Criminal Evaluations
Court‑ready assessments for competency, criminal responsibility, diversion, risk, and juvenile matters.
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Competency to Stand Trial
Evaluate whether defendants understand the proceedings and can assist counsel. Our assessments address both prongs of the Dusky standard and include analysis of mental disorder, cognitive impairment, and ability to consult with counsel.
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Self-Representation/Faretta
Determine whether a defendant has the capacity to waive counsel and represent themselves. We consider statutory criteria under Faretta and Indiana v. Edwards, including rational understanding of proceedings and ability to present a defense.
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Sanity/Criminal Responsibility
Examine criminal responsibility under M’Naghten and Penal Code §1026–1027. We assess whether mental disease or defect prevented the defendant from understanding the nature of the act or distinguishing right from wrong.
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Mental Health Diversion
Evaluate eligibility for mental‑health diversion programs under Penal Code §1001.36. Assessments consider mental disorder, nexus to the offense, treatment needs, and public safety considerations.
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Resentencing Evaluations
Provide psychosocial evaluations for resentencing and mitigation hearings, including Miller/Franklin/Heard cases. We examine developmental history, trauma, mental illness, and rehabilitation potential.
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Mitigation & Specific-Intent
Assess psychological, developmental, and environmental factors that may have contributed to the alleged offense or reduce culpability at sentencing. We consider mental health, trauma history, cognitive functioning, and capacity for insight, change, and rehabilitation.
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Violence Risk
Assess risk of future violence or sexual offending using structured professional judgment tools such as HCR‑20 V3, Static‑99R, and Stable‑2007. We integrate actuarial scores with clinical factors to inform sentencing, supervision, or civil commitment decisions.
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Juvenile Evaluations
Evaluate juveniles’ competence to stand trial and factors relevant to transfer hearings (WIC §709). We consider cognitive development, maturity, mental health, and amenability to rehabilitation.
Our Process
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We clarify statutory standards and case law relevant to the referral (e.g., Dusky for competency, M’Naghten for insanity, WIC §709 for juvenile competency).
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We examine legal filings, police reports, medical and mental‑health records, prior evaluations, and collateral documentation.
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We interview the examinee, administer appropriate instruments (e.g., MacCAT‑CA, R‑CRAS, HCR‑20 V3, Static‑99R, Stable‑2007, SAVRY, JACI), and assess for malingering if appropriate.
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When appropriate, we consult with attorneys, treatment providers, family members, and institutional staff to corroborate information.
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We synthesize data into a clear, court‑ready report addressing statutory criteria, case law, and the psycho‑legal question. We provide testimony as needed.
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Our psychologists provide clear, objective, and evidence-based testimony to assist the court in understanding psychological findings and their relevance to the legal issues at hand. We explain evaluation methods, results, and opinions in plain language, grounded in professional standards and empirical research. Testimony is provided in hearings, trials, and sentencing proceedings as needed.
FAQs
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Yes. We provide expert testimony and consultation throughout criminal proceedings.
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All evaluations are conducted objectively and independently. Our role is to provide impartial, evidence-based opinions that assist the court in understanding psychological findings, regardless of referral source.
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Yes. When permitted by the court and appropriate for the referral question, we conduct evaluations via secure, HIPAA-compliant videoconferencing platforms. Remote evaluations follow the same standards of validity and confidentiality as in-person assessments, with clear documentation of any limitations related to format.
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Yes. We regularly conduct evaluations in jails, detention facilities, and hospitals throughout California. These evaluations are coordinated in advance with facility staff to ensure access to the examinee, necessary security clearances, and a confidential assessment environment.
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