely worth pursuing for the questions in the case.

Damaged-device recovery is one of the practice's specialties. Clean-room and chip-off techniques are routinely used for devices that other examiners cannot read.

Yes. Written reports are formatted for evidentiary use and include qualifications, scope, evidence received, methodology, findings tied to source artifacts, and limitations where applicable.

Cost depends on scope. We provide a written estimate after the intake call and before work begins, and we communicate proactively if scope or hours change.

Request a confidential consultation through the Contact page or by calling 262-399-0411.

Glossary

  • Chain of custody — the documented record of who handled evidence, when, and for what purpose.
  • Forensic image — a bit-for-bit copy of original media, verified by cryptographic hash, used as the working copy for examination.
  • Hash value — a fixed-length value derived from a file or image that changes if the underlying data changes; used to confirm integrity.
  • Write-blocker — hardware or software that prevents writes to a piece of evidence during imaging.
  • Cell-tower record / CDR — call detail or tower-connection record produced by a cellular carrier in response to legal process.
  • Daubert challenge — a motion challenging the admissibility of expert testimony under the Daubert standard.

Consultation & intake

Start with a confidential call to define scope, timelines, and evidence sources.

Request a Consultation Call (123) 456-7890

Guide to the Forensic Process

A typical engagement runs through five phases:

Intake & scoping

A confidential call to identify the issues in dispute, the evidence available, and the deliverables required. Scope, timeline, and pricing are documented in writing before work begins.

Evidence preservation

Devices are logged and forensically imaged using write-blockers or vendor-validated acquisition tools. Each image is hash-verified, and originals are returned to secure storage.

Examination & analysis

Examination is performed against the verified image using industry-standard tools and validated procedures. Tool output is interpreted, not relied on at face value.

Reporting

A written report ties each conclusion to the supporting artifacts, identifies the tools and methodology used, and notes limitations where applicable.

Testimony & post-report support

Where required, the examiner is prepared for deposition and trial testimony, response to Daubert and methodology challenges, and review of opposing-expert reports.