Independent assessments for civil, family, and criminal matters

Dr. Justin Jones provides independent forensic psychological evaluations and expert consultation in legal matters involving psychological injury, trauma, and complex personality dynamics. Retained by both plaintiff and defense counsel, his forensic work emphasizes methodological rigor, structured assessment, careful collateral review, and clarity of opinion grounded in contemporary models of personality and trauma.

Areas of Forensic Consultation

  • Civil Litigation – Psychological injury, emotional damages, PTSD, and trauma-related conditions in personal injury, wrongful death, and employment litigation.

  • Family & Domestic Relations – Custody evaluations, parental capacity assessment, and consultation in high-conflict family systems.

  • Criminal Matters – Competency evaluation, criminal responsibility, risk-relevant psychological factors, and diagnostic clarification.

  • Personality Disorders in Legal Contexts – Assessment of personality pathology and its relevance to legal questions, including capacity, risk, and functional impairment.

  • Independent Record Review – Comprehensive review of psychological, medical, and legal records, with expert opinion on diagnostic accuracy, causation, and standard of care.

    Methodological Approach

    Dr. Jones conducts forensic psychological evaluations using a structured, multi-method, and data-integrative methodology consistent with the APA Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychology.

    Evaluations typically include:

    • Clarification of the specific legal referral question

    • Comprehensive review of all relevant records and collateral materials

    • Structured and semi-structured forensic interviews (typically multiple sessions)

    • Behavioral observations and mental status examination

    • Administration of validated psychometric instruments when indicated

    • Symptom validity and response-style assessment

    • Differential diagnosis using DSM-5-TR criteria

    • Analysis of causation, damages, risk, or parenting capacity

    • Preparation of a detailed forensic report

    • Deposition and trial testimony when requested

    All opinions are formed to a reasonable degree of psychological certainty and emphasize objectivity, methodological transparency, and data-supported conclusions.

Professional Standards & Neutrality

Dr. Jones does not provide advocacy-driven evaluations, contingency-based opinions, or predetermined conclusions. He does not function as a partisan expert or tailor opinions to the needs of retaining parties.

All evaluations are conducted to assist the trier of fact through careful psychological analysis grounded in established professional standards. Findings may or may not support the retaining party’s legal theory, and this possibility is communicated at the outset of any engagement.

All work conforms to the APA Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychology.

Expert Testimony Experience

Dr. Jones has provided expert testimony in civil matters before:

  • Pennsylvania Superior Court

  • Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas

  • Massachusetts Superior Court

He has also provided deposition testimony in civil litigation matters involving psychological injury and standard-of-care analysis.