FORENSIC PSYCHIATRY

&

MEDICOLEGAL REPORTS

FORENSIC PSYCHIATRY:

  • Expert consultation & testimony in criminal matters:

  • Fitness to stand trial

  • Insanity defence & criminal responsibility

  • Pre-sentencing & disposition

  • Violence risk assessment

WHAT SETS US APART

If you need a forensic psychiatrist in Auckland, we can assist you. Here are key points that distinguish Auckland Psychiatrist in forensic psychiatry assessments and reports:

  • Forensic psychiatric assessments at Auckland Psychiatrist are thorough evaluations by skilled psychiatrists who understand the link between mental health and the legal system.Our psychiatrists are active in clinical practice and are qualified forensic psychiatrists with vast experience in evaluations and court testimony.

  • Their opinions are based on up-to-date clinical knowledge and research in psychiatry.

  • Dr. Neena Joseph provides an unbiased psychiatric assessment and delivers a professional fitness report.

  • We ensure timely delivery of high-quality fitness reports, usually within two weeks, though this may vary based on case complexity.

  • A forensic psychiatrist with experience in criminal cases supports the NZ justice system, ensuring fair representation for all parties involved.

  • Dr Neena Joseph has diverse experience across various forensic mental health settings, including acute care, rehabilitation, and correctional facilities, and is available for consultations regarding mental impairment or fitness to stand trial.

Referral Process

We accept referrals from lawyers or courts. Please send a written referral with your client’s details and the purpose of the report. The assessment and report should meet your client’s needs. We can provide expert testimony in court. Reports are typically available within two to three weeks, but may take longer for complex cases. Assessments can be done in-person at ADI Health Suites, via Telehealth, or at correctional facilities. Contact us for fee information and legal estimates.

Fitness to Stand Trial

A court can ask a health assessor to prepare a report on whether a defendant is mentally impaired and unfit for trial. This can happen anytime during the legal process, even before evidence is presented. Fitness to stand trial means the defendant's ability to understand and take part in the legal proceedings. It's important to balance their rights to make decisions with their ability to engage in court. Psychiatrists assess fitness to stand trial, and the court needs reports from two health assessors about the defendant's mental condition. These reports detail the defendant's mental state, understanding of the criminal process, and ability to communicate with their lawyer for their defense. For inquiries about medico-legal cases, please contact Auckland Psychiatrist.

 

Insanity

Lawyers and health professionals often request sanity assessments from psychiatrists to determine if a defendant's severe mental illness affects their responsibility for a crime. At Auckland Psychiatrist, we have over 10 years of experience in forensic psychiatry, offering tailored assessments for each case. Our psychiatrists initially evaluate if there is a major psychiatric disorder or intellectual disability. The assessment will examine whether the person can understand the nature and wrongfulness of their actions. If needed, we can also provide verbal testimony to support the court's case.

 

MEDICOLEGAL REPORTS:

  • ACC claims for mental injury and disability

  • Fitness and return-to-work assessments

  • Immigration evaluations

  • Family Court reports

  • Independent medical evaluations

  • Court reports for evidence in courts or tribunals

Why Choose Auckland Psychiatrist For Medico Legal Assessments?

Medico-legal psychiatry reports play a vital role in legal cases that involve mental health issues. At Auckland Psychiatrist, our qualified team conducts comprehensive medico-legal assessments to evaluate psychological harm or conditions that may have arisen from accidents or other incidents affecting an individual. These assessments not only examine the psychological state of the person involved but also address specific legal questions that may be pertinent to a case. A psychiatric expert can provide the necessary insights and testimony regarding an individual’s symptoms and the impact they have on their daily life. For lawyers and individuals seeking a thorough mental health assessment, we encourage you to reach out to Auckland Psychiatrist through email or our inquiry form.