
Ray S. Kim, Ph.D. and Associates, Inc.
Forensic Psychological Services


Our Mission
Our mission at Ray S. Kim, Ph.D. and Associates, Inc. is to provide a full range of psychological services to the community, as well as the civil and criminal justice system. We specialize in providing forensic evaluations, consultations, and court testimony.
Our staff understands the impact a criminal charge can have on a person's life. Therefore, we are committed to being attentive to our clients' needs, and providing services in the most professional and respectful manner.
About Our Practice
We are experienced in working with the legal system, and sensitive to the nature of court proceedings. Dr. Kim and his associates provide forensic services in the office, hospitals, jail settings, and the courtroom.
You will find that we offer objective, fair, clear, reliable, and in-depth forensic work. We strive to exceed the quality standards in the communities we serve. From the initial stages of the evaluation process to the final trial testimony and cross examination, you will appreciate having our group as part of your team.
Contact Us
FOR A FREE CONSULTATION
847-309-7475
OFFICE ADDRESS
2300 Barrington Road, Suite 400
Hoffman Estates, Illinois 60169
FAX
847-984-9292
Areas of Expertise
Forensic Evaluations

Forensic evaluations have become a valuable resource for the criminal court system by addressing important psycholegal questions. For instance, assessing risk for violence can help courts make appropriate decisions on issues such as sentencing, granting privileges, and community reintegration. If an individual is assessed to be a high risk for future violence, a judge has grounds to order a more restrictive setting compared to someone who is a lower risk for recidivism. By tailoring court decisions based on accurate risk assessment, the community is safer while the defendant's rights are also protected.
Current best practices recommend utilizing multiple sources of information in making risk assessments. First, it is important to review available records which may include clinical records, police reports, and arrest records. A defendant’s history should anchor risk assessments because a good predictor of future behavior is past behavior. John Monahan, who is a prominent figure in the field of risk assessment, stated that “if there is one finding that overshadows all others in the area of prediction, it is that the probability of future crime increases with each prior criminal act.”
Conducting a thorough clinical interview is the next step in good risk assessment. A clinical interview provides information on an individual’s current mental status, and whether the person meets clinical criteria for a mental illness. The clinical interview should emphasize risk assessment, corroborating risk factors identified from past records, as well as identifying other possible risk factors.
Finally, there are an increasing number of empirically-based instruments available for predicting risk for violence (e.g., Psychopathy Checklist-Revised, Violence Risk Appraisal Guide). Risk factors on these instruments are categorized as static or dynamic risk factors. Static risk factors are historical factors that are temporally stable in nature. Examples of static risk factors include having a history of previous violence, young age at first violent incident, employment problems, substance use problems, and prior supervision failure. Dynamic risk factors tend to change and can moderate the effects of static risk factors, thus adjusting the risk level of the individual. Examples of dynamic risk factors include having a lack of insight, negative attitudes, impulsivity, and being unresponsive to treatment.
Given today’s technology in the field of forensic psychology, one can be confident in the expert opinion of a qualified forensic scientist. Defense attorneys may feel that securing such opinions better protect their clients so that unwarranted concerns do not intrude into court decisions. Prosecutors, on the other hand, may find that a credible expert opinion on violence prediction can strengthen their efforts to protect society.
FOLLOW US:
Psychological Evaluations
Pre-Sentencing Evaluations
Sex Offender Evaluations
Violence Risk Assessments
Competency to Waive Miranda Rights
Diminished Capacity
Fitness for Duty Evaluations (e.g., law enforcement, emergency services, military)
Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) Appeal Evaluations
Immigration Evaluations (e.g., Adam Walsh Act, extreme hardship)
Substance Abuse Assessments
Independent Medical Examinations
(e.g., personal injury, workers' compensation, disability determination, malpractice)
Detection of Malingering
Federal Evaluations (e.g., competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility)
Expert Witness and Consultation Services