Dr. Monnica Williams, Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Monnica Williams is a board-certified psychologist with extensive experience working with civil and criminal legal cases, including capital cases. She has served as an expert witness in dozens of cases and has published relevant papers in both psychological and legal journals. As a seasoned professional, Dr. Williams has the ability to evaluate the severity of the situation and provide well-informed opinions that can significantly impact the outcome of a case. It is typical for civil cases to settle once Dr. Williams provides her expert report. However, Dr. Williams is also skilled in depositions and cross-examination.
Expert Witness for Discrimination Cases
By leveraging her knowledge of human behavior and deep understanding of discrimination, Dr. Williams plays a critical role in the pursuit of justice.
Dr. Williams can conduct a comprehensive assessment to determine if a client has been affected by PTSD or other mental health diagnoses due to their experiences with discrimination and present this information to the court. Her expertise in the field allows her to present compelling evidence that can effectively demonstrate the connection between the discrimination and the mental health issues suffered by affected client. She is most frequently retained to address cases of racism in the workplace, which has included experiences of discrimination by universities, businesses, non-profit organizations, police departments, and government agencies. For criminal cases, she is most frequently consulted to ascertain the impact of racial trauma as an explanation for alleged crimes or a mitigating factor.
In addition to her psychological assessments, Dr. Williams also offers consultations to legal teams, helping them better understand the mental health consequences of discrimination on their clients. Dr. Williams' services are invaluable to attorneys seeking to build strong cases, as her expert testimony brings substantial credibility and depth to their arguments, ensuring that the victims of discrimination receive the justice they deserve.
Expert services provided for discrimination cases have involved:
- Racial harassment in the workplace
- Sexual harassment in the workplace
- Wrongful termination due to racial discrimination
- Racial and gender discrimination by child protective services
- Traumatization of students from bullying and abuse in schools
- Mistreatment of sexual minorities by law enforcement
- Reproductive violence by medical professionals
- Racism against Indigenous people by law enforcement
- Racial trauma to explain flight from law enforcement
- Racism in legal proceedings
Anti-Racist Jury Selection
Dr. Monnica Williams not only provides assessments and expert testimony on discrimination-related legal cases but also extends her expertise to assist in the selection of an impartial jury. As a skilled psychologist, she is adept at identifying potential biases and evaluating the suitability of prospective jurors to ensure a fair trial. Through meticulous evaluation of jury questionnaires and assisting with voir dire, she can help legal teams build a well-rounded jury that is less likely to be influenced by preconceived notions or racial prejudice.
Featured Paper: Levinson, A., Williams, M. T. et al. (2022). Challenging jurors' racism. Gonzaga Law Review, 57(3), 365-424.
Expert Witness for OCD Cases
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is frequently misunderstood.
Dr. Monnica Williams has psychological expertise surrounding individuals struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), particularly those experiencing symptoms of pedophilic-themed obsessive-compulsive disorder (POCD). She offers expert witness services and assessments for individuals whose fitness as a parent is called into question due to misdiagnosis or misunderstanding of this specific condition. Having written a definitive treatment manual about sexual obsessions in OCD for Oxford University Press, she is well-equipped to clarify misconceptions and educate the court about the true nature of POCD.
Dr. Williams' expert testimony is a crucial resource in cases where clients with POCD may be wrongly accused or have their ability to parent called into question. By providing accurate assessments and shedding light on the complexities of the condition, Dr. Williams helps ensure that these individuals receive fair treatment during legal proceedings. Her knowledge of OCD and its impact on affected individuals and families contributes to a more informed decision-making process, safeguarding the rights of clients while promoting a better understanding of mental health disorders for the legal team and court.
Popular Books by Dr. Monnica Williams
Racism
Managing Microaggressions:
Addressing Everyday Racism in Therapeutic Spaces
Mental Health
Sexual Obsessions in OCD: Definitive Guide to Understanding, Diagnosis, & Treatment
Equity
Eliminating Race-Based Mental Health Disparities: Equity and Culturally Responsive Care