Forensic Evaluation
Independent psychological and neuropsychological evaluation for carefully defined legal questions.
A good fit when
Counsel, a court, an agency, or another legal professional needs an independent evaluation related to psychological or cognitive functioning.
Forensic experience.
Dr. Jacy Holmes has substantial forensic evaluation experience across secure inpatient hospital and private-practice settings. In a forensic inpatient hospital, she routinely conducted court-ordered competency-to-proceed evaluations and sanity evaluations involving pleas of not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI).
Her private-practice work has included these and other forensic referral questions, and she has been subpoenaed to provide expert testimony in an NGRI case. She integrates records, clinical interviews, standardized assessment, test findings, and relevant legal standards into clear, carefully supported forensic opinions.
An initial conversation is the right place to discuss the legal question, timeline, jurisdictional requirements, conflicts, and whether the requested evaluation is within the practice’s scope.
Assessment should clarify what matters most to you.
Forensic assessment applies psychological knowledge to a specific legal question. The work is distinct from treatment: the referral question, scope, records, jurisdiction, and intended audience are clarified before an evaluation begins.
Serving adolescents, adults, and older adults in Denver.
Every evaluation is shaped around the referral question, relevant history, and the context in which the findings will be used.
Areas we can explore
Competency & capacity evaluations
Independent evaluation can address a defendant’s ability to understand legal proceedings and assist in their own defense, as well as civil decision-making capacity questions.
Disability & personal injury
Psychological and neuropsychological assessment can document functional impairments for disability claims, workers’ compensation matters, or personal injury litigation.
Mental state at the time of an offense
When within the clinician’s scope, evaluation can address psychological functioning relevant to questions of intent, knowledge, and criminal responsibility.
Workers’ compensation
Independent evaluation can document the cognitive and emotional impact of workplace injuries and inform return-to-work questions with objective findings.
What the evaluation may include
- Clarification of the legal referral question and evaluation scope
- Review of records and collateral information as appropriate
- Clinical interview and selected psychological or cognitive measures
- A transparent discussion of limitations and alternative explanations
- A written report tailored to the agreed-upon legal question
- Consultation with counsel or legal participation when agreed in advance
You leave with
An independent, clearly scoped opinion connected to the referral question
A report that distinguishes data, interpretation, and limitations
A clear conversation about next steps, timing, and appropriate use of findings
Evidence-based, culturally responsive, and grounded in your real life.
Assessment is not a score or a label in isolation. We consider culture, identity, development, health, environment, and the systems people navigate when making sense of results.
Forensic work is not advocacy for either side and does not guarantee a particular conclusion. Opinions depend on the information available and the specific question presented. An initial consultation is needed to discuss jurisdictional requirements, timing, conflicts, records, and whether the requested work is appropriate for this practice.
The right evaluation starts with the right question.
Ready when you are