Expert Evidence
for Criminal Solicitors
Our chambers prepares psychiatric and psychological expert reports for criminal proceedings under CrimPR 19, CPR Part 35, and the Criminal Procedure Rules. We accept instructions from criminal solicitors, defence barristers, and Crown Court legal teams requiring independent assessments of fitness to plead, mental condition defences, and sentencing mitigation.
Independent reports
for criminal defence
Our chambers provides psychiatric expert witness services for criminal cases in the UK, instructed by defence solicitors and barristers under CrimPR 19 and CPR Part 35.
Members of our chambers prepare fitness to plead assessments, mental condition reports, and sentencing mitigation evidence for Crown Court and Magistrates’ Court proceedings. Our experts hold GMC Specialist Registration in Forensic Psychiatry and are approved under the Criminal Procedure Rules.
We accept instructions for cases involving M’Naghten defences, diminished responsibility, and sentencing under the Sentencing Act 2020. Reports comply with Practice Direction 35 and the Civil Justice Council 2014 Guidance on expert evidence.
When to instruct a
criminal expert witness
Our chambers accepts instructions for criminal cases requiring psychiatric or psychological expert evidence under CrimPR 19 and CPR Part 35.
Fitness to plead assessment
Pritchard criteria reports for defendants where capacity to stand trial is in question under the Criminal Procedure (Insanity) Act 1964.
M’Naghten insanity defence
Psychiatric expert witness reports for cases involving M’Naghten defences, assessing whether the defendant knew the nature of their act.
Diminished responsibility
Homicide Act 1957 s.2 reports for murder cases where psychiatric abnormality substantially impaired responsibility.
Sentencing mitigation
Psychiatric evidence for sentencing hearings under the Sentencing Act 2020, including mental health disposals under MHA 1983 ss.37/41.
Vulnerable defendants
Assessments for defendants with autism, learning disability, or cognitive impairment where special measures are required.
Risk assessment reports
HCR-20 and RSVP assessments for cases involving violent or sexual offending, prepared for sentencing and disposal hearings.
Psychological trauma evidence
ICD-11 PTSD and complex PTSD reports for cases where trauma history is material to the defence or mitigation.
Joint expert instructions
CPR 35.7-compliant joint expert reports and meetings for cases where prosecution and defence agree to shared instruction.
Designed for
criminal defence workflows
Our chambers coordinates with criminal solicitors and defence teams under CrimPR 19 and CPR Part 35, delivering reports that meet court deadlines and procedural requirements.
Single point of contact
One named coordinator for each instruction, handling receipt, scheduling, fee quotation, and delivery under CrimPR 19 timelines.
Court-compliant reports
Reports prepared under Practice Direction 35 and the Civil Justice Council 2014 Guidance, with CrimPR 19-compliant formatting.
Urgent turnaround
10–14 day turnaround for urgent fitness to plead assessments and bail applications, with 4–6 weeks standard for sentencing reports.
Secure record handling
Secure transfer and storage of sensitive case materials, compliant with legal professional privilege and data protection requirements.
Joint expert meetings
CPR 35.12-compliant joint expert meetings and statements for cases where shared instruction is agreed between parties.
Transparent fee structure
Fixed-fee quotations provided at instruction, with no hidden charges for Part 35 queries or court attendance.
Questions from
criminal defence solicitors
Do your experts provide fitness to plead assessments under CrimPR 19?
Yes. Members of our chambers prepare fitness to plead reports under CrimPR 19, assessing Pritchard criteria for defendants where capacity to stand trial is in question. Reports comply with Criminal Procedure (Insanity) Act 1964 requirements.
Can you provide psychiatric expert witness reports for M’Naghten defences?
Yes. Our experts assess defendants under the M’Naghten rules, determining whether the defendant knew the nature and quality of their act at the time of the offence. Reports are prepared for Crown Court proceedings.
What is the turnaround time for a criminal expert witness report?
10–14 days urgent, 4–6 weeks standard. Urgent fitness to plead assessments and bail reports are delivered within 10–14 days. Standard sentencing mitigation and mental condition reports are completed within 4–6 weeks, subject to case complexity.
Do your experts attend court for cross-examination?
Yes. Our consultants are available for court attendance and cross-examination under CrimPR 19. Fees for attendance are agreed at instruction and comply with CPR Part 35 requirements.
Can you provide joint expert reports under CPR 35.7?
Yes. We prepare joint expert reports and statements under CPR 35.7 where prosecution and defence agree to shared instruction. Joint expert meetings are coordinated to comply with Practice Direction 35.
Do your experts assess defendants with autism or learning disabilities?
Yes. Members of our chambers include specialists in neurodevelopmental disorders, providing assessments for defendants with autism, learning disabilities, or cognitive impairment where special measures are required.