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3 Tips For Handling A Criminal Charge When You Have A Mental Illness

22 August 2018

Arthur Young

Being charged with a crime isn't an ideal situation for anyone. For those who suffer from mental illnesses, however, matters can be even more complicated. For one thing, there is a possibility that your mental illness might have played a part in the crime that was committed. Additionally, it's important to make sure that you are treated fairly and that you get the help that you need for your mental illness before, during, and after going to court for your criminal charge. 

1. Seek Out a Good Lawyer

If you suffer from a mental illness, it is important to hire an attorney, like those at The Fitzpatrick Law Firm. Depending on the nature of the crime and the type of metal health issues that you are suffering from, there's a chance that your lawyer might be able to defend you differently than he or she would if a person was blamed of a similar crime but did not have any mental health issues. When choosing an attorney, make sure that you choose someone who is sensitive and understanding of your mental health issues and that has experience in defending people who suffer from similar problems. Then, hopefully your lawyer will handle your situation with empathy and will take your mental health issues seriously.

2. Don't Be Embarrassed

Many people who suffer from mental health issues are embarrassed about the issues that they struggle with. They might try to pretend to be "normal," and they may not want to tell others about what they are going through. Even though it's absolutely understandable why you might feel this way, your lawyer really needs to know about all of these details. Without this information, your lawyer might not be able to defend you in the same way that he or she could if armed with the right information.

3. Seek Help When Possible

If you are not currently under treatment for your mental illness, it's important to get help as soon as possible. There may be resources in your community that can help you get the mental health treatment that you need if you cannot afford it on your own. If you do get convicted of the crime that you have been charged with, seeking help while in prison or in a mental hospital for those who have been convicted of crimes can help you make it through this bad situation and may help you come out a healthier and happier person at the other end.

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