Expert Witness Services

Testifying Expert

Expert witness testimony in child abuse cases can bring clarity to cases involving child forensic interviews, developmental psychology, investigative procedures, child abuse allegations, and complex custody disputes.

Our Testifying Expert Services Help Bring Specialized Knowledge Into the Courtroom

Dean Tong has testified as an Expert Witness approximately 80 times across 20 states in areas involving psychology and social science. His primary area of expert witness testimony involves forensic interviews with children and the methods used to obtain, document, and evaluate their statements.

He has received training in the NICHD and NACCFI child forensic interview models and is a lifetime certified and registered child forensic interviewer for the defense. With more than 30 years of experience involving alleged child sexual abuse cases, he has reviewed and critiqued hundreds of child forensic interviews presented through video recordings, audio recordings, transcripts, and supporting case materials.

NICHD interview protocol expert testimony may also address evidence-based interviewing practices, source monitoring, alternative hypotheses, and recognized methodologies used when interviewing children. Depending on the facts and legal issues involved, testimony can help attorneys examine whether investigative procedures were consistent with accepted professional practices.

In appropriate circumstances, counsel may also consider whether the court could designate Dean Tong as an essential Rule of Sequestration expert who is exempt from the Rule of Sequestration, permitting participation as both a consulting and testifying expert during trial proceedings.

Academic Credentials

Dean Tong holds a combined Master of Science Degree in Psychology and the Law in the field of Child Forensic Studies from the Universities of Portsmouth and Leeds in the United Kingdom.

His academic work included participation in the University of Portsmouth MSc. program and completion of a Post Graduate Diploma and approved dissertation. His education supports a multidisciplinary understanding of psychology, forensic interviewing, child development, and legal processes relevant to expert witness work.

National Certification & Experience

Dean Tong is a nationally certified lifetime registered child forensic interviewer whose professional focus includes unfounded and false child abuse allegation cases. His caseload involves high-conflict matters, including cases connected with prolonged custody disputes.

He assists with criminal cases nationwide and has received approval from judges and public defender offices in multiple jurisdictions to participate as an expert in criminal and juvenile proceedings involving indigent defendants.

His professional background combines more than 31 years of expert experience with approximately 25 years of service as an expert witness.

When Expert Assistance Matters

When an accused individual maintains innocence, expert review may help counsel examine interview procedures, investigative methodology, developmental considerations, psychological concepts, and alternative explanations before plea discussions, hearings, or trial.

Expert assistance may also be relevant when children face possible removal through Child Protective Services or when disputes proceed before juvenile or family courts. In these situations, careful evaluation of the available evidence can help attorneys better understand the strengths, limitations, and professional issues surrounding the case.

Why Attorneys Need Experts

Attorneys bring legal knowledge and courtroom advocacy to a case. Expert witnesses bring specialized professional knowledge that may be necessary to interpret technical evidence and professional practices.

Cases involving CPS intake personnel, protective investigators, child forensic interviewers, detectives, medical professionals conducting abuse examinations, therapists, and other specialists can raise questions that extend beyond ordinary legal analysis.

A qualified child hearsay expert witness can examine how interviews were conducted, whether accepted methodologies were followed, whether alternative hypotheses were sufficiently considered, and how developmental or psychological factors may affect the interpretation of evidence.

Dean Tong assists counsel in preparing for contested hearings and trials involving complex allegations, investigative concerns, and high-conflict family circumstances.