about fisher forensic

Testing | Consulting | Declarations/Reports/Exhibits | Testimony | Collaborations

"Patricia is the consummate professional, thoroughly schooled in her profession, and one of the most composed witnesses, I have ever watched testify."

Michael J. McLaughlin, Esq.

San Francisco, California

Fisher Forensic Document Laboratory, Inc. offers a state-of-the-art facility for the nondestructive examination of questioned documents and/or documents that are in dispute. With over 35 years full time experience in Document Analysis, M. Patricia Fisher is a Board-Certified Forensic Document Examiner, who brings a wealth of knowledge, working on a broad range of documents. She has extensive skills and understanding in consulting on cases, which include but are not limited to:

Consulting
Writing reports
Preparing demonstrative exhibits
Testifying

To date, Ms. Fisher has been retained on over 4000 cases and has provided testimony in more than 300 cases, in both Federal and State courts. In addition, Ms. Fisher has testified in arbitrations, hearings and depositions.

As a former teacher with a California Life-Time Secondary teaching credential, she enjoys sharing and educating attorneys, judges, juries and those involved, regarding the field and science of forensic document examination. Ms. Fisher is proactive in keeping up to date with the technology in the field.

Ms. Fisher works with her assistant Rima Askurava, an Associate Document Examiner, who was certified as a document examiner by the Board of the Ministry of Affairs of the Republic of Georgia. Before coming to the United States where she is now a U.S. citizen, Ms. Askurava supervised other document examiners in the Section of Handwriting and Document Examiners at the Ministry of Affairs.

Testing

Using state-of-the-art equipment makes a difference in accurately testing and analyzing evidence.

Microscopic examinations permit the examiner to see the subtle details in handwriting or whether they are on original documents. Using an attached 4K camera to capture high definition, microscopic enlargements assists in clearly illustrating the evidence that can then be used for demonstrative exhibits in reports or for testimony.

The Video Spectral Comparator 80i (VSC 80i) c captures high-definition images with a larger range of field than the microscope. This is important when it is necessary to show a larger area of the document without adding anything to the image. This process assists in reducing error when recording the evidence.

With the VSC80i, multiple types of examinations can be conducted including the following four:

Inks with an infrared source and excitation lights
Papers with an ultraviolet source
Indentations using side lighting from both directions,
Side-by-side comparisons of images

The Electrostatic Detection Apparatus (ESDA) is an essential part of a forensic document examiner’s laboratory. The ESDA picks up indentations not visible to the naked eye when other writings were written on top of the pages being tested.

Adobe Photoshop and the Pikaso Write-On 3.0 are two important software programs to use in the examination of questioned documents. Adobe Photoshop is especially important as many documents are now being created using graphics programs. By understanding how a graphics program works, it is easier to identify when programs have been used for altering or fabricating documents, or if genuine signatures are incorporated into a new document.

Write-On 3.0 is used primarily with extended writings. An example of the program is seen in the following image where the words “kill” in the Zodiac letters are side by side with the words “kill” in one of the suspect’s writings. The program recorded 135 examples of the small letter “k” in the Zodiac letters that were transcribed into the program.

Consulting

"Ms. Fisher’s expertise, dedication, insight, and continued communication throughout the litigation were invaluable. ... I can’t express how truly grateful I am that Patricia Fisher was willing and able to provide her expertise. I whole heartedly recommend her."

Holley H. Perez, Esq.

Fresno, California

Before determining whether or not the questioned or disputed documents are authentic, it is important to consult with Ms. Fisher to learn what additional documents are needed to conduct examinations. She and her Associate Document Examiner will test the documents and provide a verbal report. The attorney will then decide whether to have a report written, be prepared for exhibits in testimony for deposition, or at trial if the attorney decides to name Ms. Fisher as an expert.

An increasing number of documents are submitted to the laboratory because the question is whether signatures have been electronically transferred from other documents or if the document has been fabricated. In these cases, original documents rarely surface. To capture high-definition images of the document, the VSC 80i is invaluable. These images can then be shown to the attorney to better evaluate the evidence.

Declarations / Reports / Exhibits

"Ms. Fisher drafted a convincing and thorough report establishing that a disputed signature belonged to the opposing party. Her work was thoughtful and persuasive. The other side did not challenge her as an expert. I appreciated her professionalism and timeliness."

Jason C. Astle, Esq.

Denver, Colorado

Ms. Fisher’s academic background in journalism and as the editor of the Journal of Forensic Document Examinationfor over 10 years, provide an excellent background to prepare well written declarations and reports with demonstrative exhibits. Demonstrative exhibits that captured critical evidence in a settled case or at trial are shown throughout the case samples.

Testimony

"Her testimony during our jury trial was without a doubt critical to our success. Her demonstration and clarity at trial were invaluable."

Kyle Monte de Oca, Esq.

San Francisco, California

To date, Ms. Fisher has testified in over 300 trials in federal and state courts along with providing testimony in arbitrations, hearings, and depositions. She has testified for both plaintiffs and defendants in civil cases and for both the prosecution and the defense in criminal cases.

Ms. Fisher published an article in the legal newspaper, the Daily Journal, titled, “Genuine Draft” (she did not make up this headline) in 1996 describing how best to work with a document examiner to prepare for testimony. Her article is just as relevant today as it was in 1996.

Collaborations

Joseph G. Barabe
Senior Research Microscopist at Barabe & Associates LLC, Oak Park, IL

Mr. Barabe specializes in materials analysis of art, historical objects and documents, from ancient to contemporary. He studied microscopy under Dr. Walter McCrone, and recently retired from McCrone Associates Inc. in Westmont, IL. His special interests include printing process identification (historical and contemporary, fine art, commercial and office) and altered and forged documents, exclusive of handwriting identification issues, and the identification of printing inks and paints, especially when the date of composition of the document or item is in question. He teaches workshops in Microscopy for Forensic Document Examiners, which covers the basic theory and use of the stereomicroscope, including micrometry, a history of ink, writing instrument identification, Printing Process Identification, and the Microscopical Identification of Art Pigments at the Hooke College of Applied Sciences in Westmont, IL, or on site. He frequently contributes oral presentations at professional forensic document examiners’ and art conservation symposia, and he has published frequently in the Journal of Forensic Document Examination on topics including sequence of writing, ink analysis and printing process identification. Notable publications relevant to forensic document examination include “Printing Process Identification: A Microscopical Atlas,” (2010, Vol. 20, pp 5 – 37), and, with M. Patricia Fisher and Walter Rantanen, “RARE 1972 Marilyn Monroe Oyama Photo Book,” (2007 Vol. 18 pp. 41 – 62), a case study of a fabricated collectible publication.

Testimonials

“Patricia is a consummate professional, thoroughly schooled in her profession, and one of the most composed witnesses I have every watched testify.”

— Michael J. McLaughlin, Esq.
Landlord – Evictions and Unlawful Detainer Actions

“Patricia Fisher was selected by joint agreement of my opposing counsel, who represented a government entity, and me, to conduct a questioned document examination to determine if a disputed signature on a document was that of my client, or another person who had denied signing the document. She performed the examination in a prompt fashion, and her ultimate conclusions were clearly and thoroughly explained and well-supported in a detailed report provided to both parties. Ultimately, her report let to an evidentiary hearing before an arbitrator where Ms. Fisher testified about her work, the opinions she reached concerning the signature, and provided the basis for those opinions. The arbitrator who presided over the matter found that Ms. Fisher’s work, ultimate conclusions, and testimony were entitled to great weight and made findings consistent with her opinions. I would not hesitate to call upon Ms. Fisher in the future and an objective and thorough analysis of a disputed signature.”

— Michael L. Rains, Esq.
Criminal Defense

““Our firm retained M. Patricia Fisher as an expert in a marital dissolution proceeding. A well respected trial judge (now retired) in the San Francisco Bay area who presided for several years in the “Complex Civil Trial” Department, found that Ms. Fisher’s analysis was more thorough than the opposing expert, more credible, and more worthy of belief. …

— Greg C. Abel, Esq.
Family Law

“Patricia Fisher’s initial review and opinion of relevant documents concerning the authenticity of a signature on a will resulted in my accepting a case in 2020 that was recently resolved very favorably for my client. Ms. Fisher’s expertise, dedication, insight and continued communication throughout the litigation were invaluable. I can’t express how truly grateful I am that Patricia Fisher was willing and able to provide her expertise. I whole heartedly recommend her.”

— Holley H. Perez, Esq.
Probate

“It was because of you and your wonderful work. Everyone agreed that the writing was the grantors and the court entered and order affirming the changes on the trust. I will recommend you to anyone who needs hand writing analysis. I am so happy we found you.”

— Joan Grimes, Esq.
Probate

“My firm retained Ms. Fisher to establish that certain key documents were not signed by my client. Her testimony during our jury trial was without a doubt critical to our success. Her demonstratives and clarity at trial were hugely beneficial for the jury. Thank you for your professionalism, expertise, and effectiveness.”

— Kyle Monte de Oca, Esq.
Legal Malpractice

“Trustworthy and reliable; Patricia was my hired expert in a recent trial and was able to help us prove our claims to the court even though we had a short deadline and a high burden to meet. I would work with her again and recommend hiring her.”

— Suzanne A. Tong, Esq.
Family Law

“I have personally worked with Patricia on a very complicated case that was litigated in Contra Costa County. She was of great help to my client and the Court in analyzing documents and giving testimony. She had a PowerPoint presentation that explained how she arrived at her expert opinion and conclusions. We were very fortunate to have her participate in this case. I highly recommend Fisher Forensic Documentary Laboratory and would use these services again.”

— Debra H. Kirk, Esq.
Family Law

“I just wanted to drop you a line to thank you and to let you know what a brilliant job you did. Clearly, you were very thorough and diligent in your methods and as a result, your testimony was delivered in terms that were clear and concise. I was remarkably impressed. I couldn’t have asked for a better witness.”

— Suzanne
Client in a probate case

“Because of her strong background in litigated matters, her tremendous work ethic in research and preparation, and her creativity, our firm classifies Patricia Fisher with the highest rating of any of the professional experts we deal with in these matters. She recently allowed us to prevail in a case against the adverse opinions of two other experts. Her testimony was so clear and forceful along with her excellent graphics that it essentially made the day for our position that the will was a forgery.”

– Stanley Pedder, Esq.
Probate
Lafayette, CA

“I thank you for the work you did. I thought it was brilliant.”

– Barbara R. Simon
Licensed Professional Fiduciary
San Francisco, CA

“You recently served as my expert witness in a will forgery case. The case was complicated by the loss of several originals by a third party, and a decline in health by the testator during the period in question.

You were of enormous assistance to me, not only in analyzing the documents in question, but also helping focus discovery and in obtaining appropriate handwriting samples from the witnesses and beneficiaries involved. Although the opposing party consulted three other document examiners, the case settled three days after I presented just a summary of your report.

You have earned the deep gratitude of my client and myself, and I recommend you without reservation for any questioned documents case.”

– Rick Seim, Esq.
Milpitas, CA

“Ms. Fisher provided excellent analysis in a very difficult and complex matter requiring the evaluation of many important amendments to a trust document which disinherited two parties of about $2 million in assets. Her testimony was particularly impressive and helpful when compared to the opposing expert. I strongly recommend her.”

– Bradley A. Bening, Esq.
San Jose, CA

“You have set the standard for what I expect of an expert – someone passionate, meticulous, knowledgeable, and of the highest integrity. Thank you so much for all your help in our case.”

– Ben E. Dupré, Esq.
Santa Clara, CA

“Ms. Fisher is one of the most intelligent, pleasant, and convincing experts we’ve ever used.”

– Mark Hooshmand, Esq.
San Francisco, CA

“Patricia Fisher is a highly competent, thorough and credible questioned document examiner. She is so well respected that the District Attorney called her as his witness before she even testified on my client’s behalf – and her testimony resulted in an immediate dismissal for my client. I cannot say enough good things about Ms. Fisher’s work.”

– Henry H. Doering, III
San Francisco Deputy Public Defender (retired)

“…the court agreed with your conclusion that the questioned signature on the guaranty at issue was not genuine. It was quite evident that, solely due to your testimony, we prevailed on that issue.

I was extremely impressed by your professional integrity, meticulous investigation and examination of the documents in question, and your demeanor on the witness stand. We were also very appreciative of your prompt turnaround time, and willingness to meet our scheduling demands.”

– John MacConaghy, Esq.
Sonoma, CA

“Patricia Fisher is one of the best forensic handwriting (document, paper, ink, impressions) experts I have ever used. Her report and trial testimony were very credible.”

– Jerome Blaha, Esq.
Pleasanton, California
Special Recommendation

“Allow me to take this opportunity to thank you on behalf of my mother whom you have assisted in testifying during the trial in San Jose with such dedication, accuracy, and professionalism. Our expert in Japan agreed with your analysis.”

– Dr. Iri Sato-Baran
Japan

WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO WORK WITH AN ATTORNEY?

With few exceptions, Patricia Fisher works directly with the attorney or law firm, rather than with the individual client. This is important to protect the privilege for both the client and the case. Once Ms. Fisher has been listed as an expert, there is no longer a privilege. Everything is discoverable from the initial phone call. Working directly with the attorney Ms. Fisher can focus on the documents in question as the attorney knows the law and has certain confidential client attorney privileges. The attorney can obtain or subpoena any additional documents that will be necessary which an individual cannot do. Working with the attorney helps reduce potential bias. Individual clients usually want to tell their whole story to the document examiner not realizing that they are potentially eliminating the examiner from assisting them.

If your attorney has asked you to locate a document examiner, please make a brief call so that we can provide you the information your attorney will need.

Avoid telling the examiner your story.
Let the examiner ask you the questions that examiner believes are important.

We realize that when documents are at issue such as in financial elder abuse cases or child custody cases, the stories can be horrifying. However, a forensic document examiner’s job is to be objective and reduce any task unrelated information.

As an example, if you believe your brother killed your elder mother to get her money, this is unrelated information for the document examiner. On the other hand if you believe your brother forged your elder mother’s signature on a Deed of Trust, the task related information would sound like this, “We need a document examiner to determine if our elder mother signed the Deed of Trust.” Notice that you are not deciding the end result by saying, “We know our brother forged the Deed of Trust.” The latter is a discoverable statement that the opposing counsel can use against the examiner.