Consumer electronics and digital data have become central to modern criminal cases. Law enforcement agencies often have significant resources to collect and analyze digital evidence, while the State Public Defender historically lacked comparable capabilities.
To close this gap, SPD launched its in-house Digital Forensics Program in 2020. Supported in part by a U.S. Department of Justice Byrne Grant, the program provides critical forensic resources to SPD attorneys and court-appointed counsel, helping ensure high-quality legal representation for indigent clients across. Iowa.
How We Help Attorneys
- Evidence Collection & Analysis
Trained examiners assist with the forensic collection and analysis of digital evidence from devices such as smartphones, computers, and Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices. This ensures evidence is handled in a sound, reliable manner.
- Cost Savings
By providing in-house expertise, the program reduces reliance on outside expert witnesses, lowering costs and saving taxpayer dollars.
- Case Strategy & Support
Our examiners help attorneys interpret complex digital evidence, identify key findings, and uncover potentially exculpatory information that might otherwise remain hidden.
Our Team & Capabilities
Our team is committed to providing high-quality digital forensics support to indigent defense attorneys across Iowa. Currently, the program includes three trained examiners and three Cellebrite workstations, leveraging industry-leading tools for data extraction and analysis.
Kristofer Lyon
ICMDE, 3CE, CTSME, CCO-CCPA
Investigator II, Program Coordinator
Iowa City Office
klyon@spd.state.ia.us
Michael Ingram
CCO-CCPA
Investigator II, Digital Forensics Specialist
Sioux City Office
mingram@spd.state.ia.us