Dr. Erickson has specialized experience in the evaluation of juveniles involved in the criminal justice system. Juveniles present special challenges to forensic evaluators as they must consider not only the presence or absence of mental illness, but the juvenile's developmental status and family environment. Thus, juvenile forensic evaluations are often more complex and lengthy than adult evaluations and require specialized training and experience.

The common legal questions include:

• Competency to Proceed
• Competency to Plead Guilty
• Competency to Waive Miranda Rights
• Diminished Capacity
• Insanity Defense
• Transfer to Adult Court
• Sentencing Mitigation/Aggravation
• Recidivism Risk/Violence Risk Assessment

Children who have mental health and behavioral disorders are at increased risk for unlawful behavior. Mental health diagnosis is often an essential part of the evaluation process. The most common diagnostic concerns with juveniles are:

• Anxiety Disorders
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Conduct Disorder (CD) and Callous-Unemotional Traits
• Malingering
• Mood Disorders (depression and mania, including Bipolar Disorder)
• Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Psychosis

Dr. Erickson's previous experience as a law guardian and attorney who handled family court and criminal matters provides him with a unique set of skills that are useful in handling juvenile cases.