Services
Forensic Evaluations
A Forensic Evaluation is a comprehensive assessment that involves a clinical interview with the defendant where information is gathered about their early life (schooling, family life, trauma, substance use, history with law enforcement). It also consists of a review of provided records (MDOC record while incarcerated, previous forensic evaluations completed, court transcripts, police reports), a description of the psychological tests performed and the associated scores, the defendants potential for rehabilitation, and a conclusion based on the evaluation and a sentencing recommendation.
Criminal Responsibility
Criminal responsibility consists of a comprehensive mental health evaluation. Based upon the findings of the evaluation, a written summary is provided which details the team's professional opinion on whether the defendant should be deemed responsible for the alleged crime based on their mental or emotional state at the time.
Competency to Stand Trial
If there is reason to believe that a defendant may be suffering from a mental illness or defect rendering them mentally incompetent to the extent that they are unable to understand the nature and consequences of the charges against them or to assist in their own defense, a court order will be issued for a psychological evaluation. The team provides their professional opinion on the defendant’s competency after administering more than a dozen psychological assessments and a thorough clinical interview.
Expert Testimony
Expert testimony is an opinion stated under oath by a qualified individual during a trial or deposition. Such testimony can aid in clarifying complex concepts, presenting scientific evidence, evaluating data, and assisting in understanding the implications of certain actions or events.
Mitigation Services
Mitigation is a complex, multi-pronged approach to preparing for sentencing for a defendant’s crime with the goal of reducing or lessening the effects of aggravating factors. Mitigation is the story-telling part of representing the criminal defendant. Where the prosecution talks about the crime and the victim, mitigation talks about the story of the defendant as a person before the crime, after the crime, and in the future.
Forensic Substance Abuse Evaluations
Forensic assessments of substance abuse have tremendous potential impact. Conclusions from forensic assessments contribute to decisions regarding guilt or innocence, affect sentencing, and/or influence the kind of treatment or rehabilitation offered to individual offenders. Clients with substance-related problems often deny, minimize, rationalize, and under-report, whether intentionally or unintentionally, making accurate evaluation very challenging. Additionally, there are many incentives for clients to avoid full disclosure, because the stakes are often so high (e.g., child custody evaluations, sentencing evaluations, etc.). In spite of these challenges, there are many strategies and techniques that substance use professionals can use to differentiate fact from fiction, arriving at a defensible conclusion that the clinician can feel confident about.
Guardianship Determinations
A forensic psychology evaluation for the need for guardianship involves an inventory of one’s functional challenges and daily demands, how those are met, and how accommodated when not met. Home visits may be essential, depending on the functioning being assessed. Ultimately, the guardianship evaluation enumerates exactly what a person needs a guardian for and what would enable the person to resume a more autonomous decision-making.
Court Ordered Mental Health Evaluations
Due to the complex nature of legal proceedings, courts have developed various methods and measures to evaluate cases. One such process is a mental health evaluation for court, also known as a court-ordered or independent evaluation. With the assistance of a lawyer, litigants may request the court complete an independent evaluation before proceeding with another stage of legal action. A court-ordered mental health evaluation is not mandatory in all cases. Still, it can help determine whether the case meets specific criteria before moving forward with legal action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Dr. King will attend court hearings based on the needs of the client.
Yes, we offer the option to schedule virtual evaluations via Zoom.
No, services are private pay only or court approved payment.
Yes, Dr. King is willing to travel to conduct evaluations or attend court hearings based on the client’s needs.