Evaluations

A thorough evaluation can have a significant impact upon the outcome of a case. Evaluations performed by the doctors at Forensic Specialty Group utilize empirically supported methods and reflect best practices in the field of Forensic Psychology. Our doctors provide evaluation and consultation in both adult and juvenile criminal matters.

Specific evaluations include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• Competency to Stand Trial

• Competency to Waive Rights under Miranda

• Criminal Responsibility/Mental State at the Time of Offense

• Transfer of juvenile defendants to or from adult court

• Diminished Capacity/Diminished Responsibility/Mitigation

• Sentencing, including aggravation and mitigation in Capital cases

• Psychosexual evaluation/Sexual Violence Risk Assessment

• Violence Risk Assessment

• Parenting Fitness/Capacity in Child Protection Cases

If you have a question about a case that does not fit one of the above categories, please contact us to discuss your specific situation.

Consultation / Expert Testimony

Forensic Specialty Group provides issue-focused, state-of-the-art consultation on a range of psychological issues relevant to legal proceedings.

Our professional staff members are skilled in the provision of high-value, relevant testimony that will be useful to judges and juries.

In addition to the consultation and testimony that comes with an evaluation, we also provide assistance in cases where an evaluation is not required but consultation and/or testimony regarding a specific issue is needed. We provide not only pre-trial consultation but also on-site, live consultation during court hearings, trials and depositions to assist attorneys with such issues as examination of witnesses and dealing with psychological testimony or data.

We can help with: 

• Research and preparation of briefs regarding Psychological issues

• Assistance with cross examination of expert witnesses

• Review of evidence, including mental health records, statements of defendants, alleged victims and witnesses and other case materials

In addition, Dr. Richards and Dr. Dickson both have specialized training in Forensic Interviewing of Children in cases of suspected abuse. They regularly provide consultation in cases that involve child victims. Consultation topics include not only the review of Forensic Interviews but also issues such as cognitive development, memory, language, suggestibility and normative sexual behavior in children. Dr. Richards and Dr. Dickson have both been qualified as an expert witness and provided testimony regarding these issues in juvenile, adult, and military courts.

Fees

Forensic Specialty Group’s fee schedule is available by request. All discussions of fees will be done prior to Forensic Specialty Group becoming involved in a case.

Full payment of a non-refundable fee is typically required at the time of the first appointment or at the beginning of our consultation on a case, except in cases when the evaluation or consultation is being funded by the Court or a public defense entity. In these cases, an itemized invoice will be forwarded at the completion of our work on the case.

In some instances, we provide services for a modified fee due to contractual obligations an/or agreements with various agencies. If you have questions about whether or not your agency has a specific fee arrangement, please contact our office.