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Here you will find case studies on how a forensic psychologist can assist in legal cases. Due to confidentiality and privacy concerns, we are unable to discuss cases in detail. We have changed circumstances, names, and other details to make the case studies into a hypothetical sense.
Our team gives an educational perspective on the types of cases our practice has worked on and how and why the forensic evaluation was useful.
Determining a defendant’s competency to stand trial is a critical task that can significantly impact the judicial process. This case study explores a scenario of a 26-year-old Mexican American female defendant, referred to here as “Jane Doe,” who was initially deemed incompetent to stand trial due to apparent cognitive impairments. A request for a second opinion was made to our office. Our second-opinion evaluation revealed that Jane was malingering, ultimately leading to a finding of her having the capacity to know and understand the charges against her and the capacity to work with her attorney.
Determining a defendant’s eligibility for mental health diversion is a vital legal framework aimed at diverting individuals with mental health disorders from incarceration to treatment programs, fostering recovery and easing pressures on the judicial system. This case study explores a scenario of a 33-year-old Mexican American female defendant, referred to here as “Jane Doe,” who was referred to our office for a mental health diversion evaluation. Our evaluation revealed that Jane was did meet criteria for mental health diversion and her attorney did confirm that the judge granted her mental health diversion.
Criminal responsibility evaluations assess a defendant’s mental state at the time of a crime, which can provide important information to the court when determining whether the defendant can be held legally accountable for their actions. Determining criminal responsibility ensures a fair legal process and helps to maintain a balance between criminal justice, public safety, and the ethical treatment of individuals with mental health disorders within the legal system. This case study explores the evaluation of a 30-year-old male defendant, “John Doe,” who entered a plea of Not Guilty by Reason of Mental Disease or Defect (NGRI).
PTSD vs. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) in a Juvenile Delinquency Disposition CasePTSD requires one to have been exposed to death, threatened death, actual or threatened serious injury, or sexual violence.
This can occur through direct exposure, witnessing the trauma, or learning that a relative or close friend was exposed to trauma, indirect exposure to aversive details of the trauma, usually in the course of professional duties (e.g., first responders, etc.)
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Delusional Disorder in a Competency to Stand Trial CaseDelusional Disorders are not common. The DSM-5 indicates that the prevalence of delusional disorder in the United States is estimated to be around 0.02%
The DSM states that a Delusional Disorder consists of the presence of one or more delusions for one month or longer in a person who, except for the delusions and their behavioral ramifications, does not appear odd and is not functionally impaired. Further, prominent hallucinations and other psychotic or marked mood symptoms are absent.
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Parenting & Attachment Theory in Juvenile Trauma CasesThe job of a parent cannot be underestimated. Parents and Caregivers play an integral role in child development.
Attachment Theory explains how the parent-child relationship emerges and influences subsequent development.
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ADHD as a Mitigating FactorA neuropsychological evaluation is an assessment of the brain’s strengths and weaknesses. We evaluate adolescents and adults.
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In Utero Exposure to Substances- A Juvenile CaseEnvironmental toxicants such as drugs or alcohol significantly impact fetal development. The number of deficits will depend on many factors.
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Autism & Competency to Stand TrialAutism is considered a developmental disorder because symptoms and deficits begin in the early years of life. Autism impacts communication and socialization to various degrees.
Coming Soon…
