Location data from cell providers is often only retained for 7 to 90 days.

Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile each have their own policies. Without preservation:

• Call detail records (CDRs) with location info can be gone within 2 weeks.

• Historical tower data might not be available at all unless requested early.

📌 Practical Action: Use a standardized preservation letter template. Send it immediately upon case assignment—even before formal discovery begins. Include account info, phone number, and relevant dates/times.

NEW!

Our next Tip will talk about on scene video surveillance and its importance of securing it quickly. See more at the Digital Evidence Toolbox.

Leverage our Digital Evidence capabilities and call us at IRIS LLC to help preserve digital evidence that could prevent wrongful conviction.