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1.
Q. What are the advantages in providing a
professionally written report
for use in Court?
A. The sentencing reports crafted by
Justice Strategies are specifically written for each client. We present
an objective analysis to the court outlining the client’s current
situation and prognosis for the future. All pertinent data are
documented. In order to accomplish this, we interview the client on
several occasions, and interact with family members, treatment personnel
and significant individuals through extensive field contacts. When
warranted, we also provide the court an extensive psychological
evaluation complete with objective testing. In addition, we coordinate
the compilation of letters of support from concerned family members,
business associates and community leaders. |
2.
Q. How do we define client advocacy in and outside the Courtroom?
A. Justice Strategies provide active representation for our clients
in the courtroom. We are present at all significant court appearances
and work in conjunction with counsel to provide the best possible
presentation of our findings to the court. This includes submitting
updated reports outline our clients’ progress. We carry our advocacy
into the field by interacting with treatment agencies, correctional
facilities, community service providers, employers, and the New York
State Department of Motor Vehicles. We also interact with probation and
parole agencies.
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3.
Q. What is the purpose of DWI Evaluations and how are they used
in court?
A. DWI evaluations are conducted to determine the client's
susceptibility/vulnerability to addiction, and to determine if in fact
they have a substance abuse syndrome. In addiction, an assessment or
their personality and character is made. Lastly, need for outpatient
and/or inpatient treatment is determined.
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4.
Q. What do we mean by the term case strategy management?
A. Our team approach, acumen, and sensitivity provide a positive
“holding environment” for the client and his/her family. Invariably,
this approach helps enable the client to be more effective in his/her
case management. We maintain constant contact with our clients in order
to reinforce treatment modalities that include: journaling, book
research, career and educational planning, disposition planning for
entry into the mainstream and self-help paradigms. Our clients have
demonstrated confidence in this approach. This strategy enables us to
solidify our gains with the client and have a greater impact in our
interaction with the Court.
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5.
Q. What are the benefits of planning and counseling for in or
out-patient drug and alcohol treatment?
A. Planning and counseling for in-patient or out-patient treatment is
critical as the client is treated as a whole person. If they require
psychiatric or drug rehabilitation treatment, it is obviously important
to make the court aware of this reality. In addition, it is important to
make the client's family aware of these issues so that they can properly
adjust to the client's demeanor accordingly, and create reasonable
management expectations.
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6.
Q. What is a forensic psychological evaluation and how is it used in
court?
A. A forensic psychological evaluation assesses the personality and
behavioral functioning of the client, in addition to his mental
status. Data are collected from clinical, historical and objective
psychological test data. A theoretical explanation and understanding of
the client's behavior is derived from the data. At that point, specific
recommendations are made in the client's interest.
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7.
Q. What is the purpose of a full battery of psychological testing
including objective, projective, intellectual and personality
assessment?
A. By means of psychological testing we offer the judge /prosecutor a
reasonable explanation of the client's behavior. Behavior does not
operate in a vacuum. There can be reasonable rationales for what people
do; even if their behavior is negative or objectionable. When behavior
is interpreted within a psychological context different understandings
and meanings can emerge. We try to interpret the event/crime/misdeed
within a psychological framework. Clearly, this can impact sentencing and
other legal entities.
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8.
Q. How do we evaluate post trauma stress disorder and to what
extent can it be used as a mitigating factor in court?
A. PTSD is evaluated by clinical and testing data. The Post Trauma
Stress Disorder inventory is administered and scored. A careful
diagnostic interview is conducted which corresponds to the Diagnostic
and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association's
stipulations and indicators for this syndrome. If this diagnostic entity
is prevalent, it can certainly influence and color the client's behavior.
How this works is made clear on an individual case by case basis.
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9.
Q. What are mitigating factors in criminal cases and how are they
assessed?
A. Mitigating factors in criminal cases are assessed and
developed from clinical interviews, psychological testing, historical
analysis of emotional functioning and background, employment history,
and family dynamics. People do things for reasons. Our task is to
develop an understanding and rationale for the client's behavior. if a
personality, mood, or thinking disorder exists, then it is incumbent
upon us to explain how any of these entities have influenced and/or
controlled the client.
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10.
Q. What does anger management treatment and/or referral entail
and when is it necessary?
A. The need for anger management treatment is based on a
clinical/diagnostic assessment in addition to behavioral pattern
analysis. Treatment can be conducted in house, so to speak, or referred
out to any appropriate source. Referral for psychotropic medication may
be indicated here as well as a differential diagnosis to rule out
explosive personality disorder. |
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