Mobile Device Forensics

Unlocking Evidence from Smartphones & Tablets

Modern cases often live or die on what’s found in a smartphone. Our Mobile Device Forensics service uncovers the wealth of information stored on phones, tablets, and wearable devices – data that can provide pivotal evidence in both criminal and civil matters. PowellPath speaks the same language as the forensic tools police use, which means we can interpret complex phone data (extraction reports, provider records, cloud backups) and translate it into powerful arguments for your case.

What We Analyze

• Text messages (SMS, iMessage, WhatsApp, Signal, etc.), including deleted texts and hidden chats
• Call logs, contacts, and voicemail records
• Emails and attachments stored on the device
• App data from social media, dating, finance, navigation, and rideshare apps
• Photos, videos, and their metadata (timestamps, GPS coordinates, device info)
• GPS history, cell tower connection logs, and Wi-Fi network history
• Internet browser activity and search history on the device
• Voice notes, audio recordings, and other media files

How It Helps Your Case

Smartphone evidence can prove intent, verify alibis, or expose concealed activities – but only if you know where to look. Our team is adept at finding the “smoking gun” in a jumble of phone data. We frequently discover critical details that a cursory review would miss: a timestamp that disproves the prosecution’s timeline, a deleted chat that undercuts the plaintiff’s story, or location data that places a client away from the scene. By leveraging the same advanced tools used by law enforcement (like Cellebrite UFED), we ensure no piece of data is overlooked. We even understand specialized techniques such as GrayKey, which police use to unlock encrypted iPhones – allowing us to scrutinize and validate the evidence obtained from such methods. The result is clear, admissible evidence that empowers you to file stronger motions and conduct laser-focused cross-examinations. All findings are preserved with full chain of custody and compiled into court-ready reports that make the technical simple. And if needed, our expert can testify to the extraction methods and findings, bolstering the credibility of your case.

Our Forensic Process

We start by legally obtaining access to the device or its data. When a physical device is involved, we create a read-only forensic image of the phone or tablet to avoid any alteration. Using forensically sound software, we extract everything possible – including deleted content and remnants that typical device backups won’t capture. This comprehensive approach means we pull data from multiple storage areas (handset memory, SIM card, SD card, cloud backups) for a complete picture. Next, we analyze and decode the data: parsing message databases, reconstructing timelines of calls and location pings, and peeling back the layers of apps for hidden information. If law enforcement has already provided a Cellebrite report or similar, we dig into the underlying UFED data (not just the surface-level UFDR report) to recover any missing pieces. Finally, we summarize our findings in whatever format best suits your needs – from an organized spreadsheet of texts to a visual map of GPS coordinates. We tailor our deliverables to your litigation strategy, ensuring you have usable evidence exhibits and clear expert notes. Throughout the process, we maintain strict chain-of-custody documentation so the evidence remains defensible and admissible.

Case Example

In a high-stakes divorce matter, a spouse suspected hidden assets and deception. PowellPath was brought in to examine the other spouse’s smartphone. Our forensic extraction recovered encrypted WhatsApp messages discussing undisclosed bank accounts overseas. We also uncovered location data showing trips to ATMs near an unknown bank. This digital evidence – which had been overlooked in the initial discovery – became pivotal in negotiations. Armed with proof of the hidden accounts, the attorney achieved a far more favorable settlement for their client.

Need evidence from a phone or tablet?

Leave the technical heavy-lifting to a professional. Preserve your client’s mobile data before it disappears. Contact us for a consultation to discuss a mobile forensics exam, or securely send us a copy of the device data you’ve obtained in discovery. We’ll ensure no message, call, or location is left unexplored, giving you the insight needed to drive your case forward.