Competency
Competency to Stand Trial
Evaluations addressing whether a defendant possesses a sufficient present ability to consult with counsel and a rational and factual understanding of the proceedings against them.
Dr David Howard
Criminal & Civil Forensic Services
Forensic Psychology Services
Criminal, Family & Immigration Evaluations
In addition to veteran and VA disability evaluations, Dr. Howard provides forensic psychological evaluations across criminal, civil, family, and immigration matters — available to defense and prosecution, by court appointment and private referral.
Evaluations
Forensic Psychological Evaluations for Legal Proceedings
Mental State at Time of Offense
Criminal Responsibility (NGRI)
Retrospective evaluations of a defendant’s mental state at the time of the alleged offense, providing analysis relevant to a not guilty by reason of insanity defense. Assessments draw on clinical interview, psychological testing, collateral records, and established forensic methodology.
Sentencing
Mitigating Factors
Psychological evaluations prepared in support of sentencing proceedings, addressing factors that may bear on culpability, appropriate disposition, or the likelihood of rehabilitation. Evaluations may address trauma history, neurodevelopmental factors, mental illness, substance use disorders, and other clinical considerations relevant to the court’s sentencing determination.
Family Court
Parental capacity evaluations focused on child safety and care.
Parental Capacity
Parental Capacity Evaluations
Objective assessments of a parent’s psychological functioning, strengths, limitations, and capacity to provide a safe and nurturing environment for their child or children.
Parental capacity evaluations are not custody evaluations. Where custody evaluations address parenting time and decision-making between parties, parental capacity evaluations focus solely on a parent’s ability to meet a child’s needs. These evaluations are typically initiated or required by the Court or by Child Protective Services in child welfare proceedings involving reunification, termination of parental rights, or other determinations regarding a parent’s fitness to care for their child.
Immigration
Psychological documentation for immigration matters.
VAWA & Hardship
VAWA & Extreme Hardship Evaluations
Psychological evaluations in support of immigration petitions under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and extreme hardship applications. Reports document the psychological impact of abuse, separation, and displacement, and are prepared in accordance with USCIS standards and immigration counsel requirements.
Asylum & Protection
Asylum & Convention Against Torture Evaluations
Evaluations supporting asylum applications and claims under the Convention Against Torture (CAT), documenting the psychological sequelae of persecution, torture, gender-based violence, and other qualifying harm. Reports address the credibility of reported experiences through clinical findings and are prepared in coordination with immigration counsel to meet the evidentiary standards of immigration court and USCIS proceedings.
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