Criminal Forensic Neuropsychology

NSG provides forensic neuropsychological evaluations for criminal proceedings, retained by defense counsel, prosecutors, and courts. Our forensic neuropsychologists conduct evaluations in jails, courts, and clinics, applying standardized neuropsychological testing with performance validity tests (PVTs) and symptom validity tests (SVTs) to the questions that decide criminal cases: competency, capacity, criminal responsibility, and mitigation. Every engagement produces a clear, well-documented report prepared to withstand cross-examination.

Criminal Forensic Services

• Competency to stand trial evaluations
• Miranda waiver capacity and interrogative suggestibility evaluations
• Mental state and criminal responsibility evaluations
• Atkins intellectual disability evaluations in capital cases
• Sentencing mitigation evaluations
• Competency for execution evaluations
• Consultation, record review, and rebuttal analysis of opposing expert reports
• Expert witness testimony, including depositions, trial testimony, and Daubert and Frye hearings

What a Criminal Forensic Evaluation Includes

A full criminal forensic evaluation at NSG includes three components:

• Records and Collateral Review Review of discovery materials, school and medical records, prior psychological testing, jail records, and collateral interviews relevant to the referral question.
• Standardized Testing Norm-referenced neuropsychological and psychological testing, administered in jail, court, or clinic settings, including embedded and stand-alone performance validity tests (PVTs) and symptom validity tests (SVTs).
• Defensible Reporting and Testimony A clear report tying opinions to records, data, and accepted forensic standards, with availability for depositions, hearings, and trial testimony.

NSG also accepts records-only engagements, providing consultation, record review, and rebuttal analysis without an in-person examination.

For Defense Counsel, Prosecutors, and Courts

To discuss a case or schedule an evaluation, call (888) 606-0086 or fax records to (346) 223-0296. We accept retained and court-appointed matters. Helpful materials include the indictment or charging documents, discovery, school and medical records, prior testing, and the specific referral questions before the court. Our examiners are experienced with jail-based testing logistics, including facility clearance and secure test administration.

Referral Questions We Answer

Criminal forensic evaluations at NSG address questions including:

• Is the defendant competent to stand trial?
• Did the defendant have the capacity to waive Miranda rights?
• Does the defendant meet criteria for intellectual disability under Atkins?
• What cognitive or psychiatric factors bear on mitigation at sentencing?
• Is the individual competent for execution?
• Are reported deficits supported by performance and symptom validity testing?

Criminal forensic referrals can be directed to our forensic neuropsychologists statewide and by arrangement in additional jurisdictions. For civil matters, see Civil Forensic Neuropsychology. Call (888) 606-0086 or fax referral documentation to (346) 223-0296.