What if a person with mental illness is accused of a crime?

If a person who has a mental illness is accused of a crime in the District of Columbia, they may be held to the same legal standards as any other person facing a criminal charge. Depending on the type of crime, they may be required to appear in court and enter a plea. If they are found to be guilty of the crime, they face the same penalty as any other defendant. However, the District of Columbia offers special considerations to those with mental illness accused of crimes. For example, a defendant may be offered a plea deal that takes the mental illness into consideration, such as an alternative sentencing program or a reduced sentence. Alternatively, the court may appoint a mental health evaluator to assess the accused’s mental health in order to determine if treatment or rehabilitation might be more beneficial than imprisonment. Regardless of how the court rules, the accused is always protected by the rights granted to them by the U.S. Constitution and District of Columbia law. The accused has the right to due process, the right to an attorney, and the right to appeal any punishments imposed. Mental health courts also exist in the District of Columbia, which provide specialized treatment courts for cases in which mental illness is involved. In any case, a person with a mental illness accused of a crime should contact an experienced criminal defense attorney to ensure they receive fair treatment.

Related FAQs

What are the rights of mentally ill people in the education system?
What is the right to refusal of medication?
What is the right to a second opinion?
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act?
What are the rights of families and children when dealing with mental illness?
How can a person get out of a mental health commitment?
How can a person advocate for themselves in mental health proceedings?
What is the right to an independent living facility?
What is the right to a hearing in mental health proceedings?
What is the right to discharge from a mental health facility?

What if a person with mental illness is accused of a crime?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts