Patton Consulting
Psychological Assessments
Services
When conducting forensic evaluations, a psychologist's report becomes a legal document. That document reflects not only upon the forensic evaluator's skills and opinions, but of the judicial system as a whole. In this sense, it is crucial to adhere to the highest of professional standards. This requires a specific writing style - one that is utilized and continuously perfected at Patton Consulting. Our experts use their knowledge, training and experience to draw empirical conclusions about how a defendant's mental health symptoms impact their legal concerns.
Evaluation of Competency to Stand Trial
Evaluators use systematic questions and procedures with each competency evaluation. With a focus on the referral question, data comes from four sources - self-report, objective testing, collateral contact, and observation in order to determine defendants' ability to understand the proceeding against them and to assist their attorney.
Evaluation of Sanity at the Time of the Offense
This evaluation addresses the defendant's mental state during the alleged crime, including whether he or she may have had a significant mental illness which rendered them insane at the time of the offense. Evaluators are mindful of the legal standard for insanity. The report is written to specifically address this legal standard, increasing defensibility. Experts can offer testimony regarding Sanity as well as Diminished Capacity in jurisdictions where this defense is accepted.
Trial and Litigation Consultation
In many cases, the individual charged with the crime does not fit the expected profile of the offender and may not warrant the same disposition. In these cases, a psychological evaluation can be an important tool in a plea negotiation. As such, a thorough psychological assessment can assist defense counsel in understanding the defendant's motivation for the crime and likelihood of re-offending. In other cases, a forensic psychologist can assist criminal defense attorneys in helping their clients understand the difficulty of their cases, the likely viewpoint of the jury,or reasons a trial should be avoided.
Pre-Sentencing Evaluations
Presentencing evaluations are conducted after conviction, but prior to sentencing. They are performed to determine if the defendant convicted of a crime should have mental health concerns considered during the sentencing phase of the trial. This is a comprehensive evaluation including numerous data sources such as mental health records, criminal history, social educational, and vocational background.
Risk Assessment of Sexual Offenders
Written in a manner commensurate with the court's need in determining a defendant's disposition in regard to two key components - treatment needs and community safety. Evaluators are well-versed in understanding psychosexual development as it relates to the circumstances of a sex offense.
Disability Determination
Defense attorneys may be unaware of the value of psychological expertise in defending or mitigating claims of emotional damage resulting from alleged, or even well documented, personal injury, discrimination, or sexual harassment. These claims are often based on highly emotional scenarios of abuse or discrimination—and can be persuasive in convincing juries to award large sums.
Guest Lecturing
Dr. Patton is a natural public speaker. She is a choice lecturer on issues related to forensic psychology. She is well liked by audiences because of her high energy and spirited presentations about such a unique niche in psychology - Forensics. She is experienced and knowledgeable and enjoys sharing her passion for Forensic Psychology.
If you are a meeting or event planner and would like to explore the possibility of Dr. Patton presenting at your event, please email or call her directly.