Criminal Psychology
It has been a privilege to serve the Criminal Court of Nevada to assist the courts in understanding the application of psychology to criminal law.
Death Penalty Evaluations
A defendant facing the death penalty is entitled to present mitigation at the penalty phase of the trial. Typically, Dr. Paglini is hired by the defense to evaluate mitigation of a defendant. Mitigation is defined as any aspect of character or record in any circumstance of the offense that may serve as a basis for a sentence of less than death. Mitigation includes, but is not limited to: a mental disorder, an intellectual disability, a learning disorder, a medical disorder, or the defendant’s upbringing, such as sexual/physical abuse or neglect.
Through this assessment, Dr. Paglini conducts numerous interviews, administers cognitive testing, and completes collateral interviews. Additionally, he reviews mental health records, educational records, and other relevant records to develop potential mitigation. Dr. Paglini consults with attorneys about his analysis of the case. At the penalty phase of trial, Dr. Paglini presents the defendant’s history to educate the jury about the defendant’s life and aspects of mitigation. Dr. Paglini and his staff are able to complete all aspects of mitigation.
Child Abuse/Neglect Assessment
Criminal Psychological Evaluations
Criminal Responsibility Evaluations (Not Guilty by Reason of Insantiy)
The focus of a Criminal Responsibility Evaluation is a comprehensive psychological assessment that includes a thorough understanding of a defendant’s mental status at the time of the crime. The comprehensive assessment determines a defendant’s cognitive/psychological functioning that precedes the crime, as well as during the crime.
Sexual Offender (Psychosexual) Evaluations
A Sexual Offender Evaluation or Psychosexual Evaluation pertains to the defendant’s future risk toward the community. Dr. Paglini focuses on risk and resiliency factors to determine the defendant’s risk level. A defendant’s risk level is derived by clinical interviews, collateral interviews, a review of the criminal scope and NCIC, psychological testing, and utilization of risk assessment instruments.
Violence Risk Assessments
The focus of Violence Risk Assessment is a defendant’s potential violent risk towards the community. These evaluations may be requested by the court or attorneys.
Juvenile Evaluations
Dr. Paglini is on the Juvenile Court list to conduct Juvenile Competency Evaluations, Sex Offender Risk Assessments, Violence Risk Assessments, Psychological Evaluations, and Adult Certifications.
The juvenile evaluations are requested by the Juvenile Court, Private Attorneys, or the Juvenile Public Defender’s Office.
