A man pleaded guilty to plotting a terrorism attach on a motor vehicle office in Mesa. The man also had instructed an undercover FBI agent to make homemade grenades to carry out terrorist acts.
Once under investigation, police found plans for the man to carry out terrorist acts like those in France and Brussels on the motor vehicle office, a Jewish center, and a fitness building. He was also in contact with members of ISIS.
Mental Illness Defense
Prosecutors on the case wanted to see the man behind bars for 15 years, but his defense was trying to make a case for just 7 years in prison. Their main defense: mental illness. Defense pleaded the man suffered from mental illness which caused him to lack control of impulses. The defense also called upon family and friends of the man to give testimonies of character. The testimonies claimed he was a lost boy who had poor control of his own actions.
The man owned up to his actions and pleaded guilty. In the end, defense ultimately won the case with him being sentenced to just 8 years in prison for both his claims and plans for terrorist actions.
Mental health is a serious problem in the criminal justice system. Many attorneys do not know how to properly defend those with a mental illness. Contact our office today. With experience in mental health defenses, we have the resources needed to help your case.
Original story: http://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/arizona-news/215561174-story
