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Boston Chain of Custody

Chain of Custody for Digital Evidence
Boston-based, serving clients nationwide

If you’re handling evidence for a legal or insurance matter, chain of custody is the written record that shows what was received, when, from whom, and how it was handled—so the evidence can be trusted later.

Data365 Evidence provides Boston chain-of-custody services and defensible evidence preservation for legal and insurance-related matters across Greater New England. We provide evidence acquisition and preservation support (not legal advice, not investigation). Engagements begin by email for accurate scoping and a clear written record.

Start by email See sample documentation
Conceptual chain-of-custody documentation diagram showing requester submission, intake record, written scope and authorization, handling log, verification record, and documented transfer.
Conceptual overview of custody events and supporting documentation.

Chain-of-Custody Records and Handling

  • Item identification: Record what the item is (device, media, or account export), including serial numbers or identifying labels where available.
  • Authorization context: Document the source of authority, scope limitations, and any stated constraints on handling.
  • Transfer documentation: Record who transferred the item, who received it, the date/time, and condition notes.
  • Safeguarding: Store items in a manner that preserves integrity and restricts unauthorized access.
  • Time reference: Record dates and times using a consistent system time reference where applicable.
  • Integrity preservation: Avoid unnecessary change through appropriate handling; document any unavoidable alterations.
  • Verification: Apply cryptographic hashes (e.g., SHA-256) to images or exports and confirm consistency, where applicable.
  • Recordkeeping: Maintain complete written records suitable for counsel review and later reconstruction of the handling history.

Custody Documentation Overview

  • Intake documented by email: case context, deadlines, and objectives captured in writing.
  • Evidence receipt notes: identifiers, condition, and handling constraints documented upon receipt.
  • Acquisition and preservation: performed as authorized and within defined scope
  • Hash verification: hashing and verification records for images or exports, where applicable.
  • Packaging for review: clear deliverables, stated limitations, and “what was done / not done” notes.

See: Sample Documents (including chain-of-custody and hash-record examples).

Pre-Engagement Information to Gather

  • Materials available: Device type, media, cloud account export, or files
  • Source context: Where the materials originated and how they were obtained.
  • Time constraints: Court dates, insurer deadlines, or preservation requests.
  • Purpose of preservation: High-level description of what the materials are intended to support.
  • Known risks or conditions: Encryption, physical damage, prior repair, or prior handling.

If you’re unsure, start with a short email—Data365 can respond with clarifying questions and a conservative recommended path.

Boston-Based Operations

Boston-based. Engagements begin remotely through documented intake, serving clients nationwide by appointment. Physical evidence handling is conducted by appointment when required.

Scope Limitations

  • No legal advice: Counsel is responsible for interpreting legal standards and admissibility.
  • No unauthorized access: No covert acquisition, password bypass, or access beyond provided authorization.
  • No certification claims: Documentation practices are conservative and transparent but are not represented as formal records-management certification.

Details: Scope and Terms.

Initial Contact Procedure

Initiate contact by email with a brief description of the matter and available materials. A written response will follow with scope clarification questions and proposed handling steps.

Boris@data365evidence.com Contact Page

Related guides

Helpful pages for attorneys, insurers, and compliance teams.

FAQ

What is chain of custody in digital evidence?

Chain of custody is a record of who had custody of evidentiary materials, when transfers occurred, and how items were handled and documented.

Does chain of custody prove authenticity?

No. It documents handling events and custody transfers. It does not provide legal conclusions or content interpretation.

What information is recorded in a chain-of-custody record?

Typical entries include item identifiers, dates and times, transfer parties, handling method, and notes on condition or constraints.

Defensible Evidence Documentation for Legal and Insurance Matters

What You Receive

  • Chain-of-Custody Record (PDF)
  • Acquisition Log and Handling Notes
  • Hash Verification Record (where applicable)
  • Storage / Device Metadata Sheet (where applicable)
  • Delivery Manifest and Verification Outputs

Documentation is produced contemporaneously and maintained in accordance with defined handling procedures. These records are commonly used to support internal review, insurance claims handling, and legal preservation obligations. No legal analysis, content interpretation, or evidentiary conclusions are provided.

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