Do you suffer from a mental illness and committed a crime? With the help of a defense attorney, you can plead guilty except insane in the state of Arizona. However, how do you prove your mental illness in court?
What Types of Mental Illness are Recognized?
A diagnosis of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or any axis 1 disorders, which include PTSD and depression is required to plead guilty except insane. You have the ability to plead guilty except insane for a variety of crimes ranging from misdemeanors to felony charges such as arson, robbery and assault. With the help of a criminal defense attorney that specializes in mental illness, you could get charges dropped, a reduced sentenced or an alternatives to jail like a mental health hospital or therapy.
Proving Mental Illness
Different defense strategies are used by Garcia Law, but their main focus is always on you and proving your mental illness. To do this, you must see a licensed psychiatrist or mental health expert to conduct tests and evaluations. Their findings will be presented in court along with all of your medical records. Any documents that show you have undergone treatment like therapy or medications for a mental illness will help your case. The most important aspect of proving your mental illness is the diagnosis from an experienced mental health expert. You may have to see an expert that is chosen by the courts, but as long as you willingly undergo all of the needed evaluations, you should be able to successfully prove your mental illness.
Garcia Law
With more than 25 years of experience, Garcia Law offers seasoned professionals that fully communicate with their clients. They know their clients’ rights and options, always making them feel like they are on their side. From a wide range of legal issues from felonies to misdemeanors, Garcia Law has the proper education and knowledge to fight for you. Just because you have a mental illness, doesn’t mean you should be silenced. Garcia Law will fight to ensure that you receive a fair case and punishment.
