Recently in Arizona, a jury rejected a Phoenix man’s insanity defense. The man was charged with shooting and killing his half-brother and his half-brother’s son. Allegedly, the man shot his half-brother in a drug dealing dispute, and then kidnapped and shot the 6-year-old son because the boy either witnessed or heard his father’s death. The man claimed that he was at school when the shootings took place, but interviews with the neighbors and evidence found quickly struck down the man’s alibi. Next, the man’s defense attorney claimed that the man had experienced a psychotic episode during the shootings. But it wasn’t proven that the man suffered from a mental disorder that would have prevented him from understanding that his actions were wrong. The jurors rejected the man’s insanity defense, and found him guilty of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, kidnapping, burglary, and tampering with evidence.
There is a misconception in our society that a defendant facing criminal charges can simply claim insanity, the court buys it, and many cases are ruled this way. Insanity rulings are actually pretty rare, and truly reserved for those suffering from severe mental disorders. People who commit crimes without being in full control of their mental faculties don’t fully understand the consequences of their actions, and require help to protect them from a prison sentence. A seasoned mental health defense attorney, like Bernardo Garcia, can successfully defend and assist individuals suffering from mental disorders. Prison is not the place for these individuals; they need treatment. If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges and suffer from mental illness, contact the Garcia Law Firm, PLC for a free consultation.
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