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Competency to Stand Trial Evaluations in Chicago, Atlanta, and Fort Lauderdale
Competency to Stand Trial Evaluations
Psycholegal Assessments, Inc. specializes in conducting thorough competency to stand trial or fitness to stand trial evaluations for individuals involved in legal proceedings. Our competency to stand trial evaluation services are available in Illinois, Georgia, Florida, Arizona, and Kansas. We offer in-person competency to stand trial assessments at our offices in Naperville (Chicago), Atlanta, and Fort Lauderdale. Furthermore, Dr. Steven Gaskell possesses the Temporary Authorization to Practice (TAP) credential which allows him to provide temporary in-person competency to stand trial evaluation services in any of the 43 PSYPACT states.
Evaluations are also offered through secure, HIPAA-compliant online video evaluations via Doxy.me or Zoom.
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Dr. Steven Gaskell - Forensic Psychologist
Understanding Competency to Stand Trial
A competency to stand trial or fitness to stand trial evaluation determines whether a defendant possesses the mental capacity to:
- Comprehend the nature and consequences of the legal proceedings.
- Effectively assist their attorney in preparing a defense.
If a defendant is found incompetent, they may undergo treatment aimed at restoring competency. Should restoration be unsuccessful, legal outcomes may include dismissal of charges or commitment to a mental health facility.
Fitness to Stand Trial or Competency to Stand Trial psychological evaluations, a defendant must understand the proceedings, be able to comprehend the charges against them and the penalties if convicted. They must also have some level of understanding of courtroom procedure and the functions of those who participate in it.
To cooperate with counsel, a defendant must
1. Be able to plan a legal strategy,
2. Have the ability to recall and relate pertinent facts and events, including motives and actions at the time of the offense, and
3. Be able to testify in their behalf and to challenge prosecution witnesses.
Key Components of the Competency to Stand Trial Evaluation
Understanding of Legal Proceeding
Ability to understand charges, potential penalties, courtroom procedures, and roles of courtroom personnel.
Capacity to Assist Attorney
Ability to communicate effectively with defense attorney, recall pertinent facts, and participate in defense strategy development.
Mental Health Assessment
Identification of any mental disorders, cognitive impairments, or psychological conditions affecting competency to stand trial or fitness to proceed.
Malingering Evaluation
Assessment for potential exaggeration or fabrication of symptoms.
Restoration Potential
Evaluation of the likelihood that treatment could restore competency.
Expertise of Dr. Steven Gaskell
Dr. Steven Gaskell brings over 25 years of extensive experience to competency to stand trial or fitness to stand trial evaluations:
Service Areas
Competency to Stand Trial Evaluation
Psycholegal Assessments, Inc. provides competency to stand trial evaluations or fitness to stand trial evaluations in the following locations:
Chicago, Illinois
and throughout Illinois
Atlanta, Georgia
and throughout Georgia
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
and throughout Florida
Other States
Evaluations available upon request and these can be completed in person or over secure videoconferencing. Dr. Steven Gaskell is a holder of the PSYPACT Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) which allows him to provide competency to stand trial evaluations by telehealth across 43 States. Furthermore, Dr. Gaskell possesses the Temporary Authorization to Practice (TAP) credential which allows him to provide temporary in-person services in any of the 43 PSYPACT states.
Schedule a Competency to Stand Trial Evaluation
To learn more about our competency to stand trial or fitness to stand trial evaluation services or to schedule an appointment, please contact us. We offer flexible scheduling and remote assessment options to accommodate your needs.
View types of Forensic Psychological Evaluations
Areas of Expertise
Competency to Stand TrialCompetency to Stand Trial, also known as Fitness to Stand Trial, is imperative for ensuring that a defendant can comprehend the nature and objective of the legal actions against them and actively cooperate with their defense attorney.
Psychosexual EvaluationsPsychosexual evaluations of sex offenders incorporate a comprehensive risk assessment utilizing actuarial instruments and other research-supported risk and protective factors.
Criminal ResponsibilityCriminal responsibility or sanity evaluations are critical when a defendant’s mental state at the time of committing an offense is in question. These evaluations can be initiated by the court, defense, or prosecution to establish a clear understanding of the defendant’s mental condition during the crime.
Independent Medical ExamAn Independent Medical Exam is conducted by a psychologist without prior involvement in the individual’s care, ensuring an objective assessment without a therapist-patient relationship.
Miranda Rights & Confession IssuesThe role of confessions and self-incriminating statements in criminal cases cannot be understated. Confessions are produced in about 50% of criminal cases, where suspects who provide self-incriminating statements are 26% more likely to be found guilty and convicted (Leo, 2006).
Malingering and DeceptionIn the legal realm, psychological assessments can be compromised by malingering or deception, with individuals potentially presenting themselves dishonestly during interviews and tests to influence the outcome.
Mitigating FactorsMitigating factors consider the defendant’s mental state and historical mental disorders or psychological trauma, even when these do not qualify for an insanity defense, to argue for a reduced sentence. The contributions of evaluations and reports by experts like Dr. Steven Gaskell are vital for presenting such evidence.
Guilty But Mentally Ill (GBMI)Introduced first in Michigan in 1975, the GBMI verdict was proposed to diminish the success rate of insanity defenses, offering a compromise verdict that, while seemingly compassionate, subjects the defendant to the same penalties as a guilty verdict.
Video Conferencing Available!
Schedule your free video consultation today. HIPAA-compliant evaluations available across multiple states.
Video Conferencing Available!
Psychological evaluations are now able to be completed by HIPAA compliant video conferencing.
Request more details by filling out the form below.
Video Conferencing Available!
Psychological evaluations are now able to be completed by HIPAA compliant video conferencing.
Request more details by filling out the form below.
