Mental Health Evaluation And Treatment In Criminal Cases
Over the past five years or so, mental health has increasingly become a significant concern in California. As such, when someone’s mental health contributes to their involvement in a crime, criminal defense attorneys must promptly address this reality.
In California criminal courts, there’s a procedure that some defendants struggling with mental health issues can undergo to potentially secure diversion, a topic we will discuss in greater detail later in this book. For now, what you need to know is that the key to securing a diversion lies in ensuring that the court is promptly informed about the role of mental health in the alleged crime. Preventing the case from progressing too far before mental health considerations are taken into account can significantly impact its outcome as there’s a limited window you can inform the court, so, it’s important to act in a timely manner.
It’s also important to note that the mental healthcare people receive as part of the court process is often hit or miss. Some cases show remarkable improvements when people receive care from jailhouse medical teams that I describe as nothing short of a wonder. In contrast, others may not experience anywhere close to the same level of care. Furthermore, private care facilities may not always yield better results at bringing people to a place where they can live what is considered a normal life since the effectiveness of mental health services can vary widely, both in public and private settings. Attorney Saman Manavi is a seasoned criminal defense lawyer based in Beverly Hills, CA. He’s dedicated over 15 years to advocating for clients facing a range of legal challenges. Criminal defense is a primary focus for him – and he's successfully navigated clients through a wide range of cases. His natural bent toward logical thinking serves him and his clients well when assessing a case, determining the best approach and assessing the repercussions it may bring. Facing a criminal charge and don’t know where to turn? Have questions about the legal process? Contact Manavi Law Group, APLC today.
Nevertheless, identifying a mental health condition, even if the available services are less than ideal, is a crucial step in the legal process. Even a modest push in the right direction can be valuable for your criminal case. Exposing mental health issues and exploring available avenues for assistance, whether through public or private services, is also essential. The goal is not necessarily the best care but gaining an understanding of the condition, which can significantly impact the legal outcome.
For more information on Mental Health Evaluations & Treatments In Criminal Cases, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (310) 4159-499 today. Attorney Saman Manavi is a seasoned criminal defense lawyer based in Beverly Hills, CA. He’s dedicated over 15 years to advocating for clients facing a range of legal challenges. Criminal defense is a primary focus for him – and he's successfully navigated clients through a wide range of cases. His natural bent toward logical thinking serves him and his clients well when assessing a case, determining the best approach and assessing the repercussions it may bring. Facing a criminal charge and don’t know where to turn? Have questions about the legal process? Contact Manavi Law Group, APLC today.