Understanding Digital Evidence

Date / Time: 2/5/26, 1:30 – 3 PM

Location: Hybrid Format

In-Person at Ceremonial Courtroom of the Criminal Justice Center, 1201 Franklin, 20th Floor; and By Zoom

Description:

At this CLE, speaker Nicolas Hughes will offer a practical framework for issue-spotting and strategic thinking around digital evidence, including cell phone data. Attorneys will learn the significance of common entries in digital forensic reports, how the data is generated, and how to navigate thousands of pages while knowing when expert assistance is necessary. Emphasizing the inherent complexity of digital evidence, Nick will equip attorneys to engage with this evidence more critically and effectively in defense of their clients.

Speaker: Nicolas Hughes

Since 2008, Nicolas Hughes has been helping people who find themselves facing the criminal law system. During his legal career, Nicolas has represented clients in every stage of a criminal proceeding. From trial, to appeal, to post-conviction proceedings, Nicolas has helped people find relief wherever and whenever it may exist.

Nicolas believes that each person's case is like a three-legged stool - a case must rest on the law, the facts, or on forensic science. If the defense team can knock out any leg of that stool, the case will fall apart. Nicolas is hardworking and determined, and will work each client to uncover the facts that will take the legs out of the prosecution's case. Experienced in appeals, Nicolas is in a position to identify, research, and challenge any legal issues in each case. Nicolas has a masters degree in digital forensics, serves on scientific advisory boards, and previously worked exclusively on cases involving forensic evidence. As a result, Nicolas is respected for his ability to understand and challenge forensic evidence not only by attorneys, but by forensic scientists. If there are any weaknesses in a case, we will work together to find them.

Nicolas is motivated by the golden rule, by empathy for the people he serves, and a passion for ensuring that each client's voice is heard.