Timeline Builder
Create precise event timelines from multiple evidence sources, sync events to video frames, and export court-ready chronologies.
Timeline Builder#
The Timeline Builder transforms scattered evidence into a clear, chronological narrative. Whether you are preparing for a suppression hearing or building a trial defense, the timeline is where your case comes together.
Creating a Timeline#
Every case project in FrameCounsel includes a default timeline. To create additional timelines for different aspects of a case (e.g., one for the arrest sequence, another for the booking process), go to Timeline > New Timeline or press .
Each timeline supports:
- Unlimited events with millisecond precision
- Color-coded event categories (officer actions, defendant actions, environmental events)
- Nested sub-events for complex sequences
- Annotations and notes attached to individual events
Adding Events from Multiple Sources#
Events can be added to the timeline from any evidence source in your case:
- From video - Right-click any frame and select "Add to Timeline" to pin an event to that exact moment
- From transcript - Highlight a passage in the transcript panel and drag it onto the timeline
- From report comparison - Flagged contradictions can be sent to the timeline with one click
- Manual entry - Press to create a freeform event at any timestamp
Drag and Drop
You can drag events directly from the Findings Panel, Transcript Panel, or Evidence Panel onto the timeline. FrameCounsel automatically extracts the timestamp and creates the event entry.
Syncing to Video Frames#
Every timeline event is linked to a specific frame in the source video. Click any event to jump the video player to that exact moment. When viewing the timeline alongside video playback, a playhead indicator shows the current position in real time.
This frame-level synchronization is essential for court presentations. Attorneys can walk a jury through the timeline event by event, with the corresponding video playing automatically at each step.
Multi-Source Timelines#
When a case involves multiple video sources (body cameras from different officers, surveillance cameras, cell phone recordings), the Timeline Builder merges events from all sources into a unified chronology. Events are color-coded by source, and you can filter the view to show events from specific sources.
Automatic Conflict Detection
When events from different sources overlap or conflict, FrameCounsel highlights the discrepancy in the timeline. This is particularly useful for identifying gaps or contradictions between multiple officers' body camera footage.
Court Export#
Export your timeline in formats suitable for legal proceedings:
| Format | Use Case |
|---|---|
| Printed timeline for motions, briefs, and exhibits | |
| Interactive HTML | Clickable timeline for digital presentation in court |
| CSV | Raw data for use with other litigation support tools |
| PowerPoint | Slide-ready timeline graphics for jury presentation |
All exports include source citations, evidence hashes, and chain-of-custody references to maintain evidentiary integrity.
Next Steps#
Enhance your timeline with identity information using Face Recognition to track individuals across your video evidence.