FAQ: Forensic Document Examiner in Turkey
General Information and Scope of Services
Frequently Asked Questions
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General Questions
Are your reports admissible in Turkish courts?
Yes. Under Article 67 of the Turkish Code of Criminal Procedure (CMK) and Article 293 of the Code of Civil Procedure (HMK), the parties may obtain a report from a private expert. You can submit such a report to the court or the public prosecutor’s office as evidence. See our Expert Opinion page →
Are Rota Kriminal’s experts qualified?
All examinations are carried out personally by our senior forensic document examiner, Bülent Aydoğmuş, who holds more than twenty certificates from national and international institutions. See our About Us page →
What equipment do you use?
We use some of the most advanced document examination equipment available worldwide. Equipment Used in Forensic Document Examination →
How long does an examination take?
Once your documents arrive, we report the result of a preliminary analysis within 24 hours. If you request a written report, the detailed report is prepared within 48 hours.
How do fees and invoicing work?
Fees depend on the nature of the document. The examination is carried out first; if the findings support your position, we move on to the report stage. An electronic invoice (e-fatura) is issued for every service. Contact us for a quote →
Which regions do you serve?
Rota Kriminal serves clients throughout Türkiye and abroad. Documents can be sent to us by courier. Applying from abroad →
Do you offer on-site examinations?
Yes. With our mobile equipment, we can carry out on-site examinations anywhere in Türkiye. Contact us to book an appointment →
What can be done about a forged eviction undertaking?
To prove that the signature on an eviction undertaking (tahliye taahhütnamesi, a tenant’s written promise to vacate) is forged, you need a scientific expert opinion. Examination of Forged Eviction Undertakings →
Signature and Handwriting Examination
How is a forged signature detected?
A forged signature is detected by examining the signature’s stroke formation, speed, pressure and calligraphic features under the microscope and comparing them with reference signatures. How Is a Forged Signature Detected? →
How is a signature examination carried out?
A signature examination is a scientific comparison of the questioned signature with reference signatures, based on its characteristic features. How Is a Signature Examination Carried Out? →
Can the age of a signature be determined?
There is no method that determines the exact date on which ink was applied. However, by examining ink differences, the sequence of strokes at line intersections and traces of later additions, it can be assessed whether the document is consistent with the way it is claimed to have been produced. Signature Examination Service →
Can a signature be examined from a photocopy?
The most reliable results come from the original document bearing the wet-ink signature. Reports based on photocopies generally remain qualified opinions rather than definitive conclusions. Photocopy Examination →
Why is handwriting unique to each person?
Handwriting is a biometric trace produced by the brain and the muscular system working together. No two people’s handwriting is identical. Why Is Handwriting Different? →
How does the process of disputing a signature work?
When a signature is disputed, the court refers the file to a court-appointed expert (bilirkişi). At this stage, a private expert opinion can help correct flawed court expert reports. Penalties for Signature Forgery and the Objection Process →
How are signatures made during illness distinguished?
The tremor and distorted letter forms caused by serious illness differ from the “hesitation marks” found in imitated signatures. Signature Examination Service →
Can signatures written with the non-dominant hand be identified?
Even when a person deliberately tries to change the character of their writing, the true author of the signature can be identified through micrographic habits and pressure patterns. Forensic Examination Methods →
How can it be proved that the signature on a promissory note belongs to the debtor?
Official documents recently signed by the debtor are obtained, and the signature on the promissory note (senet) is compared with them using scientific equipment and reported on. Detecting Forged Promissory Notes →
Why shouldn’t a signature be simple?
Simple signatures are easy to imitate and difficult to prove. Why Shouldn’t a Signature Be Simple? →
Document Forgery and Alteration
How is alteration of a document detected?
Examinations with a VSC (video spectral comparator) reveal differences between inks applied at different times and disturbances in the paper fibres, exposing the alteration. Document Alteration Examination →
How is a forged promissory note detected?
When examining a suspected forged promissory note, signature characteristics, ink analysis and traces of altered figures are revealed with VSC equipment. Detecting Forged Promissory Notes →
Was it written with the same pen? Ink analysis.
By examining how inks reflect and absorb light under UV and IR light sources, it can be established whether the same pen was used. Document Forgery Examination →
Can text under crossed-out writing be read?
If inks with different spectral properties were used, digital imaging equipment can make the hidden writing underneath legible. Document Alteration Examination →
Does document forgery have a history?
Document forgery is as old as human history itself. The History of Document Forgery →
Can the sequence of a wet-ink signature and a seal be determined?
An examination of intersecting lines can show whether the signature or the seal impression was applied first. Stamp & Seal Forgery Examination →
How can page substitution or a composite document be detected?
By examining staple holes, the consistency of the paper texture and font differences, we establish whether the original integrity of the document has been compromised. Document Forgery Examination →
Can the source of a digitally printed document be identified?
Every printer leaves invisible characteristic traces. These “digital fingerprints” make it possible to analyse which device a document was printed on. Printed Document Examination →
Do you examine valuable documents such as title deeds and passports?
Yes. Holograms, microtext, watermarks and optically variable inks are examined. Document Forgery Examination →
Digital Forensics and Digital Document Examination
Are WhatsApp conversations accepted as evidence?
Under the Code of Civil Procedure (HMK), WhatsApp records qualify as prima facie evidence (delil başlangıcı). Verifying them with digital forensic methodology before submission strengthens their legal weight. Expert Opinion Service →
How is the authenticity of a digitally signed PDF verified?
The authenticity of an e-signed PDF is verified by examining the certificate authority, the signature timestamp and the hash values of the document. Document Forgery Examination →
Can deleted digital data be recovered?
As long as no new data has been written over them, deleted files can largely be recovered with digital forensic tools. Request an expert opinion →
Can the sending time and IP address of an email be verified?
By analysing the email’s header data, the sending server, the actual time of sending and the IP address can be identified. Expert Opinion Service →
How is a “deepfake” detected in photos or videos?
It is detected by analysing pixel anomalies, inconsistencies in light and shadow, and digital artefacts. Expert Opinion Service →
Can a device be identified from printer traces?
The microscopic toner distribution and mechanical marks left by a printer act like the device’s “digital fingerprint”. Printed Document Examination →
How is an audio recording analysed for editing?
Audio analysis examines the integrity of the recording and any digital cut points. Spectrographic analysis is used to detect editing. Expert Opinion Service →
How is digital evidence secured in cases of defamation on social media?
A screenshot alone carries legal risk. The evidence should be preserved in a tamper-proof way using the “e-Tespit” method (electronic evidence capture), which records the URL and a timestamp. Expert Opinion Service →
Legal Process and Expert Opinion
Is a private expert opinion accepted as evidence in court?
Yes. Under Article 293 of the Code of Civil Procedure (HMK) and Article 67 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CMK), the parties have the right to obtain a scientific opinion from an expert of their choice. See our Expert Opinion page →
How do I obtain an expert opinion to challenge a court expert’s report?
If a court-appointed expert’s report contains technical errors, you can contact Rota Kriminal to obtain a private expert opinion as a counter-opinion and submit it to the case file. Contact us now →
What is a forensic document examiner?
A forensic document examiner is a specialist who examines signatures, handwriting, alterations and forgeries using scientific methods and prepares reports for use in court proceedings. What Is a Forensic Document Examiner? →
In which courts can the reports be used?
They can be filed with the case in criminal proceedings under Article 67(6) CMK and in civil proceedings under Article 293 HMK. Article 67(6) CMK also gives the suspect and the public prosecutor this option at the investigation stage. See our Expert Opinion page →
What impact does an expert opinion have in civil cases?
Particularly in debt collection, compensation and property disputes, proving an allegation of forgery in a document can directly change the course of the case. All Our Services →
Why is an expert opinion critical in criminal cases?
Criminal proceedings are based on the principle of in dubio pro reo (the benefit of the doubt goes to the accused). An expert opinion strengthens the evidential position of the defence and can open the way to an acquittal. Expert Opinion Service →
How does the process work in insurance fraud cases?
Forged signatures and alterations on accident reports or insurance policies are examined and reported on. Document Forgery Examination →
How many days does the process take, and what does it cost?
The preliminary examination is completed within 24 hours and a comprehensive report within 48 hours. Contact us for a quote →
