California Sexual Offense Evaluations
Sexual offense cases — including child pornography offenses, matters involving sexual deviance, and evaluations under Penal Code 288.1 — require an evaluator who can address both the clinical picture and the specific legal questions the court needs answered. These evaluations carry real consequences for sentencing, probation eligibility, and case strategy, and they call for a rigorous, defensible approach.
What This Evaluation Addresses
Sexual offense evaluations assess the defendant's psychological and risk profile in the context of the specific offense and legal question at hand, including evaluations conducted under Penal Code 288.1 prior to a grant of probation. The analysis is organized around static factors (historical, unchangeable risk indicators), dynamic factors (changeable risk indicators tied to current functioning and treatment needs), and protective factors (strengths and circumstances that reduce risk). Together, these provide the court with a well-rounded picture — not just a risk label, but an understanding of what is driving risk and what could meaningfully reduce it.
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, prior mental health and treatment history, and any prior evaluations), a clinical interview with the defendant, 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. A structured professional judgment tool is used to organize the static, dynamic, and protective factor analysis and support the reliability of the risk opinion.
I am well versed in a range of standardized instruments relevant to sexual offense evaluations, including static risk instruments such as the STATIC-99R, dynamic risk instruments such as the STABLE-2007 and the Violence Risk Scale – Sexual Offense version (VRS-SO), and validated approaches to assessing protective and mitigating factors. For cases involving child pornography offenses specifically, I use instruments developed for this population, including the Abel Assessment for Sexual Interest (AASI-3), where appropriate to the referral question.
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 or trial
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 currently serve as a consulting psychologist for the California Department of State Hospitals, conducting sexually violent predator (SVP) evaluations. Learn more about my background →
If you have a case involving a sexual offense allegation or conviction, 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 sexual offense evaluations and forensic psychology in California? Visit my blog →