Criminal Forensic Evaluations

Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI)

The purpose of this forensic psychology evaluation is to determine whether a defendant was legally insane at the time of committing a crime (i.e., lacked the capacity to understand the wrongfulness of their actions or conform their behavior to the law due to a severe mental illness or defect). These evaluations address the defendant’s mental state during the offense and whether it meets the legal criteria for insanity under the jurisdiction’s laws.

Competency

The purpose of this forensic psychology evaluation is to evaluate whether the individual has the ability to understand the legal process and assist in their defense, as required by legal standards.

Risk Assessment

To evaluate an individual’s potential for engaging in harmful behaviors, such as violence, sexual offending, or self-harm. These evaluations are used in various settings, including criminal justice, mental health, and workplace environments, to inform decisions about intervention, management, or supervision.

Sentencing Mitigation

To provide the court with information about a defendant’s psychological, emotional, or developmental history that may serve as mitigating factors during sentencing. These evaluations aim to offer context for the defendant’s behavior and help the court determine an appropriate and fair sentence.

Domestic Violence

The purpose of the evaluation is to provide the court or other legal entities with insights into the psychological factors contributing to the domestic violence, assess the risk of future violence, and recommend appropriate interventions or treatments. This can play a crucial role in legal decisions regarding custody, restraining orders, and sentencing. The evaluation also aims to aid in the development of therapeutic strategies to address the underlying psychological issues and promote healthier relationship dynamics.

This is a comprehensive assessment conducted by a one of our experts to understand the psychological dynamics and impact of domestic violence on both the victims and the perpetrators. This evaluation typically involves a detailed review of the individuals’ mental health, history of violence, family background, and relationship dynamics. The assessment may include interviews with the victim, the accused, and possibly other family members, as well as psychological testing to evaluate mental health conditions, personality traits, and risk factors for future violence.

Sexual Assault

This evaluation is pivotal for legal proceedings, aiming to provide an objective psychological profile of the accused and, if possible, assess the psychological impact of the assault on the victim.

The evaluation process typically includes a series of in-depth interviews with the accused, the victim, and witnesses. It also involves psychological testing to assess mental health issues, personality characteristics, and any cognitive distortions related to sexual behavior. The psychologist may review medical, criminal, and social work records to gather a comprehensive understanding of the background and behaviors of the individuals involved.

The goals of the evaluation are manifold: determining the mental state of the accused at the time of the offense, evaluating the risk of reoffense, understanding the trauma impact on the victim, and providing recommendations for judicial outcomes like competency, sentencing, and treatment options. These evaluations are crucial for ensuring that judicial decisions are informed by a thorough understanding of the psychological elements of each case.