Geolocation & Call Data Analysis

Mapping the Digital Trail

Where someone went – and who they contacted – can change the course of a case. PowellPath Group uses geolocation and telecom data to reconstruct timelines, confirm or refute alibis, and uncover hidden connections through movement patterns and call records. From cell tower dumps to GPS logs, our analysts bring clarity to location-based evidence that is often complex and prone to misinterpretation. The result is reliable insight that can make or break a criminal defense or bolster a civil claim.

What We Analyze

• Call Detail Records (CDRs): Detailed call logs from phone companies, including timestamps, dialed numbers, cell tower IDs, and durations.
• Cell Tower Data & Coverage Maps: The sectors and ranges of cell towers that a phone connected to during calls or data sessions, including tower dumps and sector maps.
• Geofence Warrant Returns: Data from geofencing warrants (e.g. Google’s Sensorvault records) that identify all devices in a geographic area during a time window.
• GPS and Location Histories: Logs from vehicle telematics, smartphone location services, fitness trackers, or apps – providing precise routes and points.
• Wi-Fi and Router Connection Logs: Records of a device connecting to specific Wi-Fi networks or routers, corroborating whereabouts.
• Messaging & App Location Data: Location stamps and metadata from social/messaging apps that can show where a person was at a specific moment.
• Vehicle and IoT Location Data: Data from connected cars or smart watches capturing movement patterns.

Why It Matters

Geolocation data can be incredibly powerful – but it can also be misleading if not analyzed correctly. A slight misinterpretation of cell tower data could place someone miles from their actual location, or a poorly constructed geofence might ensnare dozens of unrelated individuals. Our independent analysis ensures the facts stand out. We have used location evidence to support alibis, challenge narratives, and uncover hidden truths. By engaging PowellPath, attorneys ensure that complex location and call data is interpreted with scientific accuracy and presented with unbiased credibility. We also understand the technical limits of each data type – and we make sure the court understands them, too. In a recent international review, thousands of criminal cases were found to have relied on flawed phone location evidence – a stark reminder of why getting an expert second look is essential.

Visual, Courtroom-Ready Evidence

Raw call logs and location coordinates are not easy for a judge or jurors to grasp. That’s why we create clear exhibits that tell the story. Using mapping software and proprietary tools, we plot movement on maps, draw coverage circles, and illustrate sequences of events. We annotate these visuals (e.g. “Crime Scene” or “Client’s Home” on the map) so the narrative is immediately clear. Our expert, Taylor Black, can take the stand to explain the methodology and affirm the findings, lending further weight to your case. By turning dense data into accessible visuals backed by testimony, we ensure the data’s story resonates with those who matter in the courtroom.

Case Example

In a federal conspiracy trial, the prosecution presented thousands of lines of phone company records to establish that several suspects met on a specific night. PowellPath was engaged by defense counsel to review this telecom data independently. Our analysis identified that all the key phones connected to the same cell tower sector at 8:17 PM, strongly indicating the phones were co-located. We created a simple map highlighting the overlapping coverage area and a timeline of the synchronized connections, helping the defense fully understand the prosecution’s evidence. In another matter, we used a defendant’s Google location history to confirm they were miles away from a burglary site at the time of the crime – leading to dropped charges. These scenarios highlight how accurate geolocation forensics can tip the scales of justice.

Need to track where someone was – or wasn’t?

If you have confusing call logs, extensive cell tower data, or location records to sift through, we’re here to help. Reach out to us today to start a geolocation and call data analysis. Send over the phone records or geofence returns you’ve received in discovery, and schedule a free consultation. PowellPath will ensure that every mile and every minute reflected in the digital trail is accurately analyzed and ready to bolster your case.