A major concern within the field of criminal defense is a defendant’s mental health. Not only is mental health often a driving force behind criminal behavior, but it may make it challenging or impossible to put a defendant on trial at all. If you or your loved one is charged with a crime and experiencing mental health issues, talk to your defense lawyer about it right away.

Poor mental health is a serious problem, and it may significantly affect the trajectory of a defendant’s criminal case. Some defendants may be able to argue that their mental health prevented them from forming the necessary criminal intent to be found guilty. Others might use their condition to plead insanity. Still, even if you are found guilty, your mental health may be used to mitigate sentencing or convince the court to seek alternative sentencing options.

For a free, private review of your case from our Philadelphia criminal defense lawyers, call the Liberty Law Team at (215) 826-3314.

How Does a Defendant’s Mental Health Affect Their Defense Options?

Mental health may significantly affect a defendant’s legal strategy. Even if a defendant does not deny committing the alleged crime, they may negate certain criminal elements because of their mental health.

Defendant’s Ability to Form Criminal Intent

Mental health may impair the defendant’s ability to form the intent necessary to be found guilty of a crime.

A defendant may be able to claim the diminished capacity defense. This is not the insanity defense, but something similar. In short, when arguing diminished capacity, a defendant may claim that their mental health prevented them from forming the criminal intent necessary to be convicted of the crime. This defense does not necessarily negate criminal liability, but it may result in a conviction for a lesser offense.

Insanity Defense

The insanity defense varies somewhat from state to state. Pennsylvania follows the M’Naghten Rule. In short, a defendant claiming the insanity defense must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that, at the time the crime was committed, their mental health prevented them from understanding the nature of the crime and that their actions were wrong.

If a defendant is successful, they are not exactly let off the hook. Often, defendants who successfully plead insanity are confined to a mental health facility, often for a very long time.

Diversion Options

A defendant’s mental health might allow them to take part in a diversion program. Specifically, a defendant may be able to participate in Mental Health Court. If a defendant completes the program, their charges could be dismissed. The outcome often depends on where you live, as each county is responsible for maintaining its own Mental Health Court.

Defendants in the Mental Health Court program work with law enforcement and mental health professionals. Participants are often heavily monitored by law enforcement, with frequent check-ins with an assigned probation officer, while receiving treatment from mental health professionals.

Mental Competency to Stand Trial

In severe cases, a defendant’s mental health might make it impossible to put them on trial. This may be the case if the defendant’s mental health is so poor that they cannot understand the crime they allegedly committed or participate in their own defense.

If a defendant is deemed incompetent to stand trial, they may be placed into treatment until competency is restored. If competency is unlikely ever to be restored, charges may be dismissed, and the defendant may be placed into a treatment facility.

How a Defendant’s Mental Health Can Affect the Outcome of Their Criminal Trial in Pennsylvania

If a defendant with mental health issues goes to trial, their mental health may play a role in the outcome of the case. The verdict, defense options, and sentencing may all vary depending on mental health.

The Verdict

The verdict in a criminal trial may be affected by the defendant’s mental health. If a defendant pleads insanity, a jury may render a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. If this happens, the defendant is not guilty of the crime, but they may be placed in a mental health treatment facility.

Alternatively, the jury may render a verdict of guilty but mentally ill. This means that the jury believes the defendant is guilty but was mentally ill when the crime was committed. The court may impose any sentence that would normally be available, but it may also require that the defendant receive mental health treatment while incarcerated.

Mitigation at Sentencing

When a defendant is facing sentencing after a guilty verdict, our Malvern, PA criminal defense lawyers may present information about their mental health to mitigate sentencing. A judge may be inclined to impose a less severe penalty within the sentencing range provided by the Pennsylvania Sentencing Guidelines if they know that the defendant has serious mental health concerns.

FAQs About How Mental Health May Affect Criminal Defense in Pennsylvania

Can a Defendant’s Mental Health Affect Their Criminal Defense Options?

Yes. When a defendant has mental health issues, they may argue that their condition prevented them from forming the intent needed to be guilty of the crime. Alternatively, they may plead insanity and argue that they could not grasp the nature of their actions and that they could not distinguish between right and wrong.

How Should You Plead in a Criminal Case if You Have Mental Health Issues?

You may consider arguing diminished capacity or pleading insanity. Each strategy has pros and cons. Pleading diminished capacity might not fully negate criminal liability, as it is considered a partial defense.

The insanity defense is a complete defense, meaning that if it is successful, the defendant cannot be held criminally liable. However, that may still mean putting the defendant in a mental health institution instead of a jail.

Can Someone with Serious Mental Health Concerns Be Put on Trial in Pennsylvania?

Possibly. A defendant’s mental health issues may be so severe that they are deemed incompetent to stand trial. They might be confined to a mental health facility until competency is restored, or their charges may be dismissed if competency cannot be restored.

However, having mental health issues does not automatically mean someone is incompetent to stand trial. You must convince the court of your mental health issues.

What Should You Do if You or a Loved One is Criminally Charged But Has a Mental Health Issue?

If you or someone you know is charged with a crime while experiencing serious mental health issues, tell your attorney immediately. Your lawyer may adjust your defense strategy to account for your mental health. It may be possible to negate criminal liability or at least seek treatment through the court system.

Can Criminal Defendants with Mental Health Concerns Receive Treatment?

Yes. Some defendants may receive treatment in lieu of incarceration. Others might be incarcerated but also have access to mental health treatment. Your attorney can help you determine how you can receive treatment while also helping you fight your charges.

Speak to Our Pennsylvania Criminal Defense Lawyers About Your Charges Today

For a free, private review of your case from our Upper Darby, PA criminal defense lawyers, call the Liberty Law Team at (215) 826-3314.