Not being in full control of your mental faculties can be a terrifying, and extremely tragic thing. The unfortunate truth, as well, is that far more Arizonans suffer from mental illnesses than anyone could ever guess.
When someone is not in complete control, they can do things that they would otherwise never do, and will often have no recollection of doing those things at all. When those things turn out to be crimes, you need a defense attorney skilled in Mental Health Defense.
What to Expect with Mental Health Defense
Although the justice system in Arizona is constantly undergoing changes and revisions in order to make it as just as possible, it is unfair for those suffering from mental illnesses to be forced to waste away in prison rather than receive the care they need.
Regardless of whether we’re talking about a speeding ticket, an assault, or even arson, mental health defense can help protect the vulnerable among us, even from themselves.
With a skilled defense attorney on your side, it is possible to:
Have charges dropped altogether- Have sentences reduced, along with provided recovery services
- Be granted jail diversions (basically, alternatives to jail, such as admission to a mental health facility)
- Have client admitted to a state-run mental health hospital, by means of ruling the defendant as insane
Obviously a serious crime is a serious crime, but providing a mentally ill individual with proper care and medical attention rather than shoving them in a prison cell, they stand a much better chance of recovering, and one day becoming a healthy, happy member of society again.
If you or a loved one are facing a criminal charge and may suffer from a mental illness, get in touch with a skilled mental health defense attorney immediately.
