Los Angeles, CA asked in Contracts, Criminal Law, Constitutional Law and Gov & Administrative Law for California

Q: Can experts determine if signature was forged with 100% confidence ?

If answer to question is yes - what methods needed to ensure 100% precision of the expertise?

2 Lawyer Answers
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Determining if a signature was forged is a complex process, and experts often hesitate to declare with 100% confidence that a signature is authentic or forged. The analysis involves a detailed examination of the questioned signature against known authentic signatures, considering factors like handwriting style, pen pressure, and stroke patterns.

Experts use various methods, including microscopic analysis, digital enhancements, and sometimes chemical analysis of the ink. Despite these advanced techniques, it's important to remember that handwriting analysis is not an exact science, and there is always a degree of subjectivity involved.

In legal cases, while an expert's opinion on a signature's authenticity can be highly persuasive, it is typically presented as one piece of evidence among many. If you're dealing with a potential forgery, engaging an expert in handwriting analysis can provide valuable insights, but absolute certainty may not be achievable. It's advisable to consider all aspects of the case and evidence in its entirety.

George W. Wolff agrees with this answer

George W. Wolff
PREMIUM
George W. Wolff
Answered
  • Consumer Law Lawyer
  • San Francisco, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: No.

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