A machine trace is not automatically a human act
“The phone shows X” is the start of a forensic question. What record supports the assertion? How was it acquired and interpreted? Does it identify a person’s action, or could it reflect system behaviour, synchronisation or another technically reasonable explanation?
A vendor-generated report is not automatically an expert interpretation. Where necessary, examination goes beneath the report to underlying artefacts, SQLite structures, Windows internals, acquisition characteristics and system behaviour.
What you can instruct us to do
Engagements range from preliminary review and oral advice to independent examination, expert reporting, supplementary analysis, expert conferences and oral evidence. The deliverable is agreed around the question, the available material and the stage of the matter.
Choose an engagement below, then consider the technical evidence involved. A preliminary review can help identify an appropriate scope when that is not yet clear.
Independence and scope
The opinion follows the evidence. RHEM Labs accepts suitable professional instructions for defence, police, prosecution and civil matters. Forensic briefs are accepted through legal practitioners and professional organisations; the laboratory does not accept direct litigation briefs from self-represented parties.
Wearable and health-device briefs are referred to a colleague with more suitable expertise. Explore the laboratory’s research and development programme.
From enquiry to evidence
Enquiry → conflict check → scope and question → engagement → secure evidence transfer → examination → opinion or report → further conference or evidence where required.
Substantive material should only be transferred after conflict checking and engagement arrangements. Suitable work can be undertaken nationally, with remote conferences and agreed interstate attendance.
Finding the right starting point
Explore forensic questions, read How to instruct an expert, and consider Fees & engagement. The practitioner checklists help organise the issue before first contact.