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Expert Witness Testimony & Consultation:
Domestic Violence & Trauma

When a case involves domestic violence, intimate partner violence, trauma, or coercive control, the outcome can hinge on whether the court understands how family violence works and why people respond to it the way they do.

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That’s where I come in.

Who I Work With

I provide expert witness services for:

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  • Attorneys for any party in family, criminal, or civil cases

    • Prosecutors building cases that require clinical expertise on abuse dynamics

    • Defense attorneys in cases where trauma responses are relevant to the defendant’s behavior or state of mind

    • Guardian ad litem and child protective professionals in cases involving family violence

  • Courts seeking qualified expert testimony on trauma, coercive control, or intimate partner violence

My Qualifications

I hold a PhD in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington, with a research focus on intimate partner violence, trauma recovery, and survivor advocacy.

 

My clinical and professional background includes:

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  • Licensed social worker in Texas

  • Tenured Associate Professor of Social Work at Our Lady of the Lake University since 2017

  • Direct services with survivors in shelter, transitional housing, and police victim advocacy (2010 to 2014), and trauma-focused therapy since 2024

  • Former Victim Advocate Program Manager, Carrollton Police Department

  • Active researcher in gun violence prevention, intimate partner violence, and trauma-informed practice

 

I provide credible, evidence-based testimony grounded in current research and real clinical experience. I understand how coercive control works, why survivors don’t always behave the way people expect, and how to explain complex trauma dynamics in language a judge or jury can understand. In Texas custody cases, I don’t offer opinions on conservatorship or access unless I’ve conducted a court-ordered custody evaluation (Tex. Fam. Code §104.008).

What I Can Provide

Expert Witness Testimony​​

In-court testimony on topics including:

  • The dynamics of domestic violence and intimate partner violence

  • Coercive control and its psychological effects on survivors

  • Why survivors stay, return, or delay reporting

  • How fear and intermittent kindness can strengthen attachment to an abusive partner and its impact on decision-making

  • PTSD and trauma responses in the context of abuse

  • The effects of witnessing domestic violence on children

  • Lethality indicators in domestic violence cases

 

Case Consultation & Review​

Pre-testimony services including:

  • Review of case materials, police reports, medical records, and prior evaluations

  • Written reports and clinical summaries

  • Consultation with legal teams on case strategy and consulting

  • Preparing for and giving deposition testimony

 

Fees

All engagements are arranged through retaining counsel. The same rates apply to every case and every party, and fees never depend on my opinions or the outcome of a case.

  • Case review, research, consultation, and written reports: $250/hour

  • Deposition preparation: $250/hour

  • Deposition testimony (in person or remote): $325/hour, 2-hour minimum

  • Court testimony: $1,300 per half day (up to 4 hours) or $2,400 per full day, including waiting time at court

  • Travel time beyond 30 miles: $125/hour, plus actual travel expenses (mileage at the IRS rate, flights, lodging)

 

Retainer: $1,500 for consulting or general educational testimony, or $3,000 for case-specific review. Work begins once I receive a signed engagement agreement and the retainer, and testimony fees are paid in advance.

 

Cancellation: No charge with 10 or more business days’ notice. 50% of the reserved testimony fee with 5 to 9 business days’ notice, and 100% with fewer than 5. Preparation time already completed is billed.

 

I’m available for cases throughout Texas, in person or remotely where the court permits. For cases outside Texas, please inquire about availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my case needs an expert witness?

If your case involves a survivor’s behavior that may seem counterintuitive, why they stayed, why they recanted, why they didn’t report sooner, expert testimony can provide the clinical context that makes those behaviors understandable. Cases involving coercive control, how fear and intermittent kindness can strengthen attachment to an abusive partner, or PTSD often benefit significantly from expert testimony.

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Can you work with both prosecution and defense?

Yes. I evaluate cases based on the facts and the science, not the outcome sought. My testimony reflects my honest clinical and research-based opinion. I’m happy to discuss whether my expertise is a good fit for your specific case before any engagement.

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What is your turnaround time for case review?

This depends on case complexity and my current availability. I’ll give you a realistic timeline when we discuss your case. Please reach out as early in the process as possible.

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