The Role of Mental Health in Criminal Defense Cases

Did you know that people with addictions, mood disorders, and schizophrenia have higher rates of criminal behavior than those without these mental health conditions? (1) Mental health plays a crucial role in many criminal cases, whether it is assessing the mental capacity of the accused, exploring the effects of a mental health condition on behavior, or arguing for appropriate treatment instead of incarceration. Understanding the role of mental health is crucial in providing a strong, appropriate criminal defense. If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges and mental health is a factor, talk to an Orange County criminal defense lawyer to get answers and options.

How a Mental Health Condition Can Influence Criminal Behavior

Mental illness can have a significant impact on someone’s behavior, including their involvement in criminal activities. Not everyone with mental health conditions is prone to criminal behavior, but certain factors can increase the risk. For example, people with severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder can experience psychotic episodes that lead to impulsive and potentially dangerous actions. Substance abuse can also exacerbate these behaviors.

When mental illness is a factor in a criminal case, the Law Office of William Bruzzo will analyze the role it played in the person’s actions. This includes considering whether the condition impaired their judgment, understanding, or control of their actions at the time of the offense. By understanding the influence of mental health on criminal behavior, a skillful Orange County criminal defense attorney can build a strong case to mitigate charges or seek alternative sentencing options.

Can Mental Illness Be Used as a Criminal Defense in California?

In California, a mental health condition can indeed be used as a defense in criminal cases. However, it is important to note that successfully using mental illness as a criminal defense requires meeting specific legal criteria. Simply having mental instability does not automatically absolve an person of responsibility.

Pleading Insanity

Pleading insanity is a legal defense used when a defendant can demonstrate that they were not mentally capable of understanding the nature and consequences of their actions at the time of the offense. In California, the insanity defense follows the M’Naghten rule, which requires the defendant to prove that he or she had a mental disease or condition that led to the inability to understand the wrongful nature of their conduct.

To successfully plead insanity, the defense must present expert testimony from mental health professionals who can support the claim that the defendant met the legal criteria for insanity. This can involve detailed evaluations and assessments to determine the defendant’s mental state at the time of the offense. The burden of proof lies with the defense to demonstrate that the defendant’s mental illness impaired their ability to discern right from wrong. Know that pleading insanity does not automatically result in acquittal. If the defense is successful, the defendant is typically committed to a mental health facility for treatment until they are deemed fit for release. The length of commitment can vary depending on the severity of the offense and the progress of their treatment.

Plea Bargaining a Mitigated Sentence

In cases where mental illness is a factor, an Orange County criminal defense lawyer can try to negotiate a plea bargain for reduced charges or a mitigated sentence. Plea bargaining allows the defense and prosecution to reach an agreement that benefits both parties while taking into account the defendant’s mental health condition and potential for rehabilitation.

By presenting evidence of the defendant’s mental illness and its impact on their behavior, the Law Office of William Bruzzo can argue for a sentence that focuses on treatment rather than punishment. This approach recognizes the underlying issues contributing to the offense and prioritizes the defendant’s rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

Plea bargaining a mitigated sentence requires a knowledgeable, steadfast, seasoned Orange County criminal defense attorney who can effectively advocate for their best interests. As your lawyer, our office must demonstrate to the prosecution and the court that treatment and support, rather than incarceration, will address the underlying issues and contribute to the defendant’s successful reintegration into society.

What Is Legally Considered “Temporary Insanity”?

Temporary insanity is a legal term used to describe a mental state in which an individual experiences a temporary loss of control over their actions. In a court of law, temporary insanity can be used as a defense strategy to argue that the accused was not mentally capable of understanding the nature and consequences of their actions at the time of the offense.

To establish temporary insanity as a defense, the defendant must prove that they experienced a specific mental state during the commission of the offense that rendered them incapable of exercising rational judgment or controlling their behavior. This defense relies on expert testimony from mental health professionals who can demonstrate that the defendant’s mental state was transient and directly linked to the offense.

Being Competent to Stand Trial

Another way in which mental health plays a role in criminal cases is being competent. This phrase “being competent to stand trial” means that someone has the mental capacity to understand the charges against them, assist in their own defense, and fully participate in the legal process. Competency to stand trial is determined through a psychiatric evaluation that assesses the defendant’s mental health and cognitive functioning.

If there are concerns about a defendant’s competency, as your attorney, the Law Office of William Bruzzo can request a competency evaluation to determine whether the person is fit to stand trial. This evaluation is conducted by mental health professionals who assess the defendant’s ability to understand the charges, communicate, and make informed decisions.

If the defendant is found to be incompetent, the court can order treatment to restore competency, if possible. The goal is to address the underlying mental health issues that are impairing the defendant’s ability to participate in their defense. Once deemed competent, the criminal proceedings would be able to continue.

Talk to an Orange County Criminal Defense Attorney!

If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges and mental health is a factor, it is crucial to have a savvy, steadfast, experienced Orange County criminal defense attorney on your side. The Law Office of William Bruzzo handles criminal defense cases involving the intricacies of mental illnesses. To schedule a no-cost consultation, contact us now.