Forensic ResourcesNorth Carolina Office of Indigent Defense Services
North Carolina Office of Indigent Defense Services
// by Sarah Olson
Several attorneys have asked about having in-custody clients evaluated for competency or purposes during the COVID-19 pandemic. I’ve talked with experts about their availability and many are available, if appropriate measures to ensure safety are in place during the mental health evaluation. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to how to conduct these necessary evaluations, but …
Forensic mental health evaluations during the COVID-19 pandemicRead More
// by Alec Rees
On May 19th, 2020 the North Carolina Court of Appeals released its opinion in the case of State v. Sasek. Mr. Sasek was convicted in March of 2019 of possession with intent to sell or deliver a schedule II controlled substance and sale of methamphetamine, which led to the revocation of his probation. Defense counsel …
// by Sarah Olson
The Association for Psychological Science published a review by Tess Neal, Christopher Slobogin, Michael Saks, David Faigman, and Kurt Geisinger on the psychological assessment tools used by forensic psychologists. The study found 67% are generally accepted in the field and only about 40% have generally favorable reviews of their psychometric and technical properties. The study …
// by Sarah Olson
The Association for Psychological Science published a review by Tess Neal, Christopher Slobogin, Michael Saks, David Faigman, and Kurt Geisinger on the psychological assessment tools used by forensic psychologists. The study found 67% are generally accepted in the field and only about 40% have generally favorable reviews of their psychometric and technical properties. The study …
// by Sarah Olson
// by Sarah Olson
Why and how to use a Mitigation Specialist in a non-capital case Attorneys who represent clients in capital cases are familiar with the requirement that someone be able to recognize the presence of mental health and psychological impairments serve as a member of the defense team. These professionals, mitigation specialists, are qualified by training and …
Working with a Mitigation Specialist in a non-capital caseRead More
// by Matt Ruby
Forensic clinicians may face challenging conditions when conducting evaluations in the correctional setting. By working together to ensure adequate testing conditions, attorneys and forensic experts can address some of these challenges. It is incumbent on the forensic clinician to consider how examination results can be affected by various factors that are especially relevant to forensic …
Forensic assessment checklist for conducting evaluations in the correctional settingRead More
// by Sarah Olson
// by Sarah Olson
The importance of taking on prosecution forensic experts on behalf of clients cannot be overstated. It is no mystery how powerful forensic evidence is to jurors. Yet countless wrongful convictions are, in fact, the result of inaccurate, faulty, or unchallenged forensics. This practical workshop will prepare defense counsel to challenge unreliable expert testimony using a mock …
Taking Aim at Faulty Forensics: An NCDC Cross-Examination WorkshopRead More
// by Sarah Olson
The National Criminal Defense College will offer a program in Tucson, Arizona on challenging faulty forensic testimony. Tuition is $795.00. Program dates are January 16-18, 2020 at the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law at Address: 1201 E. Speedway, Tucson, AZ 85721. Accommodations (not included in tuition) are offered at the Aloft …
2020 Taking Aim at Faulty Forensics: An NCDC Cross-Examination WorkshopRead More
// by Sarah Olson
Friday, January 10, 2020NC Judicial Center, 901 Corporate Center Drive, Raleigh, NCSponsored by NC Indigent Defense Services5.0 hours of General CLE Credit anticipated The NC Office of Indigent Defense Services will offer a continuing education program that is designed to enhance the knowledge of criminal defense attorneys regarding the use of expert testimony to communicate …
// by Sarah Olson
Friday, January 10, 2020NC Judicial Center, 901 Corporate Center Drive, Raleigh, NCSponsored by NC Indigent Defense Services5.0 hours of General CLE Credit anticipated The NC Office of Indigent Defense Services will offer a continuing education program that is designed to enhance the knowledge of criminal defense attorneys regarding the use of expert testimony to communicate …
// by Sarah Olson
// by Sarah Olson
Expert assistance can be a valuable part of a criminal case, but it is important for attorneys to communicate expectations for the working relationship. We have drafted a sample expert engagement letter which outlines the basics of confidentiality, billing, scope of work, and report writing. This letter provides experts with a summary of an attorney’s …
// by Sarah Olson