Using Social Networks to Gather Evidence
Around a year ago I was asked to retrieve as much information from social networking sites as I could regarding an ex-wife in a custody battle. After 10 minutes of searching (I’m internet savvy but I in no way claim to be a PI of any sort) I found a wealth of information about the ex. From that day on I’ve advised clients to search out the social networking sites for any opposing witness they have, you might be amazed at what you can find in the deep bowels of the internet.
What reminded me of how frequently this comes up is a post by Dan Berexa at the Tennessee Law Blog. Dan writes about a man that decided it would be funny to dress as a prisoner for Halloween which the prosecutor was able to use at the sentencing hearing.
The internet is vast, the old commercial AT&T had about “reaching the end of the internet” will never come true. Search and you’ll find.
A Benefit of Hiring A Trial Technologist
If the Technologist hired is experienced and competent, you will receive some great benefits. One of the most important of these is we spend more time in trial than most attorneys do. While we may not know the in’s and out’s of the law, we see the real world strategies and their results on a monthly basis. Many times, I get hired on a case that is very similar to one that I have previously worked. I can then give suggestions of what another attorney’s strategy was, and whether or not it was effective.
When you are in the heat of the battle you can always use another opinion. A Trial Technologist’s opinion is one that is more of an outside view. While we strive to do everything in our power to help bring positive results for our clients, we have no monetary interest vested in the outcome. We also don’t typically know the minute details of your case, which gives us a more independent view of how testimony is going. Our opinions might not be the correct one, but having a different person’s point of view is always helpful.
Recently a juror said it best when being questioned by opposing counsel after the verdict was rendered: “I’m a 1st grade teacher and one way we teach our children is through the use of projectors and PowerPoint in the classroom. Your lack of technology made some points very hard to follow”.
The Trial Technologist’s View is Back Up!
Hey everyone (if there is anyone that still subscribes to this RSS feed that is!). We’re back and better than ever. But this time there are going to be three of us posting. You can check out all of our info below.
We’re hoping to bring multiple updates a week on the same subjects as before… trial technology, litigation support, graphic design for the courtroom, mediation presentations and general technology jabber.
See ya around!
Blake Boyd
Blake’s interest in the field began in 1999 after working for a very small group of attorneys while still in school. That is when Blake found his passion, the combination of the Law and visual design. In 2000 Blake created a litigation support company focusing solely on trial presentations and for the past decade, Blake has refined his specialty by creating hundreds of presentations that have been used in cases ranging from small hearings to multi-national trials.
Edgar Hernandez
Technology has always been a part of Edgar’s life; he believes technology offers credible advantages you can’t ignore. Technology enables more organized and persuasive delivery of information, the case evidence is shown more effectively and key points are strategically highlighted for better comprehension.
Edgar has worked and provided his services all over the country, assisting lawyers presenting information more effectively to the jury.
Chuck Floyd
Chuck Floyd has over eight years of experience in litigation support, information technology and desktop publishing. Prior to joining DLS as a Legal Support Specialist, Chuck developed his skills at ImageNet America and Ikon Legal Documents Services, and in owning and operating his own desktop publishing and information technology company.
After a four-year commitment to the United States Marine Corps, Chuck attended Southwest Texas State University. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies.
DLS Services
Nationwide, we offer In-Courtroom Support, Presentation Creation and Exhibit Board design/printing. No case too big or small.
