Forensic Psychology

Many people feel overwhelmed when they are involved, in one way or another, with the court system. They may have been charged with a crime, injured on the job and are no longer able to work, at risk of being deported, hoping for a lenient sentence, or require anger management counseling as part of a judge’s order. They may even fear being considered at risk for future violence or future sexual offending. In each of these cases, it is common to petition the court for a right to a mental health evaluation or appropriate treatment rather than incarceration. Forensic psychologists are specially trained to help people in these unique times of need.

Similarly, forensic psychologists can help attorneys who feel their clients lack the capacity to understand the court proceedings against them, did not understand their Miranda warning, would be better served tried in an adult versus juvenile court, are feigning/exaggerating psychiatric symptoms, or were insane at the time they committed an offense. Not only can forensic psychologists do each of these specialized evaluations, in other situations they are able to work with attorneys in case conceptualization, jury selection, witness preparation, or to serve as expert witnesses when psychological issues are at hand.

Some examples of the type of forensic services HRC can offer you include:

Criminal Cases:

  • Adult-Court Waiver
  • Capacity to Proceed Evaluations
  • Competency to Waive Miranda Evaluations
  • Dangerousness and/or Sex-Offender Risk Assessments
  • Malingering Assessments
  • Mitigation / Diminished Capacity Evaluations
  • Mental State at Time of the Offense Evaluations (aka Insanity Evaluations)

Civil Cases:

  • Disability and Worker’s Compensation Evaluations
  • Impact of Trauma Assessments
  • Civil Competencies (e.g. Enter into a Legal Contract, Execute a Will, Make Medical Decisions)

General Services:

  • Case Conceptualization
  • Fact Testimony
  • Jury Selection
  • Trial Presentation Systems
  • Witness Preparation

If you require any of these (or closely related) forensic services, call HRC and ask to speak with a forensic psychologist. We would be happy to discuss your needs in more detail.