Evaluations that investigate mental state at the time of the offense, such as assessments of criminal responsibility, focus on whether a psychological disorder impacted a defendant's alleged actions. Such evaluations address defenses such as the insanity defense, diminished capacity, and guilty but mentally ill. Unlike competency evaluations that focus on current mental state, mental state at the time of the offense evaluations examine psychological functioning during the specific timeframe when alleged criminal acts occurred. This process often requires a careful review of collateral records, witness statements, and other contemporaneous evidence to reconstruct the defendant’s mental condition. The goal is to provide the court with an objective, well-supported opinion about the role of a defendant’s mental state at the time of the offense.
Georgia's Legal Standards for Criminal Responsibility
A criminal responsibility evaluation in Georgia must closely examine whether a defendant had the mental capacity to distinguish between right and wrong or was suffering from a delusional compulsion that overmastered a defendant’s will to resist committing the crime. Georgia, in part, uses a modified version of the M'Naghten rule, which requires that defendants prove they were suffering from a mental disease or defect that either prevented them from knowing the nature and quality of their actions or from knowing that their actions were wrong. Forensic evaluations address these issues by integrating interviews, collateral information, and a careful review of records to form an opinion about the defendant’s mental state during the alleged offense. An assessment must closely examine whether a defendant had the mental capacity to distinguish between right and wrong or was suffering from a delusional compulsion that overmastered their will.
Federal Standard for the Insanity Defense
In federal court, under 18 U.S.C. § 17, a defendant must prove by clear and convincing evidence that, at the time of the offense, they were unable to appreciate the nature and quality or the wrongfulness of their acts due to a severe mental disease or defect. Importantly, the federal standard does not recognize lack of control or irresistible impulse as a basis for an insanity defense. Forensic evaluations conducted under this framework focus on carefully reconstructing the defendant’s mental state during the alleged offense, typically through clinical interviews, collateral records, and review of relevant documentation, to determine whether a severe mental disease or defect was present and met the legal criteria.
Why Comprehensive Criminal Responsibility Evaluations Make a Difference
Our mental state at the time of the offense forensic evaluations address whether a mental disorder influenced the defendant’s actions and provide the court with clear findings to support fair decisions. Our forensic psychologists conduct thorough examinations of a defendant’s mental state at the time of the offense, integrating multiple sources of information to produce a comprehensive, high-quality evaluation. Our process includes:
Comprehensive Record Analysis
We review medical records, police reports, witness statements, and any available documentation from the time period surrounding the alleged offense. This historical data provides crucial context for understanding the defendant's psychological state.
Clinical Interviews
Detailed interviews with the individual explore their recollections, perceptions, and mental experiences during the relevant timeframe. Interviews can also address current psychological functioning and any ongoing mental health conditions.
Collateral Information
Conversations with family members, friends, and treatment providers who observed the defendant's behavior before, during, and after the alleged offense provide additional perspectives on their mental state.
Why Choose Atlas Psychological Services?
Our forensic psychologists’ combination of clinical expertise, forensic training, and legal knowledge ensures that every assessment meets the highest professional and ethical standards while serving the interests of justice.
Each report from Atlas Psychological Services clearly explains how comprehensive psychological findings relate to Georgia and federal legal standards. We avoid unnecessary jargon so that complex concepts are accessible to attorneys, judges, and juries.
Turn to Our Trusted Psychological Expertise for Forensic and Clinical Needs
When questions about a defendant’s mental state at the time of the offense may impact case outcomes, consult with Atlanta’s experienced forensic psychology team. Call or text (404) 500-9681 to schedule a consultation and learn how our evaluations support attorneys across Atlanta, Georgia, and the Southeast in handling complex forensic matters.