Criminal and Juvenile Mitigation
Criminal cases involve a complex system of laws and procedures, which are designed to ensure that justice is served fairly and equitably. However, in order to achieve this goal, it is important for the prosecutors and the defense attorneys to have a comprehensive understanding of the offender's background and circumstances. One key concept in this process is the criminal mitigation evaluation, a vital tool in assessing the offender's potential for rehabilitation, and the appropriate level of sentencing.
Evaluations focus on general mental health evaluations, including exploring for deviations between a client’s baseline and their mental state when the charges occurred. If applicable, we will diagnose psychiatric disorders and emphasize the role of psychiatric symptoms as they relate to the incident in question.
The criminal mitigation evaluation is a process whereby the offender’s background, personal history, and circumstances that led up to the crime are thoroughly investigated and evaluated by a mental health professional. This process aims to help the court to determine an appropriate sentence, by taking into account the offender’s individual circumstances.
Criminal mitigation evaluations can be used to help reduce sentence length, and recommend alternative sentencing options such as community service, counseling, or probation.
The evaluations may provide treatment recommendations, as well as referrals to accountability courts if applicable.
These evaluations can either be directed via court order or are sought voluntarily by either defense or prosecution.
The importance of criminal mitigation evaluations lies in the fact that they provide a more accurate and individualized assessment of the offender, which can help to prevent further criminal behavior. By taking into account the offender’s mental health, past traumas, emotional state, and life circumstances, the court can make more informed decisions, and avoid imposing inappropriate or excessive sentences.
Moreover, the evaluation can help to identify underlying issues, such as drug addiction or mental illness, which may have contributed to the offender's behavior. By addressing these issues, the offender can receive the necessary treatment and support, which can facilitate their rehabilitation.
The fee for this type of evaluation varies depending on allegation or concerns and is available for adolescents or adults.
*We do not typically take cases where substance abuse is the primary diagnosis. We do not provide DUI evaluations at this time.
**We do not accept cases related to sexual crimes or alleged perpetrators of domestic violence