Courtroom-Proven Judgment
Dr. Jeff Sugar has worked as a forensic psychiatrist and expert witness for more than three decades. Since 1990, he has provided evaluations and testimony in both civil and criminal cases for plaintiffs and the defense. His work focuses on the psychiatric impact of trauma and adversity, and his testimony has been relied upon in cases involving some of the most complex psychiatric issues before the courts.
Forensic Psychiatry and Expert Witness Work
- Expert Witness, Los Angeles, CA (1990–present) – Solo forensic practice in general and child/adolescent psychiatry
- Provides forensic evaluations, written reports, depositions, and testimony
- Experienced in both state and federal courts
- Works with attorneys for plaintiffs and defense
Case areas include:
- Institutional sexual abuse
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)
- Psychological effects of trauma and adversity on child development
- Chronic physical, sexual, and emotional abuse
- Workplace psychological trauma
- Date rape and internet grooming/seduction
- Post-traumatic loss, grief, and depression
- Psychological effects of traumatic brain injury
- Psychiatric medical malpractice
Workers’ Compensation Forensic Evaluations
- Conducted over 250 psychiatric evaluations of injured workers (1989–2001)
- Developed an instrument for the structured assessment of trauma-related psychiatric injury
- Qualified Medical Examiner (QME) during this period
Clinical and Academic Foundations Strengthening Forensic Work
Dr. Sugar’s credibility in court is reinforced by decades of academic and clinical leadership:
- Board Certified in Psychiatry and in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (1991)
- Adjunct Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, USC Keck School of Medicine (2021–present); previously Assistant Professor (2005–2021)
- Former Assistant Clinical Professor, UCLA Department of Psychiatry (1990–2005)
- Directed the USC Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Trauma Program (2006–2021)
- Published and presented nationally and internationally on trauma, PTSD, dissociation, and psychiatric impacts of adversity — areas directly relevant to forensic casework
Professional Associations Supporting Forensic Practice
- American Psychiatric Association – Distinguished Life Fellow (2017)
- American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry – Member since 1989; Outstanding Mentor Award (2010)
- International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies – Member since 2001
- Forensic Expert Witness Association – Member since 2008
Dr. Sugar’s forensic work demonstrates courtroom-proven judgment: evaluations that are thorough, evidence-based, and withstand scrutiny under cross-examination. His testimony brings together the authority of board certification, decades of trauma expertise, and a consistent record of balanced, clinically rigorous opinion in service of the courts.