BUTLER(Pa.)-Judge William Shaffer granted public defender Joseph A. Smith’s petition to appoint a Forensic Psychologist in Jonathan Young’s arson trial in Butler County Court according to court documents obtained by WNYNewsNow.
Smith reportedly entered the petition Nov. 9th for the psychologist, who will be compensated for $200 an hour per the records. The court must intervene if the total compensation surpasses $2,000.
Forensic psychologists take on the role of evaluating parties in criminal or civil cases on mental health issues related to their case. They have a variety of employment settings, such as forensic and state psychiatric hospitals, mental health centers, and private practice.
Forensic psychologists are also typically familiar with fundamental legal principles, particularly with regard to expert witness testimony and the specific content area of concern.
Young’s next hearing, an omnibus pre-trial hearing, is December 6th at 11 am. The main purpose of the hearing is to determine the evidence, including testimony and evidence seized at the time of arrest. Another known purpose is to see if a defendant rights have been violated.
WNYNewsNow is attempting to learn if the latter is being argued by Smith.
Young’s trial is slated to begin in January.