The purpose of the examination of the handwritten pieces of evidence is to check if certain handwritings or signatures are related and thus to prove the identity of the writer/signatory.

This forensic examination is based on the observed similarities or differences found in writings, pieces of evidence that are evaluated, comparatively, with their results supporting the final conclusions.

The methods and procedures followed are documented and described in detail - on a case by case basis- by the US Scientific Working Group for Forensic Document Examination (www.swgdoc.org).

This examination concerns the identification of special unique characteristics of mechanical imprints, in order to demonstrate the way but mainly the medium that was used, that is in order to identify the specific printing machine.

In combination with other examinations (latent writing examination), information can be found regarding the way the document was prepared (in its entirety) as well as its ‘age’.

In any case, it is possible to comparatively examine such mechanical imprints in order to demonstrate their common origin, if any.

The purpose of the examination of photocopies is - mainly - to determine their origin, i.e. if they have been photocopied (produced) by a specific (suspicious) photocopier.

In color photocopies - as the case may be - the "security code" is analyzed, which is - latently - imprinted on the document and compared with similar ‘suspicious’ photocopiers (Machine Identification Code Analysis).

In some cases, it is possible to determine the sequence of photocopy indications in relation to handwriting indications, to identify whether the handwriting indications have been placed on a white sheet of paper and the printed text was 'added’ later.

The analysis of inks (on documents) and paper is carried out (only on original documents) with special laboratory equipment and concerns their comparison and basically their differentiation.

These chemical (or physicochemical) methods are scientifically reliable, with sufficient documentation, and are used -today- by all modern state and private forensic laboratories, in order to prove alterations, additions or modifications to documents.

We evaluate - in cooperation with the principal attorney- the details of each case in order to identify the necessities or questions, which - if answered- will help solve the case and support the legal “narrative”.

In addition, a thorough evaluation of the rest of the case file would help to understand the "depth" of the case and to identify any other laboratory approaches.

We believe that lawyers must be in advance aware of any issues relating to the questioning of the authenticity of the documents, which they invoke, before the case is brought to the court of law.

It goes without saying that before any examination [by the expert] it must be ensured that the documents do not require any other special laboratory examination, such as DNA examination or latent fingerprint examination.

Handling of disputed and sample documents (location, collection, packaging, sampling, photography, laboratory examination & storage), as well as detailed study and evaluation of the special technical reports of previous experts or technical advisers.