Forensic Evaluation Services

Psychological evaluations, such as competency evaluations and criminal responsibility evaluations, are often requested by defense attorneys or the courts to assess general psychological functioning, identify treatment needs, and uncover mental health factors that may influence the legal case. These evaluations can encompass various assessments, including IQ testing, personality testing, and symptom evaluation related to psychopathology. Additionally, specialized evaluations like parental fitness evaluations or psychosexual evaluations may be conducted, either virtually or in person, depending on the specific testing requirements.

Psychosexual evaluations are often recommended for individuals charged with sexual crimes or those seeking early release from the Sex Offender Registry. This assessment includes a general psychological evaluation that covers psychological functioning and psychosexual development, helping to identify strengths, needs, and risks. Additionally, it addresses past treatment or current treatment needs. These evaluations, along with competency evaluations and criminal responsibility evaluations, are typically conducted virtually.

Competency evaluations, including psychological evaluations and criminal responsibility evaluations, can be conducted to determine a person's capacity to proceed to trial with an intact court-related fund of knowledge. These evaluations also assess the individual's ability to adequately assist their defense team in their own best interest, while addressing any restoration issues. Additionally, parental fitness evaluations and psychosexual evaluations may be relevant in specific cases.

Criminal responsibility evaluation pertains to an individual's ability to discern right from wrong and their capacity to control their behavior. It can encompass various issues, including Guilty But Mentally Ill and Diminished Capacity. Evaluations such as competency evaluations and psychological evaluations are often requested by your attorney or the courts. Additionally, parental fitness evaluations and psychosexual evaluations may also be relevant in certain cases.

Making the decision to take guardianship of an aging or disabled family member is a complex and often emotional process. Conducting a competency evaluation not only aids in the guardianship case by determining the level of assistance needed but also helps the individual recognize and accept their limitations. In cases where criminal responsibility evaluation or parental fitness evaluation may be relevant, a mobile assessment can be provided to ensure that living conditions are taken into account. Additionally, psychological evaluation and psychosexual evaluation can further inform the guardianship decision.

Marriage does not always work out, and the conflict can have a negative impact on the children involved. A parental fitness evaluation, which is distinct from a custody evaluation, seeks to determine whether a parent has any needs or impediments to effective parenting. These evaluations may also include aspects of a psychological evaluation, especially when considering a parent's competency evaluation or criminal responsibility evaluation. Typically, they are requested by the courts or the Guardian Ad Litem in the case, ensuring the best interests of the children are prioritized.

Most evaluations, such as competency evaluations and psychological evaluations, do not require or involve court testimony. However, Dr. Hafele has extensive experience providing expert witness testimony to the court, having testified at both the state and federal level in cases related to criminal responsibility evaluations, parental fitness evaluations, and psychosexual evaluations.