A criminal responsibility evaluation is an assessment to determine whether an individual accused of a crime is criminally responsible for their actions. The evaluation involves a comprehensive examination of the defendant’s mental state at the time of the crime, including any mental disorders or conditions that may have influenced their behavior. These evaluations are commonly referred to as Insanity evaluations.
It is important to note that Insanity is a legal concept, not a clinical one. The legal insanity defense is also called Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI). During an Insanity evaluation, the psychologist is tasked with assessing a defendant’s mental state at the time of the offense, not at the time of the evaluation. For a defendant to be found Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI), the defendant must demonstrate that he had a mental disease or defect that rendered him incapable of distinguishing between right and wrong, or unable to understand what he was doing at the time of the offense. A defendant can also be found NGRI if the defendant can prove that he committed the crime in question because he could not control his impulses due to a mental illness.
At Dr. Robin Lowey & Associates, we specialize in providing thorough and reliable insanity evaluations. We understand the complexities involved in conducting an evaluation which focuses on a defendant’s mental state at a specific moment in the past. The utility of traditional psychological tests and diagnostic procedures, most of which focus on an individual’s functioning at the time of the assessment, are limited in these cases. Thus, we prioritize a detailed review of historical evidence. This includes investigative materials collected by law enforcement, documentation of interviews conducted with the defendant around the time of the crime, and information from third parties who can shed light on the defendant’s mental state and behavior at the time of the offense.
While we do use interviews and psychological testing as part of our evaluation process, the cornerstone of our assessments lies in the historical evidence. By carefully analyzing all available information, our forensic psychologists can provide an informed, objective opinion on whether the defendant’s actions meet the legal criteria for insanity.
Our expert psychologists deliver meticulous and unbiased reports that clearly outline the defendant’s mental state and how it aligns with legal definition of insanity. These reports are not only informed by our professional expertise, but are also grounded in relevant legal statutes and case law, ensuring that every opinion we offer is both scientifically sound and legally robust.