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Sex crime cases are among the most serious and complex in the criminal justice system. At The Law Office of Marc N. Pelletier, our St. Petersburg sex crime defense attorneys understand the gravity of sex crime charges and the importance of an effective defense strategy.
One aspect of defending against sex crime accusations that may be beneficial is the use of psychological evaluations. These evaluations can play a pivotal role in the outcome of your case and can provide valuable insights into your mental state and behavior.
Psychological evaluations involve a comprehensive assessment conducted by a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist. These assessments are held to best understand an individual’s mental health, personality, and cognitive functioning.
In Florida, a defendant must be mentally competent in order to stand trial. This means they must have a rational and factual understanding of the proceedings and be able to consult with their attorney with a reasonable degree of rational understanding. A psychological evaluation can determine if you meet these criteria.
Psychological evaluations can additionally uncover mitigating factors. For example, a history of trauma, mental illness, or cognitive impairments can be argued by your St. Petersburg defense attorney with The Law Office of Marc N. Pelletier to influence the court’s sentencing decisions, which could potentially lead to reduced charges or alternative sentencing options, such as treatment programs.
Florida courts can require a risk assessment for individuals convicted of sex crimes. These assessments help determine the appropriate level of supervision and treatment needed to prevent reoffending. A favorable psychological evaluation can support arguments for less restrictive conditions, or even prevent the need for conditions entirely. Likewise, these assessments can be used by our experienced St. Petersburg sex crime defense lawyers to argue for an amendment or reduction of the charge.
At The Law Office of Marc N. Pelletier, our St. Petersburg sex crime defense attorneys understand the key role that psychological evaluations can play and can use these assessments to build more effective defense strategies for your case.
If you or a loved one is facing sex crime allegations, contact The Law Office of Marc N. Pelletier today. Our team is dedicated to providing the experienced support and legal expertise to navigate difficult proceedings.
To request a complimentary case consultation with one of our defense attorneys in St. Petersburg, give us a call today at (727) 493-9386.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.
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