Juvenile Sexual Offense Evaluations
Juvenile sexual offense cases call for an evaluator who understands that risk in adolescents doesn't look the same as risk in adults — both developmentally and in terms of the instruments and research base used to assess it. These evaluations require specialized tools built specifically for juvenile populations, along with a clear understanding of how those findings translate into legal and treatment decisions.
What This Evaluation Addresses
A juvenile sexual offense evaluation assesses risk using instruments developed and validated specifically for adolescents, rather than adapting adult-oriented tools to a juvenile population. The analysis is organized around static factors (historical, unchangeable risk indicators) and dynamic factors (changeable risk indicators tied to current functioning and treatment needs), giving the court a picture that reflects both where the youth currently stands and what could meaningfully change that trajectory through treatment.
Who I Work With
I accept referrals from both defense counsel and prosecutors, as well as court appointments, across California.
The Evaluation Process
Each evaluation includes a thorough review of relevant records (police reports, school records, prior mental health and treatment history, and any prior evaluations), a clinical interview, psychological testing where appropriate, and a malingering assessment, which is included as a standard part of nearly every evaluation. Collateral interviews are conducted when they would meaningfully inform the opinion.
I am well versed in specialized juvenile risk instruments, including the Juvenile Sexual Offense Recidivism Risk Assessment Tool-II (J-SORRAT-II) as a static risk measure and the Juvenile Sex Offender Assessment Protocol-II (J-SOAP-II) as a dynamic risk measure. These evaluations typically take 1–3 weeks to complete.
What You Receive
A thorough, well-organized written report addressing the relevant legal standard and risk factors
Availability for pre-report consultation to clarify the referral question or case context
Testimony if the matter proceeds to a contested hearing
Rebuttal review of an opposing expert's evaluation, when appropriate
Why Attorneys Work With Me
I've been qualified as an expert witness in California courts and previously worked within the Sexual Behavior Treatment Program at the California Youth Authority, where some of the state's most serious juvenile sexual offenders were committed. I have also presented on juvenile sexual offender treatment. Learn more about my background →
If you have a case involving a juvenile sexual offense allegation, I'm glad to discuss the referral before you commit to a full evaluation — feel free to reach out to talk through the specifics.
Curious what other attorneys say about working with me? Read my Google reviews →
Want to learn more about juvenile sexual offense evaluations and forensic psychology in California? Visit my blog →