Fitness To Stand Trial Psychiatrist Report
Looking for qualified forensic psychiatrists who have experience and credentials in providing expert psychiatrist evaluation or expert witness testimony to the court?
At Auckland Psychiatrist, we provide invaluable information to the court in criminal proceedings. Our psychiatrists have the expertise and extensive experience in preparing fitness reports for the courts. Whether it is an assessment of a client’s competence to stand trial or plead, our psychiatrists can communicate their findings in a manner accessible to the court and jury.
Why Does The Court Order A Fitness Report?
It can be difficult to determine whether a defendant is suffering from a mental impairment or whether they are affected by drugs, or simply angry or unhappy with their court trial. A court may order a health assessor to prepare a fitness report to see if the defendant is mentally impaired and if so, whether they are unfit to stand trial. This can happen at any stage after the commencement of the proceedings and until all the evidence is concluded.
What Is Fitness To Stand Trial?
Fitness to stand trial refers to a defendant's ability to adequately understand and effectively participate in the legal process. There is a need to balance the individual’s right to make autonomous decisions regarding their trial with their ability to meaningfully participate in the court process.
Fitness Stand NZ
The assessment of fitness to stand trial is carried out by psychiatrists and determined by the court. Under Section 8A(1) of Criminal Procedure (Mentally Impaired Persons) Act 2003, the court must receive the evidence of two health assessors (e.g. psychiatrists) as to whether the defendant is mentally impaired.
Fitness Report Auckland
When a referrer reaches out to Auckland Psychiatrist, our administrator or psychiatrist will directly contact them to clarify the specific matters to be addressed in the fitness report, and the feasibility of time and place of assessment. We will further request all relevant documents or records that are required to complete this fitness assessment. We will also be requesting consent from the client to release health information to the assessor for completing the fitness report.
Fitness To Stand Trial Report
The fitness to stand trial report will duly inform the court of the client's current mental state and competencies to plead, to adequately understand the nature, purpose and consequences of the criminal proceedings, and the person's capacity to adequately communicate with the counsel in conducting their defence.
Psychiatrists Auckland
Please refer to the Criminal Procedure (Mentally Impaired Persons) Act 2003 for more information about the legal process involved in determining if a defendant unfit to stand trial.
Please contact Auckland Psychiatrist with any enquiries and instructions regarding medico legal cases. To discuss your medico legal requirements, please call us on 0212416007 or fill in the inquiry form on our website.
Our Process - Fitness Progress Report
Auckland Psychiatrist accepts any referrals for criminal court reports from lawyers and any other relevant health professionals.
What Sets Us Apart Regarding Psychiatric Fitness To Stand Trial Assessment and Report?
If you are looking for a forensic psychiatrist in Auckland, we are here to help. Here are a few factors that set Auckland Psychiatrist apart in providing fitness to stand trial assessments and reports:
Our psychiatrists are all active in clinical practice. We are qualified forensic psychiatrists with extensive experience in expert evaluation and testimony. Our psychiatrists' opinions are based on current clinical practice and the latest clinical knowledge and research within psychiatry. Dr Neena Joseph offers an objective view of the case by conducting psychiatric assessments and presents a professional fitness report with no bias or subjectivism.
We provide high-quality fitness reports on time. We endeavour to complete the fitness report within two weeks, but this may be extended depending on the complexity of case or situation.
The presence of a forensic psychiatrist experienced in criminal matters in the courtroom supports the NZ justice system to ensure fair support for everyone involved. Dr Neena Joseph brings on a wide range of relevant forensic psychiatrist experience based on her work in a range of forensic mental health settings; acute, rehabilitation and correctional facilities. Dr Neena Joseph is available for consultation on matters relating to a client’s mental impairment or fitness to stand trial issues.