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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).
