What Makes a Good Forensic Evaluation?
Attorneys know that the quality of a forensic evaluation can make or break a case. Whether the question involves competency, criminal responsibility, child custody, or risk assessment, courts depend on evaluations that are clear, credible, and defensible.
A poorly prepared report can mislead a court, harm a client’s case, and reflect negatively on legal counsel. A strong forensic evaluation, by contrast, strengthens legal arguments, supports case strategy, and reduces risk of challenges in court.
Forensic evaluations play a critical role at the intersection of psychology and the law. Judges, attorneys, and courts rely on them to guide decisions about competency, custody, criminal responsibility, and risk. Unlike clinical assessments, which are designed for treatment and care, forensic evaluations provide objective, evidence-based information that helps ensure fair and just legal outcomes.
1. Clarity of Purpose
Legal questions drive forensic evaluations. A well-done assessment begins with a clear referral question — is the client competent to stand trial, fit for parenting, or at risk of re-offense? Clear purpose means the final report speaks directly to the court’s needs.
2. Qualified Evaluator
Attorneys want evaluators whose credentials will hold up under scrutiny. That means specialized training in forensic psychology, knowledge of legal standards (Daubert, Frye), and expertise in trauma and cultural factors. At The Kraft Group, our evaluations are performed by professionals with decades of experience in both clinical and forensic settings.
3. Neutrality and Objectivity
Forensic evaluators are not advocates. Judges respect evaluators who are independent, unbiased, and able to document their reasoning transparently. A neutral evaluation strengthens the credibility of the attorney presenting it.
4. Comprehensive Data Collection
A report that relies solely on self-report leaves attorneys vulnerable to challenges. High-quality evaluations use multiple data sources:
Clinical interviews
Validated psychological testing
Collateral interviews (family, employers, law enforcement)
Medical, psychiatric, and legal record review
Converging evidence produces stronger, harder-to-contest findings.
5. Methodological Rigor
In court, methodology matters. A sound evaluation uses legally defensible, scientifically validated tools. Findings must be documented, limitations acknowledged, and conclusions tied directly to the data. This makes reports less vulnerable to opposing expert testimony.
6. Clear, Balanced Reporting
Attorneys need reports that judges can understand. The best reports:
Are written in plain language without jargon.
Highlight both strengths and limitations.
Tie conclusions directly to the legal question.
Avoid speculation.
A clear, balanced report reflects positively on the attorney who introduces it.
7. Ethical and Legal Integrity
Courts value evaluations that adhere to strict ethical standards. Informed consent, clear boundaries around confidentiality, and avoidance of dual-role conflicts protect both the evaluator and the attorney relying on the report.
8. Risk Assessment and Recommendations
Where relevant, risk assessments provide attorneys with credible, data-backed insights on issues such as violence, sexual offending, or parental fitness. Recommendations are proportional, realistic, and tied directly to evidence — giving attorneys defensible points for negotiation or litigation.
9. Defensibility in Court
At the end of the day, the evaluation must hold up under cross-examination. The Kraft Group prepares evaluations with full transparency, so our reasoning and methods can be clearly explained in court. This gives attorneys confidence that reports will stand strong under scrutiny.
Why This Matters for Attorneys
A high-quality forensic evaluation is more than a document — it’s a strategic tool. It can:
Strengthen your client’s case.
Enhance credibility before the court.
Reduce surprises under cross-examination.
Provide defensible evidence that supports your legal strategy.
Poor evaluations do the opposite, exposing attorneys and clients to unnecessary risk.
The Kraft Group Advantage
With decades of expertise in forensic psychology, trauma-informed care, and addiction services, Leigh Kolodny at The Kraft Group, Inc. provides:
Court-ready forensic evaluations.
Expert testimony and consultation.
Professional training for judges, attorneys, and clinicians.
Trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and evidence-based practice.
Leigh Kolodny, LPC, LCADC, CSAT-S, CCTP, SAP, CCGC, ICADC, Diplomat American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress, is the Founder and Clinical Director of The Kraft Group, Inc. in Florham Park, NJ. With over 30 years of experience, Leigh is nationally recognized for her expertise in forensic psychology, trauma-informed care, and addiction services. She provides court-ready forensic evaluations, expert testimony, and professional training for attorneys, judges, and clinicians.
Learn more about Leigh here: https://thekraftgroupinc.org/leigh-kolodnykraft-lpc-lcadc-csats-founder-trauma-expert-in-nj
