YOUR STORY MATTERS: HELPING JUDGES SEE BEYOND THE CASE

 If your attorney recommended a mitigation assessment, you’re in the right place. Our goal is to understand your story—your background, health, strengths, and challenges—so the court gets the full picture of who you are, not just a case file. We provide clear, neutral reports that help decision-makers consider fair, individualized options. 

 It’s a professional evaluation that looks at your history, mental health, substance use, trauma, family and school/work history, and other life circumstances. We gather information from you, with your permission from people who know you, and from relevant records. Then we write a factual report for the court. We do not promise outcomes or advocate for any specific legal decision—the judge decides.

• Criminal cases: Adds context that can support treatment-focused or community-based options.
   
• Family law and child-dependency cases: Helps the court understand parenting strengths, progress in treatment, and family supports.

 1) A friendly, structured interview
We’ll meet for a few hours to talk about your life story, health, and goals. (Typical interview: 2–4 hours, sometimes in more than one visit.)  

 2) Collateral conversations (with your permission)
We may speak with 1–4 people who know you well (family, providers, caseworkers) to round out the picture.  

 3) Records review
With your permission, we review important records (for example, medical, school, DCF, police) so the report is accurate and complete. 

 4) Standardized screeners (as appropriate)
Brief, research-based questionnaires can help describe symptoms and functioning clearly. 

 5) A written report for the court
You and your attorney get a neutral, fact-based report that summarizes your history, current needs, and relevant context (length depends on the case). 

 Optional: If new information arrives later, we can write an addendum to update the court. 

 We’re here to listen carefully, document facts, and explain context clearly. We don’t guarantee results or decide outcomes—the court does. 

• Melissa Helphrey, MSW – Pre-Licensed Psychotherapist, Registered Clinical Social Work Intern
•  Under the supervision of Holly Hintz, MSW, LCSW (SW#19758); Clinical Director Sarah E. Reyes, MSW, LCSW (#SW11947).

 Most criminal, family, and dependency cases use a flat-fee assessment (typical ranges listed below).

• Standard criminal (non-capital): $1,500
• Complex/capital cases: $2,500–$5,000+
• Family law report: $1,200
• Child dependency report: $1,300

 Add-ons if needed: follow-up sessions, addendum letters, record-only reviews for very large files 

 Court appearances: available when arranged by your attorney (separate, pre-paid fees apply). 

 How payment works: Services are self-pay; insurance isn’t accepted. A 50% retainer is due to schedule; the remainder is due when the written report is delivered. 

 We only collect and share information that’s necessary for the assessment and permitted by your signed consents or by court order. Our acknowledgment explains the purpose, neutrality, and limits of the service in clear language before you sign. 

• Talk with your attorney about whether a mitigation assessment is right for your case.
   
• Call us at 850-220-5300 or email Melissa@readytoevolve.com to check availability.
   
• We’ll walk you through scheduling, paperwork, and what to bring.

•  Do you take insurance?
  No. All mitigation services are self-pay. 

•  Will this guarantee a lighter sentence or outcome?
  No guarantees—our role is to provide complete, neutral information so the court can make an informed decision. 

•  Can you appear in court?
  Yes, when arranged by your attorney; separate court-appearance fees apply.