Effective date: 08 March 2026
These Terms and Conditions apply to all forensic lip-reading services provided by Jeremy Freeman, Expert Witness Forensic Lip Reader (“I”, “me”, “my”). By instructing me, accepting a quote, paying an invoice, or using my services, you agree to these Terms.
2.1 I provide forensic lip-reading analysis from recorded video materials and produce a written transcript and report.
2.2 I do not provide live lip-reading, lip-speaking, interpretation in court as a lip-speaker, dubbing, voice reconstruction, lip-syncing, or audio creation.
2.3 Where I agree to provide testimony (remote or in person), this will be subject to separate agreement, availability, and fees.
3.1 I normally provide a free initial assessment to determine whether the footage is suitable for reliable analysis.
3.2 An initial assessment is not a guarantee that decipherable content will be found.
3.3 If multiple files or substantial materials are provided, I may quote a paid assessment fee before proceeding.
4.1 Lip-reading is not an exact science and cannot be guaranteed to be 100% accurate.
4.2 Certain sounds and words look identical on the lips (visemes/homophenes), and mouth shapes vary due to coarticulation. Context, facial expression, and visible behaviour can assist interpretation, but limits remain.
4.3 Reliability depends heavily on video quality, including angle, lighting, distance, resolution, frame rate, compression, occlusion, and speaker movement.
4.4 Deliverables will indicate uncertainty and limitations where relevant. Any undecipherable sections will be marked as such.
4.5 My Deliverables are opinion evidence and must be considered alongside other evidence.
5.1 You must provide the best available source materials, ideally the master file without edits or manipulation.
5.2 You must supply relevant context, names/roles of speakers (if known), timecodes of interest, and deadlines.
5.3 You confirm you have lawful authority to share the Materials with me and that doing so does not breach confidentiality, court orders, or data protection obligations.
5.4 You are responsible for ensuring any deadlines, hearing dates, filing dates, or procedural requirements are communicated clearly.
6.1 Fees are set out in my quote or invoice. Unless agreed otherwise, all work is payable up front.
6.2 UK fees: from £150 + VAT per hour, minimum £200 + VAT, unless otherwise stated in writing.
6.3 US / international fees: as stated in the quote (for example US$200 per hour with minimum fees where applicable).
6.4 Time estimates are indicative only. As a guide, each minute of usable footage can take up to an hour to analyse.
6.5 Payment methods may include card and bank transfer, as shown on the invoice.
6.6 If payment is not received, I will not commence or will pause work.
6.7 VAT applies where legally required.
7.1 If the scope changes (additional clips, longer footage, extra speakers, extra deliverables, revised deadlines), I will confirm any revised fees and timescales in writing.
7.2 Urgent instructions may attract an expedited fee where I agree to prioritise work.
8.1 Turnaround times are estimates and depend on video quality, complexity, workload, and when complete Materials and payment are received.
8.2 If you have a court deadline, tell me immediately. I will confirm whether I can meet it before accepting the Instruction.
9.1 Court attendance and testimony are quoted separately and subject to availability.
9.2 If travel is required, you are responsible for travel, accommodation, and reasonable expenses unless agreed otherwise.
9.3 Hearings can move at short notice. If dates change, you must notify me as soon as possible.
10.1 Once work has started, fees are generally non-refundable because time is reserved and analysis is undertaken.
10.2 If you cancel before work begins, I may retain an administration fee where applicable, or refund at my discretion.
10.3 If court attendance has been booked, cancellation may incur costs already committed (travel/accommodation) and reserved time.
11.1 I will treat Materials and communications as confidential and use them only for the Instruction.
11.2 I may share Deliverables only with the Client and those the Client authorises, unless required by law or court order.
12.1 I handle personal data in accordance with my Privacy Policy on expertwitnesslipreader.com.
12.2 You should avoid sending unnecessary personal data. Where sensitive or criminal case data is involved, you confirm you have lawful authority to share it.
13.1 Copyright in my Deliverables remains mine until paid in full.
13.2 Once paid, you are licensed to use the Deliverables for the agreed legal or professional purpose.
13.3 You may not alter my Deliverables in a way that misrepresents my opinion. If extracts are used, they must be accurate and not misleading.
14.1 Deliverables are prepared for the named Client/instructing party only.
14.2 No third party may rely on them without my prior written consent.
15.1 Nothing in these Terms limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, or any liability that cannot be excluded under law.
15.2 Subject to clause 15.1, to the fullest extent permitted by law, I am not liable for indirect or consequential loss, loss of profit, loss of opportunity, or loss arising from decisions made based on Deliverables.
15.3 Where liability cannot be excluded, my total liability is limited to the fees paid for the specific Instruction giving rise to the claim.
These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales, and the courts of England and Wales have exclusive jurisdiction.
For instructions or questions about these Terms:
Jeremy Freeman
Email: jeremy.freeman@bamps.com
Address: Jeremy Freeman, Expertax, 42 – 44 Clarendon Road, Watford. WD17 1JJ