Digital Forensic Examination & Expert Witness Services
Jerrad Edwards helps attorneys and law firms examine digital evidence, understand technical findings, and prepare clear explanations for litigation. Expert witness support is available subject to the scope and requirements of the engagement.
Based in Lafayette, Louisiana. Focused on digital forensic examination and expert witness services. Custody Forensics does not offer private investigation or surveillance services.
Clarity at every
layer of the data.
From source files to the systems that created them, each engagement starts with a specific question, an agreed scope, and a practical plan for examining the available information.
Mobile & backup analysis
Review available phone backups and application data to organize relevant records and understand their context.
- iPhone and Android data sources
- Messages, media, and application artifacts
- Device and access assessment
Database & record analysis
Examine structured data, field relationships, and surviving records to make complex information easier to evaluate.
- SQLite and MySQL workflows
- Record relationships and metadata
- Source-to-finding traceability
Data recovery assessment
Evaluate damaged media, incomplete backups, and inaccessible files to identify realistic recovery options.
- Storage and backup review
- Hardware and electronics diagnostics
- Encryption-aware recovery planning
Evidence organization & reporting
Present technical work in a form that helps counsel and decision-makers follow the records, methods, and limitations.
- Documented collection workflows
- Record organization and timelines
- Clear technical explanations
Data preservation & migration
Move information from aging systems to usable formats while retaining source records and documenting field mappings.
- Legacy-system data review
- Field mapping and imports
- Backup and retention workflows
Expert witness services
Help counsel understand and present digital evidence through technical consultation, clear reporting, and testimony support within the agreed scope.
- Technical consultation for litigation
- Explanation of methods, findings, and limitations
- Expert witness support subject to engagement
A clear process.
A traceable result.
The work should be understandable from the first conversation through the final explanation.
Define the question
Discuss the objective, available sources, authorization, and deadlines. Agree on the scope before examination begins.
Preserve the source
Document what is received and how it is handled. Retain source copies and establish an appropriate examination workflow.
Examine in context
Review relevant artifacts and relationships. Assess the meaning of records alongside the limits of the available data.
Explain the findings
Describe methods, observations, and limitations in plain language, with a clear path back to supporting records.
Understanding the systems behind the evidence.
- Python & PHP
- Programming knowledge for parsing exports, organizing records, and building repeatable data workflows.
- MySQL & structured data
- Understanding database relationships, querying records, and comparing information across sources.
- Backups & data migration
- Experience with backup systems and technology transitions that informs source review, preservation planning, and recovery assessment.
- Hardware, electronics & web systems
- Computer repair, electronics, WordPress, and hosting experience that helps explain how devices and applications store and move information.
Experience that connects
the whole system.
Jerrad brings together software development, database workflows, computer systems, and electronics experience. His work includes preserving information during technology transitions, developing custom tools, and explaining technical systems to nontechnical audiences.
Owner · E & E Consulting
Technology consulting, custom development, data migration, and practical software implementation.
President · Eight Hats
Executive leadership for website development, hosting, and ongoing technical support. Previously Operations Manager.
Technology & project management
Roles with Comit Developers and Pixelbrush, covering development teams, quality assurance, client systems, and technical delivery.
Electronics & computer support
Marine electronics repair with Cochran Technologies and computer service leadership with Best Buy and Geek Squad.
Technical foundation: PHP, Python, MySQL, WordPress, backup systems, computer repair, and electronics. Engagement-specific qualifications and experience can be discussed during consultation.
See how a finding connects to its source.
Explore a fictional reporting example that separates the source record, the observation, and the limitations.
View the reporting example ↗Good questions.
Clear expectations.
Every source has limits. A useful assessment starts by understanding what is available and what you need to establish.
Is Custody Forensics a private investigation service?
No. The focus is digital forensic examination and expert witness services: examining authorized digital sources, documenting methods and findings, and explaining technical evidence. Private investigation and surveillance services are not offered.
What should I bring to an initial consultation?
A brief description of your objective, the type of device or data involved, any deadlines, and how you are authorized to access it. Arrange a suitable transfer method before sending sensitive records.
Can deleted or damaged data always be recovered?
No. Recovery depends on factors such as overwriting, encryption, device condition, available backups, and supported access methods. An assessment helps identify practical options without promising a particular result.
Do you work with attorneys and businesses?
Services can support counsel, business owners, and individuals who need technical records organized and explained. The scope, relevant experience, and deliverables are discussed before an engagement is accepted.
How are findings presented?
Deliverables are tailored to the engagement and may include organized records, source references, timelines, and a written explanation of methods and findings. Observations, interpretations, and unresolved questions are distinguished.
What does your data
need to tell you?
Start with the question you need answered. We can discuss the available information, the scope of work, and the right next step.
Request a Consultation ↗Helpful details to have ready
Your objective and timeline
Device, account, or file types
Available backups and source records
Authorization to access the information
Share a general project description first. A suitable method for transferring sensitive data can be arranged after the initial discussion.