Forensic Psychology Expert

Specialties & Experience of this Expert Witness

Additional Information

Dr. Sarah DeMarco is a licensed psychologist in California, New York, and New Jersey, with over a decade of experience conducting independent, evidence-based forensic mental health assessments in both criminal and civil matters. Dr. DeMarco’s forensic psychological expertise encompasses a wide range of psycholegal issues, including competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility (insanity), risk assessment for violence and sexual violence, mitigation, mental health diversion, fitness for duty, pre-employment, and personal injury matters. She also has specialized experience in firearm-related risk assessments, including concealed carry (CCW) permit denials, firearm rights restoration, and risk evaluations relevant to restraining orders and “red flag” statutes. Dr. DeMarco has provided expert witness testimony in over 60 cases across three different states in the above matters, as well as consultation to attorneys, courts, institutions, and agencies. Her reports are evidence-based, objective, clear, yet comprehensive, and are conducted in accordance with the highest standards of practice. Dr. DeMarco holds a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and an M.A. in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. She completed an APA-accredited pre-doctoral internship in the forensic track at Rutgers University Correctional Health Care in New Jersey. Her professional background includes work in state prisons, juvenile detention, forensic hospitals, substance use treatment, and inpatient substance use treatment settings. She has multiple published works, including a recent publication with Oxford University Press (2024), Firearms and Clinical Practice: A Handbook for Medical and Mental Health Professionals, which received the 2024 Lawrence S. Wrightsman Book Award from the American Psychology-Law Society (AP-LS) for outstanding contribution to the field. In addition to her expert work, Dr. DeMarco has served as an adjunct graduate program faculty member in the forensic mental health counseling and forensic psychology programs at John Jay College of Criminal Justice for over 10 years. Drawing on her extensive experience as a professor, she is highly effective at communicating complex clinical concepts in a clear, accessible manner, enhancing the clarity and impact of her expert testimony.