Criminal Law Psychological Assessments

Criminal Defence & Joint Instruction Psychological Assessments

Lucerna Opinions, founded and headed by HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist Dr Alexander Drake, provides defence and jointly instructed criminal work, providing independent, evidence-based clinical psychology opinions with a transparent methodology, explicated reasoning, and a reliable court presence.

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"I have always found Dr Drake’s reports to be easy to understand and concise. He makes the effort to travel to see clients and will put himself out to see them around their availability. He is always polite and courteous to clients and makes them feel at ease, which is important to them at a difficult time for them. Dr Drake, in my view, addresses the issues requested of him and ensures that his reports reflect what is asked."

Chris Evans Senior Paralegal, Tozers LLP

"I have used Dr Drake both at my current firm and previous firm and have always found the quality of his reports to be fantastic. They are helpful and clear, and he is always willing to answer any queries that arise. The recommendations are always useful and concise. His work is thorough, whilst also keeping client’s limitations in mind. Clients always seem to be at ease talking to Dr Drake. Instruction is always straight forward, with reports being delivered on time. I would have no hesitation in recommending Dr Drake and will continue to instruct him on cases to come."

Jessie Allen Solicitor, Rosie Bracher Solicitors LLP

"We often instruct Dr Drake and will continue to do so in the future. He is very professional and approachable throughout. He carries a compassionate nature immediately making clients feel very at ease which is reassuring for all especially when dealing with very vulnerable clients. Dr Drake’s turnaround times are very competitive and his reports are thorough, clear and concise with recommendations that are of great assistance. He is always willing to answer any questions and share his exceptional knowledge. We would have no hesitation in recommending Dr Drake to anyone seeking a psychological expert."

Michelle Brailey Paralegal, Rosie Bracher Solicitors LLP

"I have instructed Dr Drake on many occasions for the completion of psychological assessments, cognitive assessments, and capacity assessments. He was professional, approachable, and thorough throughout. Assessments are always provided to a very high standard. He is supportive and professional throughout, and the reports were clear, well-reasoned, balanced, and easy to follow. His work was genuinely helpful in informing decision-making and I would not hesitate to recommend him."

Emilie Collis Solicitor, Rosie Bracher Solicitors LLP

"Dr Drake is prompt. He files good clear reports. He comes to our office even though we are 40/50 miles away from civilisation. I cannot speak for his bed side manner as I rarely meet him but I think he is always very friendly and clients seem to like him."

Rose Bracher Solicitor and Partner, Rosie Bracher Solicitors LLP

"Dr Drake has been our “go-to” expert, clients appear to like him and feel comfortable with him. He is always very professional and willing to travel. His reports are clear and precise and always timely. I would highly recommend him."

Lisa McLaughlin Chartered Legal Executive, Rosie Bracher Solicitors LLP

Criminal law expert assessments

I support solicitors and counsel with clear, defensible opinions on psychological functioning, cognition, symptom validity, fitness-related questions, mitigation, and risk. My approach is grounded in the evidence base and set out in a way the court can follow – what I considered, what I did, what I found, and how I reached my conclusions.

Psychological assessment: Clinical formulation, diagnosis where relevant, functional impact, treatment needs, and how psychological factors relate to the questions before the court.

Cognition and neuropsychology: Identification of cognitive strengths, difficulties (e.g. attention, memory, processing speed, executive functioning), and intellectual (i.e. learning) disability; and the implications for comprehension, recall, decision-making, and engagement.

Malingering and symptom validity: An evidence-based evaluation of the consistency and plausibility of the presentation, with clear separation between observed findings, test data, and inference.

Fitness to plead: Assessment focused on the relevant functional abilities needed for meaningful participation, with clear linkage between findings and the legal test you need addressed. Where requested, recommendations to enhance participation can be provided.

Mitigation reports: A structured account of relevant psychological factors for sentencing, including vulnerabilities, context, treatment needs, and practical, realistic recommendations that can be implemented.

Risk assessment: Structured, evidence-informed risk formulation and clear risk management recommendations, tailored to the individual and the setting.

What you can expect from my reports

Dedication to the court and the principle of truth. My reports serve both sides.
A clearly described, step-by-step methodology that is easy to scrutinise and defend.
Balanced reasoning, including limitations, cautious language when data is limited or uncertainty exists, and alternative explanations.
Opinions that answer the instructed questions directly, avoiding unnecessary clinical narrative.
Easily navigated, clear, and court-ready structure with headings that map onto the legal issues and questions answered directly

How I work

Instruction scoping

I clarify the legal questions, decision points, and required outputs.

Records review

I identify what information is needed to reach a robust opinion and what gaps remain.

Assessment

Interview plus psychometrics and/or neuropsychological testing as indicated by the referral question.

Analysis and opinion

I integrate sources of evidence, set out my reasoning transparently, and link conclusions to the legal questions.

Report and recommendations

Clear structure, clear language, and practical next steps.

Court attendance

I provide calm, authoritative oral evidence and respond directly to cross-examination.

Legal aid rates and working with timescales

I can work to legal aid rates, am familiar with the practical realities of criminal proceedings, and always aim to file early. Turnaround is measured in weeks – not months. Urgent deadlines (e.g. an imminent hearing) will be met.

If you contact me with the key questions and relevant dates, I can advise on feasibility, proposed scope, and what records would be required to complete the assessment properly.

Coverage

Based near Exeter, Lucerna Opinions provides expert psychological assessments across the Greater South West and along the M4 and M5 corridors. Remote assessments are available for all assessment types except cognitive and neuropsychological assessments, or where a face-to-face appointment is deemed more suitable.

Instructing me

If you’d like to discuss a potential instruction, please share:

The specific questions to be answered.
Key dates (e.g., plea and trial preparation, trial window, sentencing date).
The material available (case summary, prior reports, relevant medical/mental health records, custody/probation information as applicable).
Any particular concerns (participation/fitness, cognition, symptom validity, risk scenarios, treatment history).