+ Competency

Criminal competency applies when there are questions regarding the capacity of an individual to competently participate in a legal procedure or competently perform a task which carries legally enforceable consequences. This can include competency to stand trial, waive Miranda, testify or represent Pro Se, or accept plea deal.

+ Mental State Defenses

Both diminished capacity and not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI) are considerations when a defendant has a mental illness and their actions directly contributed to their awareness of the actions or their understanding of right v. wrong in that moment.

+ Sentencing Mitigation

A psychological evaluation of a defendant can be an important aspect of a plea negotiation. In many cases, the defendant does not fit the expectable profile of a general offender, but also does not qualify for a mental state defense.

+ Risk/Threat Assessment

Schools, businesses and institutions often request an assessment regarding the potential risk an individual may pose to themselves or others. At times, risk is associated with likelihood of re-offense or future violent offending and is requested by the Court.

+ Military/Court Martial Proceedings

Criminal proceedings occurring on a military establishment follow the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and require the same principal application to this alternate setting and legal guideline.

+ Voluntary Intoxication

The role of voluntary use of alcohol or other drugs resulting in an altered state of consciousness can be used to argue a lesser degree of culpability.

+ Second Opinion Evaluations

At times a second opinion evaluation is requested. Such evaluations may be helpful to provide information to the court when conditions have changed or the initial evaluation provided insufficient or inaccurate information.

+ Pre-employment/Fitness for Duty

For several high-impact or high-risk occupations, ensuring the right type of candidate is critical. Pre-employment evaluations offer insight into the psychological functioning of candidates and can also address the capacity to carry firearms and return to duty after an incident.

+ Personal Injury/Independent Medical Examination (IME)

When determining the role that one’s actions possibly impacted another, often attorneys need a better understanding of the influences or role of psychological functioning or impairment (both pre and post injury). Personal injury evaluations provide opinions on possible harm as well as means to address these issues moving forward. Special consideration is given to the role of trauma response in these evaluations.

+ Civil Competency

Civil competency applies when there are questions regarding the capacity of an individual to competently participate in a legal procedure or competently perform a task which carries legally enforceable consequences. This can include a litigant’s ability to participate in a civil legal proceeding, manage financial affairs, change or create a will, or refuse treatment.

+ Guardianship

The court can appoint a guardian when there is a question of capacity to make everyday decisions. Often a psychological evaluation can help determine mental health-related areas for consideration, as well as the extent of the guardian’s role.

+ Parental Capacity/Child Protection

Evaluations of parental capacity provide opinions to the court to assist in decision making around a person’s parental capacity and the best psychological interests of their child. Parents referred for such evaluations often are alleged to have abused, abandoned or neglected their children or to have mental health and/or substance use issues which may have impaired their parental capacity.

+ Adoption/Foster Suitability

Questions may be raised about the readiness or suitability of an adoptive/foster parent or home. Evaluations are requested to provide information to a licensing entity regarding the readiness or suitability of parent to serve as a foster or adoptive home. At times, such evaluations consider the specific needs of a particular child and the capacity of the parent to meet that child’s needs.

+ Second Opinion Evaluations

At times a second opinion evaluation is requested. Such evaluations may be helpful to provide information to the court when conditions have changed or the initial evaluation provided insufficient or inaccurate information.

+ Evaluation Testimony

When required, testimony in court or via deposition is available for a previously completed forensic evaluation.

+ Scientific Expert Testimony

Providing research-based testimony on the professional literature pertaining to a specific legal question before the court.