Understanding the Roles of the 3 Professionals in Your Legal Process

Joel Caldwell, Psy.D.
Christina Caldwell, Psy.D.

As you experience the legal process, three professionals will play important roles in determining the outcome both in and out of the courtroom. Understanding the functions of each will help you to clearly recognize the benefits and limitations of utilizing these professionals.

1. Your Attorney:

Will be keenly aware of all aspects of your case.
Will formulate and carry out your defense.
Is responsible for representing you in all court-related matters.
Advises you in all legal matters.
Will give you an idea of what you can expect regarding possible sentencing.
Handles all communication with prosecutors, judges, and juries.
May negotiate the best legal outcome for you.

Like in most professions, attorneys specialize in various fields of law. Obviously, you will want someone who specializes in criminal defense. However, there are even sub-specialties within that field. For example, there are some who specialize in white-collar crime, DUI, or immigration violations to name a few. There are also attorneys who have more experience in either federal or state court. The key in choosing the right attorney for you is matching their combination of specialization and professional experience with your alleged crime.

While it is important to choose the right attorney, even the best attorney cannot address the important aspects of the legal process occurring outside of the courtroom. These include managing your relationships with family and friends, dealing with professional fallout, engaging in prison preparation, and developing a strategy for your new life once the legal process ends.

That's where Crisis Recovery Specialists come in. Below, you will find a brief summary of who we are, what we do, and what we don't do.

2. Dr. Joel Caldwell:

Has 15 years of experience as a clinical psychologist treating adults, adolescents, and children.
Has experience as the Chief Psychologist and an administrator in the prison system. This included assisting inmates with the stresses of prison and working with them on how to stay safe throughout their sentence.
Has experience as an inmate himself.
Has successfully navigated his own personal, professional, and social fallout of the legal process.
Co-founded Crisis Recovery Specialists with the goal of assisting professionals through the legal process-- from the point of being charged all the way through the post-incarceration period.
Works with those accused of crimes in managing all out-of-court aspects of the process-- family, social, professional.
Maintains communication with the accused's attorney as needed.
Prepares the accused for the prison setting.
Can provide supportive services to the accused's spouse or significant other, and/or family as requested.
Works with the accused and family post-incarceration for successful professional and family reintegration.

3. Dr. Christina Caldwell:

Has 15 years of experience as a clinical psychologist treating adults, adolescents and children.
Has successfully navigated her own personal and social fallout when her husband was convicted of a crime.
Understands the issues of trust that arise in a relationship when a betrayal occurs and how to overcome them.
Possesses professional and experiential knowledge of how to lead children through the process.
Co-founded Crisis Recovery Specialists with the goal of assisting families through the legal process.
Works exclusively with the family of the accused in managing the personal and social fallout.
Works with the family post-incarceration for successful family reintegration.

Crisis Recovery Specialists does not engage in:

Psychotherapy: We do not conduct psychotherapy. While we will lead you through the legal process, it is beyond the focus of our services to address earlier, long-term issues. For example, we refrain from addressing earlier problems in your relationship, family of orign issues, or questions related to why you committed a crime. Our focus is primarily on how you overcome your current challenges and the future implications resulting from the legal process.
Legal advice: We do not give legal advice. All legal advice should come from your attorney. We are not attorneys and therefore leave that to the experts in that field. In addition, we do not question the advice given to you by your attorney.
Guaranteeing particular outcomes: While we make every effort to lead you through the out-of-court aspects of the process, we do not guarantee any specific outcomes. This pertains to your family and social relationships, your professional life, and your prison experience. While you are likely to experience a greater sense of support and direction utilizing our services (and almost everyone does), specific outcomes cannot be guaranteed.

Much like choosing your attorney, it is vital that you choose the appropriate professionals to help you manage the fallout from the legal process. It is important that those professionals possess the credentials and know-how to provide the help you need. When they also have had the personal experience of successfully conquering the challenges you are facing, you have the ideal professional to meet your needs. We meet these criteria in a way that no one else can. We offer services that are tailored to your needs and that you and your family will find invaluable.