Forensic Evaluations
Civil and Family Law
- Psychological evaluation (mental status and stability)
- Parenting Time Evaluation / Child custody evaluation
- Parental Competency evaluation (e.g. evaluation of the parental competence of one party)
- Civil competency
- Civil tortious damages
Criminal Law
Capital Murder and Murder
- Psychological evaluation (mental status and stability)
- Competence to Stand Trial
- Mental State at Time of Offense (NGRI)
- Miranda waiver and false confession
- Sexual offense by a child or adult
- Risk Assessment (VRAG, Static 99R, HCR20v3, ODARA etc)
- Juvenile criminal matters
- Sentence mitigation
- Treatment placement
Attorney services
- Conduct a psychological evaluation as specified by court order. Forensic psychological evaluations are conducted adhering to professional practice guidelines, ethical standards, statute and evidentiary standards. A sound forensic evaluation is not a clinical report. Evaluations are based on relevant research and specialized knowledge using forensic methods to maintain neutrality and transparency while providing reliable and relevant information for the trier of fact.
- Conduct a psychological evaluation to determine mental status and emotional stability. A psychological evaluation evaluates the mental status of one person, and may be used to assess emotional functioning and emotional stability.
- Forensic work product review. When doubts arise about the adequacy or conclusions of an existing forensic evaluation, a review of the work product may assist in litigating your case. A review involves an objective assessment of the work product, including identifying vulnerabilities and weaknesses to expose in court as well as anticipating strengths that may be emphasized by the opposition. A review references professional guidelines and standards, adherence to forensic examination methods, signs of bias, and coherence between data and recommendations. A verbal report is prepared, followed by a written report if requested. The turnaround time for a preliminary review is one to two weeks. A review is not another evaluation, and does not result in a list of alternative recommendations.
- Litigation Support. When psychological issues extend beyond your legal expertise, litigation support becomes critical. The strengths and weaknesses of a custody evaluation or other psychological evaluation can be evaluated, and the resulting implications for litigation strategy. Relevant empirical research can be provided to assist the case. Psychological concepts and procedures can be clarified to permit convincing litigation of the issues. Assistance can be provided in preparing direct and cross examination questions for experts being deposed or testifying before the court. Services can be provided as a consulting or subject matter testifying expert.