- 01306 879 975
- enquiries@psychologydirect.co.uk
Criminal cases can put real pressure on solicitors, whether you are acting for the defence or the prosecution, and a great deal is at stake for defendants, victims and families. We understand that, and we aim to make finding the right expert as straightforward as possible.
Whether you need a fitness to plead assessment, risk evaluation, or pre-sentencing report, we’ll send you expert options within 24 hours. All our experts work at Legal Aid rates.
Our forensic psychologists deliver expert psychological assessments that stand up in court. Every psychologist on our register is HCPC-registered, trained in forensic assessment, and experienced in defending their findings under cross-examination.
Psychology services for criminal cases include
Our GMC-registered, Section 12 approved psychiatrists deliver expert opinion that can help shape sentencing and parole outcomes. They assess mental state at the time of offence, diagnose mental health conditions, and recommend treatment, all backed by clinical expertise.
Psychiatry services for criminal cases include:
Many criminal cases benefit from both perspectives. Fitness to plead assessments often need a psychologist's view on cognitive functioning alongside a psychiatrist's view on mental state and medical factors.
The same applies to risk assessments, parole evaluations, and complex sentencing cases, a psychologist and psychiatrist working together give the court a fuller picture than either could alone.
Your Client Manager can advise on the right combination for your case.
From fitness to plead to risk assessment, we’ve supported defence, prosecution, and CPS work.
Pritchard criteria assessments for defendants lacking capacity to participate in proceedings. Urgent turnaround available.
Psychological and psychiatric reports informing sentencing decisions and probation conditions.
Re-offending risk, sexual offender risk, violent offender risk, and self-harm risk evaluations.
Psychiatric evaluation of the defendant’s mental state at the time of the alleged offence.
Indeterminate Prisoner and parole board assessments evaluating suitability for release.
Psychological evaluation of witness credibility, suggestibility, and reliability of evidence.
Call us on 01306 879 975 or complete our online instruction form. We will take a detailed brief of your requirements and any deadlines.
Within 24 hours, we'll send you 2–3 CVs and quotes from psychologists or psychiatrists matched to your case's specialism, location, and timeline.
Pick your expert and we take it from there. We manage appointments, correspond with other parties, and handle all admin. Your report is 100% quality-checked for accuracy and compliance before delivery.
For criminal cases, we prioritise urgent requests. We typically provide 2–3 CVs within 24 hours. For truly urgent fitness to plead assessments, we can sometimes offer same-day expert matching. Call 01306 879 975 to discuss your timeline.
Yes. All our psychologists and psychiatrists work at Legal Aid rates for publicly funded criminal cases. We understand the budget constraints and provide full fee breakdowns upfront. For privately funded cases, we offer transparent quotes.
Absolutely. Many fitness to plead and risk assessment cases benefit from both perspectives. A psychologist assesses cognitive functioning and psychology. A psychiatrist assesses mental health and medical factors. Your Client Manager will advise on the best combination for your case.
Fitness to plead is a court assessment of whether a defendant has the mental capacity to participate in their trial. The Pritchard criteria evaluates four key capacities: understanding the charge, understanding guilty vs. not guilty pleas, instructing a solicitor, and following court proceedings. If a defendant fails these, the court may stay proceedings or order psychiatric treatment.
Under the Mental Health Act, fitness to plead assessments must be carried out by a psychiatrist or psychologist with appropriate training. Section 12 approval is not required for fitness to plead (though many of our psychiatrists are Section 12 approved). We have extensive experience in this area.
We have a proven track record of delivering even in the most demanding timescales. Call us on 01306 879 975 to discuss your deadline. We offer fast-track services and have experts available at short notice.
We’ll match you with the right psychologist or psychiatrist in 24 hours. Your Client Manager handles appointments, correspondence, and reports. You focus on your case.