8 Tips for Presenting Digital Evidence in Court
Digital evidence is playing a progressively more important role in criminal investigations, from fraud to intellectual
property theft to child exploitation. As our world becomes more “connected”, digital evidence is becoming relevant
to more and more cases.
But digital data is easily manipulated. If an investigator leaves undocumented gaps in their acquisition or analysis
process, their evidence can easily lose credibility. Without adequate chain of custody documentation or proof of data
integrity, digital evidence can become inadmissible in court. And, even if this evidence has been properly handled,
investigators often encounter challenges when trying to present technical data to an audience unfamiliar with digital
forensics.
Preparing to effectively present digital evidence starts long before the court date. Although you’re sure to encounter
tough questions when presenting or testifying, we’ve provided some tips to consider when presenting digital evidence
and forensic reporting in court. In this resource, we’ll walk through each step of the process, from seizing the device
to delivering an accurate testimony. Keep in mind that although these are prudent recommendations, you should still
consult your agency’s legal counsel for clarification or more in-depth advice.

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