Expert Database
The Youth Advocacy Project and Juvenile Defense Network maintain a database of experts that work with children and
adolescents. This database is designed to aid juvenile defense lawyers in obtaining proper forensic experts
that are specific to their cases.
Where can I find an expert? |
How do I pay for the expert?
What if the judge denies my request for funds?
Where Can I Find an Expert?
For forensic experts that deal specifically w/ juveniles,
(e.g. psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers):
Please Contact:
Wendy Wolf at (617)445-5640 ext. 127.
For forensic experts not specific to juvenile cases,
(e.g. investigators, handwriting experts, adult psychologists, DNA, etc.)
Please Contact:
Anne Goldbach of CPCS at (617) 988-8337.
For privacy and security reasons, the database itself is not available online.
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How do I pay for the expert?
File a Motion for Funds with an Affidavit of Counsel in court stating that the juvenile is indigent within the meaning of M.G.L.c.261 §27A and that the funds are reasonably necessary to assure your client as effective a defense in his
or her case as he or she would have if he or she were financially able to pay. Commonwealth v. Lockley, 381 Mass. 156 (1980). Your motion should also include the amount you are requesting, the purpose of the expenditure, and why the expenditure is "reasonably necessary." You do not have to identify your expert in the Motion.
You need only disclose the expert's name to the Commonwealth if that expert will testify in the case.
For a Psychologist, download this sample Motion and Affidavit.
For a Social Worker, download this sample Motion and Affidavit.
A Motion for Funds with an affidavit can also be filed ex parte. You should cite Commonwealth v. Dotson, 402 Mass 185, 187 (1988) ("prosecutors serve neither the judicial process nor the interests of justice by impeding the indigent defendant's efforts to obtain funds pursuant to M.G.L.c.261 §27C) See sample motion.
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What do I do if a judge denies my request for funds?
If the matter arises in the district, municipal, or juvenile courts, the appeal shall be to the superior court sitting in the nearest county or in Suffolk County. Once you are notified of the denial you should be advised of the right of appeal, and you have seven days thereafter to file a notice of appeal with the clerk or register. Upon receipt of notice of an appeal timely filed, the clerk or register shall forthwith notify the judge or justice, who shall within three days set forth his or her written findings and reasons as provided in paragraph (4) of M.G.L.c.261, §27C. The court denying the request may, with or without a motion, stay the proceedings pending appeal or issue any other order or process to preserve the rights of the parties pending the appeal. The clerk or register shall then forward the affidavit and request the court's findings and reasons for denial and any other documents on file relevant to the appeal, to the clerk of the court deciding the appeal. The matter will then be referred to the court for a decision. The court deciding the appeal may enter a stay or revoke an existing stay or other order, and its decision shall be final with respect to such request. See M.G.L.c.261 §27D.
Matters arising out of superior court shall be appealed to the single justice of the appeals court.
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