Criminal Forensic Neuropsychological Evaluations and Expert Witness Services in Greater Los Angeles and Ventura Counties

Dr. Selina Mangassarian, Psy.D., CBIS, provides criminal forensic neuropsychological and psychological evaluations for defense attorneys, prosecutors, public defenders, and courts throughout Greater Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, and across Southern California. Her evaluations combine standardized neuropsychological testing, established forensic assessment instruments, and comprehensive record review to answer the specific legal question in each case.

Dr. Mangassarian personally conducts every part of every evaluation, including the interview, testing, scoring, and report. Nothing is delegated to technicians or trainees, so the expert who testifies is the same person who did the work.

Competency to Stand Trial (Penal Code §1368)

Competency evaluations assess whether a defendant understands the nature of the criminal proceedings and can assist counsel in a rational manner. Dr. Mangassarian evaluates both psychiatric and cognitive contributors to incompetence, including intellectual disability, traumatic brain injury, and neurocognitive disorders. These are conditions that a standard psychiatric interview can miss. Her reports address the specific legal criteria, the likelihood of restoration, and recommendations for the court.

Mental Health Diversion (Penal Code §1001.36)

Dr. Mangassarian evaluates whether a defendant has a qualifying mental health disorder, whether that disorder played a significant role in the charged offense, and whether the defendant’s symptoms would respond to treatment. Her diversion evaluations give counsel and the court a clear, well-documented opinion on each statutory element.

Court-Appointed Evaluations Under Evidence Code §730

When appointed by the court, Dr. Mangassarian may provide forensic neuropsychological or psychological evaluations under California Evidence Code §730. These evaluations are tailored to the referral question identified by the court and may include clinical interview, standardized testing, record review, and assessment of effort and symptom validity when relevant to the legal issue.

Criminal Responsibility and Specific Intent

Neuropsychological assessment can clarify whether cognitive impairment, psychiatric illness, or brain injury affected a defendant’s mental state at the time of the offense. Dr. Mangassarian evaluates questions of criminal responsibility and the capacity to form specific intent.

Sentencing Mitigation

Brain injury, neurodevelopmental conditions, intellectual disability, and psychiatric illness are often unrecognized until a thorough evaluation documents them. Dr. Mangassarian’s evaluations identify and explain these factors in terms the court can weigh at sentencing.

Violence and Recidivism Risk Assessment

Dr. Mangassarian conducts structured risk assessments using established, research-based instruments, addressing risk factors, protective factors, and management recommendations.

Malingering and Symptom Validity

Every criminal evaluation includes systematic assessment of effort and symptom validity. Dr. Mangassarian has published research on performance validity indicators. Her evaluations distinguish genuine cognitive impairment from psychiatric illness and from feigned or exaggerated symptoms, which is often the central question in contested cases.

Services for Attorneys

• Case consultation and initial case review
• Review of discovery, medical, jail, and school records
• Critique of opposing experts’ methods and opinions
• Deposition and cross-examination preparation
• Expert testimony

Retaining Dr. Mangassarian

To discuss a case, call (818) 588-4300 or email info@CFNAneuropsych.com. To submit case materials securely, use the Secure Attorney Portal.