Terms of Service

These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your use of the DMVForensics website and the digital forensics, data recovery, and incident response services (“Services”) provided by DMVForensics (“we,” “us,” or “our”). By booking a visit, submitting an intake form, or engaging our Services, you agree to these Terms.

1. Description of Services

We provide onsite digital forensics and data recovery services at your home or office in the DMV region. Services may include forensic imaging of devices, analysis of data (including deleted or hidden content), recovery attempts, timeline reconstruction, written reports with hashes and documentation, and expert consultation.

Our Services are for private clients, families, small businesses, and their attorneys. We are not a law enforcement agency.

2. Booking, Pricing & Deposits

• Rapid Response Onsite ($449): Target arrival within 60 minutes in core DMV. Requires a 50% deposit to secure the time slot due to high demand and limited rapid capacity. The balance is due at the time of service or per invoice.
• Standard Home Visit ($299): Scheduled within 48 hours or next business day. Full payment or deposit terms communicated at booking.
• Complex / Litigation matters: Custom quotes with capped estimates provided after initial assessment. No surprise billing.

All prices include travel within core DMV unless otherwise stated. Additional travel or after-hours fees may apply outside core areas and will be disclosed upfront.

3. Client Responsibilities

• Provide accurate contact and incident information.
• Ensure we have lawful access and authorization to examine the devices (you represent that you are the owner or have explicit permission from the owner).
• Provide safe access to the premises and devices at the scheduled time.
• Disclose any known risks (malware, legal holds, ongoing litigation, etc.).
• Cooperate with reasonable requests during the engagement.

4. Reports, Work Product & Intellectual Property

All forensic reports, images, findings, and documentation we create are our work product. Upon full payment, you receive a non-exclusive license to use the final report for your intended personal, civil, insurance, or legal purposes. We retain the right to use anonymized, aggregated data for professional development.

Raw forensic images remain our property until secure destruction or return as agreed.

5. Chain of Custody

We follow documented, professional chain-of-custody procedures using industry-standard tools and methods. While we take great care, the ultimate admissibility of any evidence or report in court is determined by the judge, jurisdiction, and the full legal context — including how the devices were handled before we arrived. See our Forensic Disclaimer for important details.

6. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, OUR TOTAL LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THE SERVICES SHALL NOT EXCEED THE TOTAL FEES PAID BY YOU FOR THE SPECIFIC ENGAGEMENT GIVING RISE TO THE CLAIM.

WE ARE NOT LIABLE FOR INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF DATA, LOSS OF PROFITS, OR EMOTIONAL DISTRESS, REGARDLESS OF THE CAUSE.

Nothing in these Terms limits liability for gross negligence or willful misconduct under applicable law.

7. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold us harmless from claims arising from your breach of these Terms, misrepresentation of device ownership or authorization, or misuse of our reports.

8. Cancellation & Refunds

See our separate Cancellation & Refund Policy for detailed rules, especially regarding 50% deposits for rapid response slots.

9. No Legal Advice; Not Law Enforcement

We provide technical forensic services only. Nothing we say or write constitutes legal advice. In any matter involving potential criminal activity, contact law enforcement and a qualified attorney immediately. Our Services are not a substitute for police investigation.

10. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia (or the applicable jurisdiction in the DMV where services are performed), without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes shall first be attempted to be resolved through good-faith negotiation. If unsuccessful, disputes shall be resolved in the state or federal courts located in Virginia.

11. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms. Continued use of our website or Services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated version. The date at the top indicates the current effective date.

12. Contact

Questions about these Terms? Call our 24/7 line or email us before booking if anything is unclear. We are happy to discuss in plain English.