Forensic Handwriting Examination & Authentication
Sheila Lowe began her study of handwriting in 1967 and later expanded her education and training to include forensic document examination. She first qualified as a handwriting expert in 1985.
Her work involves both civil and criminal matters. She is often court-appointed in criminal cases throughout California and is retained by offices of the Public Defender and private attorneys. Appointed to the Los Angeles County Superior Court Panel of Experts, she provides expert opinions in a broad spectrum of cases around the country and overseas.
With a master’s degree in psychology, Sheila brings decades of experience to handwriting examination, authentication, and the evaluation of disputed writing.
Professional Experience
Sheila has presented MCLE programs at bar association and paralegal meetings and taught Introduction to Handwriting Examination, a 20-hour program for credit, in the University of California’s CSI program at the Riverside campus. She has also taught Handwriting Analysis in UC Santa Barbara’s Discovery program.
Her articles on handwriting examination have appeared in numerous bar association magazines, including O.C. Lawyer and Citations.
Her clientele includes law firms, private investigators, human resources departments, corporate security, and government organizations. She also works with individuals when appropriate.
Watch an NBC Bay Area report in which Sheila examines a possible forgery.
Types of Documents Examined
Sheila regularly examines questioned handwriting and signatures in documents such as:
- Wills
- Contracts and deeds
- Employment agreements
- Checks
- Anonymous letters
- Disputed or allegedly forged signatures, including robosignatures
Handwriting and signatures need not be written in English for an examination and comparison to be undertaken.
Preparing for a Handwriting Examination
1. Preserve the original document
Original questioned documents are always the best evidence. If an original is unavailable, a high-quality digital photograph or high-resolution scan is next best, and preferable to a color copy. Black-and-white faxed copies are the least desirable.
An opinion based on a reproduction may be qualified or tentative, pending examination of the original.
2. Gather comparison exemplars
A handwriting examiner needs examples of the writer’s uncontested handwriting to compare with the questioned writing. The most useful exemplars are similar in nature to the questioned document. For example, if the questioned writing is a signature on a check, signatures on checks are especially helpful.
If printed writing is being examined, as is often the case with anonymous notes, submit printed exemplars. Samples should be ordinary, naturally produced writing—not writing created specifically for the examination.
Provide as many exemplars as possible, preferably from around the time the questioned document was written. Samples from a range of dates may also be helpful.
3. Provide background information
Useful information about the writer may include approximate age, gender, writing hand, and state of health. Medical information may sometimes be relevant.
Download the Case Checklist for a list of information that may assist with an examination. You may not have every answer; provide whatever you can.
Request an Examination
Forensic handwriting examination requires careful consideration of the questioned writing, available comparison samples, and circumstances of the case. If you have a suspected forgery or disputed signature, contact Sheila to discuss the matter and the materials available.
For a copy of Sheila’s current curriculum vitae, email sheila@sheilalowe.com or call 805-658-0109.
Interested in learning more about the field? Visit the Courses page for information about Sheila’s Introduction to Questioned Document Examination course.