For attorneys, insurers & law enforcement
Forensic locksmith and expert witness.
Physical evidence on how a lock, safe, or vehicle was opened — examined, documented, and explained clearly enough for a claims file or a jury.
What a forensic locksmith examines
When a loss hinges on how a lock, safe, or vehicle was opened, a forensic examination answers the question with physical evidence. We disassemble and inspect the hardware for tool marks, picking and bumping traces, key impressioning, forced-entry damage, and wear patterns that distinguish a legitimate key from an attack.
- Residential and commercial burglary claims with no visible forced entry
- Vehicle theft claims involving transponder keys and ignition systems
- Safe and vault losses — combination, manipulation, and drilling evidence
- Premises-liability cases involving door hardware, closers, and exit devices
- Evidence review for law-enforcement investigations
How we work with you
- Initial consultation on whether an examination can answer your question
- Chain-of-custody handling of submitted hardware
- Non-destructive examination first, documented with photographs
- Written report of findings in plain language
- Deposition and courtroom testimony
Experience
A-1 has testified in insurance and law-enforcement cases, drawing on a shop history that goes back to 1926 and daily hands-on work with the same locks, safes, and vehicle systems that end up in evidence. Call the shop to discuss a case and the technician's qualifications.
Common questions
Can you tell whether a lock was picked?
Often, yes. Picking, bumping, and other covert methods can leave microscopic marks on pins and the keyway that are visible under magnification once the lock is disassembled.
Do you work for both plaintiffs and defendants?
We are retained to examine evidence and report what it shows. Contact us to discuss conflicts before sending any hardware.
How should hardware be sent to you?
Call first. We'll explain how to remove, package, and document the hardware so chain of custody is preserved.
Discuss a case.
Call the shop to talk through the evidence and timeline, or send details through the request form.