Michigan Criminal Charges and Mental Health Defenses: What You Should Know

The intersection between mental health and criminal law is one of the Michigan justice system’s most complex and misunderstood areas. Many individuals charged with crimes struggle with conditions that affect their perception, judgment, or ability to control their behavior. When mental illness plays a role in an alleged offense, the legal consequences can vary dramatically depending on how the case is handled.

At Ben Hall Law, our East Lansing criminal defense attorneys understand that mental health issues should never be treated as moral failings or excuses for punishment. Led by a former police officer and prosecutor, our firm approaches these cases with compassion, insight, and the practical knowledge needed to protect your rights in court.

Understanding How Mental Health Impacts Criminal Cases

When someone with a diagnosed or undiagnosed mental health condition becomes involved in a criminal case, their illness can affect every stage of the process. From arrest to sentencing, mental health concerns may influence competency, intent, and the available legal defenses.

In Michigan, mental health can affect a criminal case in several key ways:

• Determining whether the person is competent to stand trial.
• Establishing whether a mental illness prevented the defendant from understanding right from wrong.
• Influencing the type of plea or sentence that may be appropriate.
• Supporting the use of treatment-based alternatives instead of incarceration.

Courts recognize that individuals who have a mental illness often require medical intervention, not punishment. However, successfully raising a mental health defense requires careful preparation, medical documentation, and the ability to present complex psychological evidence compellingly.

Common Mental Health Defenses in Michigan

Michigan law provides several avenues for incorporating mental health into a criminal defense. The strategy used will depend on the specific charges, medical evidence, and the defendant’s condition.

• Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI): This defense applies when the defendant’s mental illness was so severe that they could not understand their actions or distinguish right from wrong at the time of the offense. If successful, the defendant may be committed to a psychiatric facility instead of being imprisoned.
• Guilty but Mentally Ill (GBMI): Under this plea, the defendant is held legally responsible for the crime but receives mental health treatment while incarcerated. This option can result in both punishment and rehabilitation.
• Incompetent to Stand Trial: If a defendant is unable to understand the proceedings or assist in their defense due to a mental illness, the court may suspend the case until the defendant’s competency is restored through treatment.
• Mitigating Factors at Sentencing: Even if a defendant is convicted, mental health issues can be presented as mitigating circumstances to seek reduced penalties or placement in treatment programs.

Each of these approaches requires strong evidence from mental health professionals and a skilled defense attorney who can connect that evidence to the legal standards outlined in Michigan law.

The Role of Expert Testimony and Evidence

Expert testimony is essential in any case involving mental health defenses. Psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists can evaluate the defendant, provide diagnostic opinions, and explain how a mental illness influenced behavior at the time of the alleged crime.

Supporting evidence may include:

• Medical and psychiatric records.
• Treatment history and medication compliance.
• Testimony from family members or caregivers.
• Evaluations from independent mental health professionals.

Our experienced defense lawyers can coordinate these resources, present them persuasively in court, and challenge opposing experts or prosecutors who attempt to minimize the role of mental illness in the case.

Why Mental Health Defenses Require Skilled Legal Representation

Mental health defenses can be highly technical, emotionally charged, and legally complex. Without the proper representation, defendants risk losing access to treatment options and facing harsher penalties than necessary. A knowledgeable attorney can identify whether a mental health defense is viable and ensure that it is presented correctly under Michigan law.

At Ben Hall Law, we take a compassionate yet strategic approach to these cases. Our background in law enforcement and prosecution gives us valuable insight into how investigators, prosecutors, and judges handle mental health-related offenses. We use that knowledge to safeguard our clients’ rights, connect them with suitable treatment resources, and advocate for fair outcomes prioritizing rehabilitation over punishment.

If you or someone you love has been charged with a crime and mental health is a factor, do not wait to seek help. Call 877-BEN-HALL 517-921-1553 or contact us online today for a confidential consultation. Our Michigan criminal defense attorneys will listen to your story, evaluate your options, and fight to ensure that your case is handled with the understanding and care it deserves.