Professional Speaker Event: Criminal Defense Law & Forensic Psychology

Join the Forensic Psychology Club for our first Professional Guest Speaker Event, featuring Alejandro Barraza, Criminal Defense and Mental Health Defense Attorney and founder of Barraza Law, APC, based in Riverside, California.

Attorney Barraza specializes in representing individuals whose involvement in the criminal legal system is deeply connected to mental health conditions, trauma, military service, or immigration status. His practice focuses on advocacy models that prioritize treatment instead of incarceration, recognizing that many individuals charged with crimes are navigating serious mental illnesses rather than acting with criminal intent.

During this event, Attorney Barraza will discuss the intersection of forensic psychology and criminal defense, including:

How mental health diagnoses impact criminal responsibility

Mental Health Court and Mental Health Diversion in California

Veteran’s Court and Military Diversion for service-related trauma

Competency to stand trial and involuntary commitments

LPS mental health conservatorships

The unique challenges faced by veterans, non-citizens, and underserved populations in the justice system

He will also explore how psychologists, clinicians, and legal professionals collaborate to tell a defendant’s mental health story in court, reduce incarceration, and promote rehabilitation and public safety.

This event is ideal for students interested in forensic psychology, criminal justice, law, mental health advocacy, and clinical work within legal systems. A Q&A session will follow, offering students the opportunity to ask questions about real-world cases, career paths, and the role of psychology in criminal defense.

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