Electronic GPS records have emerged as pivotal evidence in legal cases, shedding light on the sequence of events and providing a nuanced understanding of incidents. Depending on the data, GPS evidence pulled from various locations can be more exact than traditional cell tower triangulation approaches. Three recent cases investigated by ESI’s digital forensics experts pulled GPS data from different sources: Phone Apps, GPS dashcam devices, and Google take-out records. In each of these instances, the GPS evidence played a crucial role in establishing facts, proving innocence, and promoting justice.
Case 1: Accountability in Precision
In the first case, the power of GPS records became evident as they played a crucial role in determining responsibility in a road accident. The GPS data from a GPS dashcam device meticulously recorded the driver's actions and precise location leading up to the incident, allowing a detailed analysis of when the brakes were applied. This data proved instrumental in establishing the driver's culpability, showcasing how technology can provide irrefutable evidence in matters of public safety.
Case 2: Unveiling the Dynamics of an Accident
The second case involved an incident where a cyclist was struck by a car, and the subsequent GPS records helped reconstruct the events leading up to the collision. By leveraging the data from the cell phone fitness app Strava, digital experts could trace the cyclist's route, ascertain the speed at which he was traveling, identify his waiting points for crosswalk signals, and even analyze the skidding motion when he came to a stop. This level of detail not only provided a comprehensive understanding of the incident but also facilitated a more accurate determination of liability.
Case 3: Establishing Truth with Google Take-Out Records
The third case highlighted a different facet of GPS records—proving the absence of exposure to specific locations leading up to an incident. By utilizing Google take-out records, it was possible to demonstrate that an individual had not accessed certain places in the weeks preceding a particular event. This evidence played a vital role in establishing that exposure was not possible elsewhere, emphasizing how electronic GPS records can solidify a case and layer proof on top of verbal testimony.
The Ubiquity of Electronic GPS Records
These cases underscore the omnipresence of electronic GPS records in our daily lives. From the apps on our smartphones to GPS-enabled devices in our vehicles, the data collected serves as a digital trail that can be invaluable in legal cases. The ability to pinpoint locations, movements, and actions with precision has transformed the landscape of investigations and courtroom proceedings.
While GPS records can bring depth and clarity to people's actions, there are also privacy concerns about the level of tracking that now exists from many seemingly innocuous places. It is critical to strike a balance and understand how this data can be leveraged for justice while also advocating for consumer awareness of the type and degree of tracking that has been enabled on digital devices.
Could Your Case Benefit from GPS Data?
GPS data is now available from an increasing number of sources and is ushering in heightened accountability and precision in legal disputes. To ensure that all the relevant evidence is obtainable in your case, it is imperative to understand the extent of the available data and how to acquire it. Schedule a consultation with one of our Digital Evidence Experts to explore how this growing technology might impact your current and future cases.
