Insights
Dr. Abbie Maroño shares empirical insights at the intersection of psychology and law, offering forensic guidance on false confessions, interrogation tactics, and behavioral analysis for attorneys.
Expert Analysis in Your Inbox
Subscribe to stay updated with Dr. Abbie Maroño’s forensic psychology insights and case studies delivered directly to you.
Dr. Abbie Maroño
Behavioral Scientist & Expert Witness
Trauma & Victim Behavior | False Confessions | Investigative Interviewing | Nonverbal Behavioral Analysis
Dr. Abbie Maroño is a behavioral scientist and expert witness providing independent, evidence-based analysis in criminal and civil litigation. Her expertise includes post-trauma behavior and sexual assault victim responses, false and coerced confessions, investigative interviewing, nonverbal communication, and the interpretation of recorded behavioral evidence.
Holding a PhD in Psychology, Dr. Maroño combines academic research, investigative training, and experience providing expert testimony in U.S. federal court to assist attorneys in understanding complex behavioral evidence and the scientific limitations of conclusions drawn from human behavior.
PhD in Psychology
Former Professor of Forensic Psychology
Federal Court Expert Testimony
Training Delivered Across 29 U.S. Federal Agencies
Recognized by the U.S. Department of State for Extraordinary Ability in the Sciences
Expertise Built to Withstand Scrutiny
Attorneys retain Dr. Abbie when they need rigorous, evidence-based analysis and clear, authoritative testimony. When the evidence will be challenged, the methodology examined, and every conclusion tested, counsel needs an expert who combines academic authority, practical recognition, courtroom experience, and the communication skills to remain credible under the highest level of scrutiny.
Dr. Maroño holds a PhD in Psychology, has provided expert testimony in federal court, and has been approved to serve as an expert for the Federal Defender Program.
Her expertise has been trusted by professionals across 29 U.S. federal agencies, including the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and U.S. Secret Service. Her work has received recognition from the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Secret Service.
Areas of Expertise
TRAUMA & VICTIM BEHAVIOR
Analysis of trauma and sexual assault victim behavior, including freezing, delayed disclosure, non-resistance, and continued contact. Examining the “perfect victim” myth and the limitations of using these behaviors to assess credibility.
False & Coerced Confessions
Analysis of how confessions develop during questioning, including question structure, repeated accusations, pressure, compliance, and acquiescence. Supported by published research on false confessions and behavior sequence analysis.
Police Interviews & Interrogations
Analysis of recorded interviews and interrogations, including questioning methods, sequencing, suggestive questioning, evidence disclosure, and interviewer influence to assess how the process may have shaped the account.
Body Language Analysis
Analysis of nonverbal behavior in CCTV, body-worn camera, surveillance, interviews, interrogations, testimony, and other video evidence, focusing on patterns, timing, movement, orientation, and interaction dynamics.
Behavioral Intent Analysis
Analysis of observable behavior and sequence where intent is disputed, including whether conduct is more consistent with violent or nonviolent intent. Previous federal court testimony has addressed this issue.
Deception & Credibility
Analysis of verbal and nonverbal behavior when honesty or credibility is disputed, examining behavioral changes, response patterns, inconsistencies, timing, and context.
How Dr. Maroño Assists Counsel
Case Review & Consultation
Review of case issues and available evidence to identify where behavioral expertise may support, challenge, or clarify the interpretation of evidence.
Video & Interview Analysis
Detailed analysis of video, audio, interviews, interrogations, and transcripts, focusing on behavioral patterns, interaction dynamics, interviewing practices, and what the evidence can reasonably support.
Expert Reports & Rebuttal Analysis
Evidence-based reports setting out the material reviewed, methodology, findings, and scientific basis for those findings.
Can also evaluate and respond to claims made by investigators, witnesses, or opposing experts concerning nonverbal behavior, deception, credibility, confessions, or investigative interviewing.
Deposition & Trial Preparation
Support in presenting or challenging behavioral evidence, identifying weaknesses in opposing opinions, and clarifying the scientific limits of the conclusions being advanced.
TRAUMA & VICTIM BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS
Scientific analysis of post-trauma behavior and sexual assault victim responses, including freezing, delayed disclosure, non-resistance, and continued contact. Addresses the “perfect victim” myth and assumptions that may influence the interpretation of victim behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of cases does Dr. Maroño accept?
Dr. Maroño works across a broad range of federal and state matters, including criminal, civil, family, commercial, insurance, employment, personal injury, and other disputes. She is not limited to any particular type of case. Her expertise can be applied wherever behavior, interviewing, credibility, confessions, nonverbal communication, or video evidence is relevant to an issue in dispute.
What materials can Dr. Maroño review?
CCTV, body-worn camera footage, surveillance and doorbell recordings, recorded interviews and interrogations, deposition or trial footage, transcripts, investigative reports, witness statements, and opposing expert opinions.
Does Dr. Maroño work with both sides?
Yes. Matters are accepted based on the issues involved, the available evidence, and whether they fall within her expertise. Her opinions remain independent of the retaining party.
Can counsel request an initial case assessment?
Yes. Following a conflict check, counsel can provide an overview of the case, relevant issues, available evidence, and any approaching deadlines to determine whether expert analysis is appropriate.
HOW CAN BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE ASSIST IN SEXUAL ASSAULT CASES?
Behavioral science can help explain responses to sexual assault that may be misunderstood, including freezing, delayed disclosure, continued contact, and the absence of visible distress. Dr. Maroño examines the scientific evidence surrounding these responses and the limitations of assumptions about how a victim should behave. Her analysis does not determine whether an allegation is true or false.
Request a Confidential Consultation
contact@abbiemarono.com
Areas of Expertise
-
Trauma, Sexual Assault & Victim Behavior
-
False & Coerced Confessions
-
Police Interviews & Interrogations
-
Investigative Interviewing
-
Deception & Credibility
-
Nonverbal Behavior (Body Language)
-
CCTV & Body-Camera Behavioral Analysis
-
Behavior Relevant to Violent or Nonviolent Intent