Donna L. Peters, Psy.D. Expert Witness
Curriculum Vitae

Forensic Evaluation & Trauma Specialist

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Specialties & Experience of this Expert Witness

General Specialties:

Forensic Psychology and Psychology

Keywords/Search Terms:

Domestic Abuse/Intimate Partner Violence, Rape and Sexual Assault, Allegations of Child Sexual Abuse, Effects of Trauma, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Related Traumatic Sequelae, Educator Abuse, Civil Litigation Consultation, Psychological Injury, Sentence Mitigation, Expert Witness

Education:

Psy.D., University of Denver, Graduate School of Professional Psychology; M.A., University of Denver, Graduate School of Professional Psychology; M.Ed., University of Maryland; B.S., University of Maryland

Years in Practice:

25

Additional Information

Dr. Peters is a seasoned clinical and forensic psychologist with over 25 years of experience providing expert psychological services in both civil and criminal legal matters. She specializes in comprehensive forensic psychological evaluations, expert witness testimony, and attorney consultation. Her areas of expertise include: Legal & Forensic Contexts • Military Court Martial Consultation: Expertise and consultation within military populations on issues such as domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of interpersonal violence. • Immigration & Asylum Evaluations: Psychological assessments for hardship, asylum, and human rights cases (including U-visas and T-visas). • Civil Litigation & Personal Injury: Evaluation of emotional distress and psychological damages in civil suits. • Criminal Mitigation: Psychological evaluations and context for sentencing and defense strategy. Specialized Trauma & Victimology • Combat-Related PTSD: Specialized knowledge in veteran mental health and the psychological impact of military service. • Torture & Refugee Trauma: Assessment of the psychological effects of state-sponsored violence and displacement. • Biology of Trauma: Explanation of neurobiological responses to trauma and their effects on behavior and memory. • Post-Traumatic Sequelae: Analysis of short and long-term psychological impacts of victimization. Specific Behavioral Issues • Alcohol-Induced Memory Impairment: Expert analysis of blackouts, memory reliability, and the effects of substances on cognition in forensic contexts. • Analysis of Memory and Perception: Evaluation of the reliability, accuracy, and factors influencing memory and perception in forensic and clinical cases. • Adult Survivors of Childhood Trauma: Specialized assessment of how early-life abuse manifests in adulthood. Dr. Peters has consulted on cases across criminal, civil, military, and immigration courts, bringing extensive experience in evaluating the psychological effects of complex interpersonal violence and trauma. She offers objective, evidence-based opinions for both prosecution and defense, as well as for plaintiffs and respondents in civil litigation. Dr. Peters holds PSYPACT interjurisdictional privileges, allowing her to provide telepsychology and temporary in-person psychological services across participating states (Interjurisdictional Practice Certification ASPPB #6420). PSYPACT is an interstate compact that facilitates the practice of licensed psychologists across state lines. Her clinical background includes work with diverse populations in a variety of settings, such as the U.S. military, VA medical centers, human rights organizations, sexual assault resource centers, and private practice. Dr. Peters is also an invited lecturer, providing lectures and training to law enforcement, attorneys, graduate programs, and community organizations on topics such as trauma, abuse, PTSD, and the psychological effects of violence. Dr. Peters is committed to delivering thorough, impartial evaluations and clear, authoritative testimony to assist attorneys and courts in understanding complex psychological issues. All opinions and findings are supported by the latest scientific research and best practices in the field.