Forensic Evaluations for Individuals
Seeking custody of a child? Have you been charged with assaulting a spouse or other family member? Timing of your evaluation is important. If you ask for an assessment prior to adjudication of your case, it could look like you are admitting guilt unless the right type of evaluation is performed.
This is why I differentiate between pre-adjudication and post-adjudication evaluations. In either case, I prepare a report that is based on an impartial evaluation of the details. My goal is to assist your attorney without you having to admit to anything.
For a pre-adjudication evaluation, I begin by studying all the incident reports, 911 calls, and information from witnesses and alleged victims. Then I follow up with a comprehensive interview, which includes some mental health and behavioral testing. Each test is empirically proven, so I will arrive at the most accurate conclusion possible.
My goal is to determine if you have the characteristics of a DV offender. This is important because there are many explanations for behavior that aren’t due to DV tendencies. Thus, a domestic violence (DV) evaluation can determine whether intervention is needed or not.
If you are convicted, then a post-adjudication evaluation focuses on an “Assessment for a level of care.” My goal is to ensure the plan recommended to the court is best suited to your needs.
The information gathered during a pre-adjudication evaluation, if one was conducted, may be used as the foundation for recommending the mediation best suited to your situation.
Types of Tests
Domestic Violence evaluations are designed to identify whether domestic violence tendencies are present and the likelihood for change when they are.
Anger/aggression management evaluations likewise help uncover whether anger management counseling could be helpful.
If you have undergone several sessions of either domestic violence intervention or anger/aggression management, a no-contact order (NCO) evaluation may be the first step to modifying a no-contact order and rebuilding healthy relationships.
