Forensic Expert Services and Court Recognized Report
FOR:-
- Handwriting Analysis / Handwriting Comparison
- Signature Verification / Signature Forgery
- Forensic Document Examination / Questioned Document Examination
- Fraud Detection
- Forensic Consultancy
With an education of MSc Forensic Science and Criminal Justice and LL.B., an experience of around 17 years of professional experience and more than 1,700 cases and international recognition as Certified Forensic Document Examiner (CFDE) and Certified Questioned Document Examiner (CQDE), Hiral A. Mehta has worked with banks and financial institutions, public-sector organizations and police authorities, and has appeared as an expert witness before courts, arbitrators and other authorities.
Forensic Document Examination for Legal and Private Matters
A disputed signature, handwriting sample or document can become an important issue in a civil, criminal, commercial or personal dispute. Forensic Document Examination involves the systematic examination and comparison of questioned documents and known or admitted samples to assist in determining issues relating to authorship, genuineness, alterations and document integrity.
The examination may involve:
- Handwriting comparison and authorship examination
- Signature verification and disputed signature examination
- Questioned Document Examination
- Detection of additions and alterations
- Examination of suspicious documents
- Anonymous and threatening writings
- Fraud-related document examination
- Examination of inks, paper, writing and other document features
- Forensic consultancy for advocates, litigants and organizations
- Consultation relating to expert evidence and cross-examination
Handwriting Comparison and Signature Verification
Handwriting and signatures are examined through a systematic forensic comparison. A forensic examination compares the questioned material with suitable admitted, known or comparative material and evaluates similarities, differences and other relevant characteristics. The purpose of forensic examination is not simply to look at whether two writings appear similar. A professional examination involves scientific observation, comparison and interpretation of relevant features before an opinion is formed.
Questioned Document Examination
Questioned Document Examination covers more than handwriting and signatures. A document may require examination when there are concerns regarding its authenticity, preparation, alteration or consistency. Depending upon the case, examination may consider matters such as:
- Suspicious additions or alterations
- Questioned signatures
- Handwriting authorship
- Suspicious photocopies or reproductions
- Writing, ink and paper characteristics
- Binding and document construction
- Whether different writings or entries are consistent with the claimed circumstances of preparation
Independent Forensic Expert Consultancy
Forensic evidence often needs to be understood together with the legal issues involved in a case. Hiral A. Mehta combines forensic knowledge with legal understanding to assist advocates, litigants and organizations in evaluating questioned documents and planning an appropriate forensic approach. Consultation may be useful before initiating legal proceedings, during an ongoing case, while preparing evidence, or when reviewing an opposing expert's opinion.
Court-Related Forensic Expert Opinion
Under the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, expert opinion relating to scientific and specialised knowledge is addressed under Section 39. ( Forensic document and handwriting examination) can therefore form part of expert evidence where relevant to a legal proceeding. A forensic expert opinion is based on examination and reasoning. The circumstances of each case determine what material should be examined, what conclusions can reasonably be reached and whether examination of original documents is required. Section 39(1) as also the ANSI/ASB and other international standards, reckons an expert as a specialist, not a general forensic expert and not a graphologist. Hiral A Mehta is a Certified Member with International Association of Document Examiners (www.iade.us)conferring her as a Certified Questioned Document Examiner (CQDE) and Scientific Association of Forensic Examiners(www.safeforensics.org)conferring her as a Certified Forensic Document Examiner (CFDE). Being a certified member in such renowned associations implies rigorous verification of credentials, proficiency testing and continued professional education, that bring relevance and credence to the expert. Among others, her work has been accepted and appreciated by the Hon. High Court of Mumbai, in the Telgi Scam and Ketan Parekh Scam.
Why Choose a Forensic Document Examiner?
Every questioned document case is different. The appropriate forensic approach depends on the nature of the dispute, the documents available, the quality of comparative material and the specific questions that need to be addressed. Hiral A. Mehta's professional practice focuses on:
Scientific examination
Systematic examination and comparison of questioned documents, handwriting and signatures.
Legal understanding
An understanding of the relationship between forensic evidence, evidence law and courtroom requirements.
Education and Training
With an MSc Forensic Science and Criminal Justice and an LL.B. from renowned institutions and a rigorous training of over 1 year, Hiral A Mehta checks all the boxes to be qualified as a reliable expert both in India and Internationally.
International Recognition
Hiral A Mehta is a Certified Questioned Document Examiner (CQDE) and Certified Forensic Document Examiner (CFDE) with internally renowned associations along side some of the leading experts across the globe.
Practical experience
Around 17 years of experience and more than 1,700 cases across different types of document-related disputes.
Court Experience
Experience appearing as an expert witness before courts, arbitrators and other authorities.
Independent consultancy
Forensic consultation for advocates, litigants, organizations and individuals dealing with disputed documents.
Need a Handwriting, Signature or Document Examination?
If you have a disputed signature, questioned handwriting, suspicious document, alleged alteration or document-related fraud issue, the first step is to understand what material is available for forensic examination. You can submit the questioned document together with the available admitted or known comparison material for an initial assessment of the forensic requirements.