Our comprehensive assessments cover a wide array of areas pertinent to trial competency including an understanding of legal concepts and court proceedings, effective communication skills with an attorney, and the capacity to maintain appropriate courtroom behavior. Central to our evaluation process is the application of the Dusky standard, established in the landmark case, Dusky v. United States (1960). This standard mandates that an individual must have both “sufficient present ability to consult with their lawyer with a reasonable degree of rational understanding” and a “rational as well as factual understanding of the proceedings against them.”
Our team also takes into account other relevant legal and case law standards, such as the criteria set out in the case of Indiana v. Edwards, 554 U.S. 164 (2008) . This case further nuanced the Dusky standard, recognizing that some defendants, despite being competent to stand trial, may not be competent to self-represent due to more complex mental health issues
We adhere strictly to the standardized administration and scoring best practices. Our dedicated forensic team utilizes the Mental Competency Evaluation Scale (MCES) and the Juvenile – Mental Competency Evaluation Scale (J-MCES), in addition to other competency assessments, to accurately assess an individual’s mental competency and ability to participate in their own defense.
Forensic Psychological Assessment Services