Specialized Forensic Services

Dr. Hicks is available for certain types of specialized forensic assessment services, and may be retained by either an attorney or appointed by the court.  The purpose of these services is to provide a fair, objective, and defensible evaluations to aid the judge or jury in reaching conclusions.

Some of the assessments that can be conducted are:

• Competency to Stand Trial

• Evaluations for aggravating or mitigating circumstances

• Sex Offender Risk Assessment - I am listed with the Illinois Sex Offender Management Board as qualified to provide assessments used in pre-sentencing or plea arrangements.  I am also willing to assess persons subject to evaluation under the state's SVP act so long as he was detained after September 2005.  Please note that at this time, I am not admitted to provide risk assessments in DuPage County as there is a separate board requirement. 

• Various cases where psychological injury is alleged.

• Records review/Second opinion 

Frequently Asked Questions:

• What are your rates?  Pricing for assessments pertaining to legal issues is very different than for clinical services.  Charges are determined by the hour, and are different for different types of activities.  For example, time providing depositions or testimony is priced differently than travel required to complete the evaluation.  Please have your attorney contact me directly for an initial fee consultation. 

• Are there any types of evaluations you will not do?  I do not conduct child custody evaluations or neuropsychological assessment.  There are also certain questions that simply cannot be answered through psychological services.  It is best if you or your attorney call me initially so that we can determine if I have the requisite knowledge required to answer the questions relevant to your case.     

• I am interested in retaining you.  What should I do?  It is important that you ask your attorney to contact me directly to discuss your case and needs.  There are two important reasons for this.  First, it is imperative that it is determined whether or not my services will be helpful to advance your attorney's theory of the case (insofar as this is possible).  There are cases where a psychological evaluation may actually work against your interests.  This leads to the second reason, which is that if I am retained by your attorney then my work is often protected from discovery by attorney-client privilege.  He or she will know the specifics and limits of this, and thus is in the best position to advise you on these matters.  

• In what counties will you provide services?  Being licensed in Illinois, I could theoretically work anywhere in the state.  However, the counties of Cook, DuPage, Kane, McHenry, Lake, and Will are most convenient to my practice location. 

• Where do you typically work?  My office is located in Arlington Heights, and directions can be obtained here.  Some evaluations will of course require me to travel to a correctional institution, and under some circumstances I may be willing to travel to another location (e.g., attorney's office)

• I/my client/my loved one is currently in custody.  Will you travel?  Of course.  I will work with the attorney on the case to gain access to the facility. 

• Do you work on contingency?  No.  While this is the way some attorneys work in certain types of cases, this is generally considered inappropriate for psychologists in forensic cases.  I will not be in a position where I must testify under oath that I do not get paid unless the case is won.  This could leave the impression that my objectivity will be compromised, and ultimately reduces the effectiveness of my testimony.