Why MCTS
At MCTS, we provide high‑quality, independent expert witnesses for criminal cases. Our national network includes psychologists, psychiatrists, and allied health professionals which all provide assessments across England and Wales. Our expert witnesses have extensive experience in fitness to plead, mental state at the time of offence, risk assessment, and capacity evaluations. We combine trauma‑informed practice with rigorous methodology to produce evidence that is accessible, proportionate, and compliant.
Why instruct MCTS for criminal cases?
- Trusted experts with deep experience in complex criminal proceedings and expert evidence.
- Reports prepared in line with Criminal Procedure Rules (Part 19) and relevant practice directions.
- HCPC, GMC, NMC, and Social Work England-registered experts (as applicable).
- Robust quality assurance and peer review to ensure clarity and defensibility.
- Dedicated case coordination from enquiry to report to keep timetables on track.
- Social enterprise: we reinvest in training and service quality, ensuring sustainable excellence.
No waiting lists
We aim to get CVs, quotes and timelines over to you within 1 business day and to complete the work within 6-8 weeks from the date of instruction. Urgent timescales available on request.
Criminal expert witness directory
We work with a multi‑disciplinary directory of specialists who regularly act as expert witnesses in criminal cases:
- Clinical, counselling, and forensic psychologists (adult, child, and neuropsychology)
- Psychiatrists (general adult, child & adolescent, forensic)
- Independent social workers
- Neuropsychologists and Autism/ADHD diagnosticians
- Speech and language therapists and occupational therapists
- Nurses, psychotherapists, creative therapists
- Risk and forensic behaviour specialists
Our experience at a glance
- Instructed by defence solicitors, CPS, and public bodies
- Criminal proceedings including Legal Aid and privately funded cases
- Nationwide coverage with timely examinations and clear, proportionate reports
Areas of expertise/case examples
- We deliver expert input across a wide range of criminal issues:
- Fitness to plead and capacity: assessments of ability to participate in proceedings
- Mental state at the time of offence: psychiatric and psychological evaluations
- Risk assessment: violence, sexual harm, and reoffending risk
- Psychiatric disorders: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, PTSD, personality disorder
- Neurodevelopmental needs: Autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities relevant to culpability
- Cognitive and executive functioning: memory, attention, decision-making
- Vulnerability and safeguarding: risk of exploitation, self-harm, or suicide
- Substance misuse and offending behaviour: impact on mental state and risk
- Each instruction is proactively case-managed to ensure timely appointments, coordinated records review, and Criminal Procedure
- Rules-compliant reporting with clear opinions on diagnosis, capacity, risk, and recommendations.
FAQs
Yes – experts understand their duties to the court and produce CPR‑compliant reports with clear, evidence‑based opinions.
Yes. We are experienced across defence, prosecution, and single joint expert appointments.
Most are completed within 6–8 weeks. Expedited timelines available subject to scope.
Absolutely. Our referrals coordinator will match suitably qualified experts and provide CVs, availability, and a quotation within 1 working day.
Yes, where applicable. We also provide clear private fee estimates before instruction.
Yes – we accept self‑referrals and litigants in person where appropriate. Please note criminal reports must be allowed by the court; we recommend discussing this with your solicitor or case manager. Please use the contact form or email expert.referrals@mcts.org.uk
What solicitors say about us
Rates
Our fees are clear, proportionate, and competitive.
- We accept Legal Aid Agency rates where applicable.
- Private fees vary by complexity, records volume, and examination scope.
- Full written quotations provided before instruction – no hidden costs.
- As part of our social enterprise commitment, we offer an option to spread the cost over several months with Klarna.
Timelines
- On enquiry: CVs, availability, and quotation within 1 working day
- Assessment & report: typically 6–8 weeks from instruction (expedited options available)
- Addenda & clarifications: generally 5–10 working days, subject to scope and records
Self‑funding an assessment?
We accept self‑funded instructions where appropriate. Please note criminal reports must meet court requirements; we recommend discussing this with your solicitor or case manager. Contact us via the enquiry form or email expert.referrals@mcts.org.uk to confirm suitability and next steps.
