Who are Forensic Defence?
We are a nationwide expert witness provider, connecting legal teams and clients with suitably qualified experts and delivering clear, court-compliant reports within agreed timescales.
What does an expert witness do, and who do they help?
An expert witness provides independent specialist opinion evidence to assist the court or tribunal on matters outside ordinary knowledge. An expert’s overriding duty is to the court, not to the instructing party.
What types of cases and clients do you work with?
We regularly support solicitors, barristers, local authorities, insurers, third-sector organisations and private clients across criminal, civil and family matters, depending on the discipline and the issues in dispute.
What expert witness services do you provide?
We provide access to a wide range of expert witness services, including psychiatry, psychology and neurology, as well as specialist forensic services such as drink drive BAC calculations and CCTV enhancement.
If you cannot see the exact discipline you need online, contact us and we will advise on options.
How quickly can you provide a quote?
In most cases, we aim to provide a quote within 1 hour of receiving clear instructions and the key case details.
What information do you need to quote accurately?
To quote promptly, send (where available): the type of report required, the key issues/questions to address, relevant deadlines (court directions, hearings, conferences), funding route (legal aid or private), and the location or custody status of the individual to be assessed. This helps us match the right expert quickly and price accurately.
Do you handle legally aided and privately funded instructions?
Yes. We are familiar with legally aided instructions and Legal Aid Agency (LAA) rates, and where matters are privately funded we will work to an agreed budget and scope.
How quickly can the report be ready?
Typical turnaround is around 14 days, but urgent reports may be possible within 24 hours in suitable cases (subject to expert availability and papers being complete).
Can you help with urgent deadlines?
Yes. If you have a tight deadline, tell us the required date and what papers are available, and we will confirm feasibility and the fastest route to instruction and assessment. We have a strong track record of working to tight timescales.
How do I send instructions and case papers?
Most instructions and papers are shared digitally by email, but we can also receive hard copies by post when needed.
Do you have a secure email for sensitive material?
Yes. We can communicate via secure email (CJSM) where required.
Where do assessments take place?
Assessments can take place at a solicitor’s office, our offices, a suitable conference room, prison, or occasionally at a home address, depending on the individual’s circumstances and what is appropriate for the case.
Can you provide more than one expert on a case?
Yes. Where a case needs multiple independent experts across different disciplines, we can coordinate this and keep the process streamlined.
Do your experts have court experience?
Yes. The experts we instruct are experienced in preparing reports for proceedings and giving evidence where required.
