Frequently Asked Questions

Elite Digital Forensics • Digital Forensics FAQ

Digital Forensics FAQ (Phones, Computers, and Cloud Accounts)

If you are searching for a digital forensics expert, digital forensics investigator, or “digital forensics near me,” this page explains what digital forensics can prove, typical timelines, costs, evidence handling, and what you need to start. We are based in Daytona Beach, Florida and serve clients nationwide (U.S. only) through mail-in and remote workflows when appropriate.

  • U.S. clients only
  • Mail-in & remote options
  • Phones • Computers • Cloud
  • Clear, user-friendly reporting

Quick Navigation

How much does digital forensics cost?

Most retainers start around $1,000 and scale with scope: number of devices, cloud accounts, data volume, encryption, urgency, and technical complexity. We often provide flat-rate pricing for personal, business, and legal matters once scope is confirmed.

To receive an accurate quote, book a short scoping call: schedule a free consultation.

Do you offer free consultations?

Yes. We offer a limited number of free, no-obligation consultations each month: schedule a free consultation.

What services does your company offer?

We provide full-service digital forensic investigations, including:

  • Cell phone forensics (iPhone and Android investigations)
  • Computer forensics (computers, drives, servers, evidence review)
  • Hacking and unauthorized access investigations
  • Spyware and malware analysis
  • Email and cloud account forensics (Gmail, iCloud, Google Drive, social media, etc.)
  • Employee misconduct and data theft investigations
  • Cyber harassment, stalking, and online abuse investigations
  • Defamation documentation and evidence preservation
  • Forensic support for civil and criminal cases, including expert reporting

Where to start

Most clients start on one of these pages: Cell Phone Forensics or Computer Forensics. If the case involves iPhone evidence, this guide is useful: Understanding iPhone Forensic Analysis.

How long does digital forensics take?

Timelines vary by device type and scope. Many cases are completed within 30–45 days, but urgent deadlines may qualify for rush options. The key drivers are the number of devices/accounts, how much data exists, and what questions the investigation must answer.

How long does a phone investigation take?

Many personal phone investigations are completed within approximately 30 days. This is not a quick scan—where supported, we perform forensic acquisition and analyze relevant artifacts such as system logs, app activity, account traces, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth history, and indicators consistent with spyware or unauthorized access.

How long does a computer investigation take?

Many computer forensic cases are completed within 30–45 days, depending on drive size, data volume, and scope.

Can my evidence be used in court?

In many cases, yes. We follow established forensic methods and use professional tools commonly relied upon in legal proceedings. We document findings in a manner intended to support evidentiary use, including clear explanations of what artifacts mean and why they matter. Admissibility is determined by the court and depends on case-specific factors (including chain of custody).

Do you provide expert witness testimony?

Yes. Our experts are available to support legal teams with consultation, reports, and testimony where appropriate (subject to availability, scope, and jurisdiction).

Can I mail my device to you? Do you offer remote services?

Yes. Devices can be shipped to our secure lab in Florida for acquisition. We typically need the device for only a few business days for acquisition, then analysis is performed on the forensic copy (when created). Remote consultations and, in some cases, remote acquisition support may be available.

Is my case confidential? Is my data secure?

Yes. Client and case information is treated as confidential and is not shared except with you, your legal team, or your designated representative. Case data is stored using security controls appropriate for sensitive information, which may include encrypted storage and controlled access.

How long do you keep my data?

We typically retain case data for 60 days after the case is closed, then securely delete it unless you request extended storage in writing.

Can you guarantee results? Can you hack into someone’s phone?

No. Ethical forensic providers do not guarantee outcomes—results depend on available evidence and technical limitations (encryption, resets, overwritten data, etc.). We do not provide hacking services or anything illegal or unethical. We only analyze devices or accounts you own or are legally authorized to access.

Can you bypass phone passcodes?

In some cases, but it depends on the make/model and iOS/Android version. Many modern smartphones cannot be bypassed without lawful cooperation. If the passcode is known, we can typically proceed immediately.

Can you recover deleted messages or files?

In many cases, we can attempt to recover deleted messages, files, and forensic artifacts from phones, computers, and some cloud sources. Success depends on time since deletion, encryption, backups, and overwrite activity.

Do you analyze cloud accounts (Gmail, iCloud, Google Drive, social media)?

Yes. We can review many cloud services for suspicious access and relevant artifacts. For enterprise environments (Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, AWS/Azure), we typically provide a scope-based quote after confirming accounts, logging availability, and retention windows.

What is your refund policy?

We can provide a full refund before any work begins. Once forensic work has started and billable time is logged, refunds are not provided in full or in part.

Next Step

The fastest way to get clarity on cost, feasibility, and timeline is a short scoping call: schedule a free consultation.

Educational content only. We do not provide legal advice. Outcomes vary based on facts, available evidence, and technical limitations.

Founded by Former Law Enforcement Experts

Over 30 Years Of Digital Forensic & Cyber Experience

Elite Digital Forensics is a leading provider of digital forensic and cyber investigation services. With over 30 years of combined experience, our team of subject matter experts is dedicated to uncovering the truth in complex digital cases.

 

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