As a capital case mitigation specialist and sentencing advocate, I adhere to the ABA Guidelines for death penalty cases. My role also includes serving as a psychology consultant, where I collaborate with a life history investigator to provide comprehensive insights into each case.
Dr. Danielle Schulte Lewis
Dr. Danielle Schulte Lewis is a distinguished capital case mitigation specialist and consultant, well-known for her exceptional contributions to criminology and criminal defense. She holds a Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology, complemented by a Master's degree in Forensic Science Advanced Investigation, a Bachelor's degree in Forensic Science, and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. As the founder of Justice Mitigation in early 2023, she spearheads capital case mitigation efforts, using her experience to humanize criminal defendants and advocate for vulnerable populations in the legal system.
With over 3 years dedicated to death penalty mitigation and 19 years of experience as a criminal defense investigator, including 17 years in Los Angeles County, one of the largest court systems in the United States, Dr. Schulte Lewis possesses a deep understanding of complex post-traumatic stress disorder, epigenetic trauma, forensic evidence fallibilities, juror decision-making, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and racial disparities within the legal system. Her impressive career highlights include successfully removing the death penalty from every capital case she has handled and securing acquittals in high-profile triple special circumstance murder trials through her tenacious and compassionate approach.
In addition to her advocacy work, Dr. Schulte Lewis is part-time faculty at the esteemed University of Providence, where she teaches courses in psychology, sociology, and child abuse and neglect.
Dr. Schulte Lewis is a prolific researcher and writer, with ongoing publications and manuscripts exploring topics such as wrongful convictions, juror cognition, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) for legal professionals. Her expertise has earned her invitations to present at multiple conferences and webinars, both nationally and internationally.
As a devoted advocate, Dr. Schulte Lewis actively engages in professional associations such as the National Association of Public Defense, Capital Defense Network, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Science (AIAFS). Her passion lies in sharing the stories of those often overlooked or marginalized within the criminal justice system, allowing her to assist district attorneys, judges, and jurors in understanding the complex human experiences that underlie criminal acts.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Dr. Schulte Lewis enjoys championing causes close to her heart. With unwavering dedication, she endeavors to empower individuals without a voice, striving to bring fairness and empathy to the legal process and remind society that defendants are more than the worst act they have committed.
In summary, Dr. Danielle Schulte Lewis is an accomplished expert in capital case mitigation and criminal defense investigation, whose remarkable career is built on a foundation of compassion, dedication, and an unyielding commitment to justice.