Oakland County Lawyer for Mental Health Cases
The intersection of mental health issues and criminal law is complex and requires sensitive handling. Mental health disorders can impact the way criminal charges are addressed by the courts, potentially influencing both the severity of the charges and the nature of the sentencing.
For instance, individuals suffering from severe mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression may not have the same level of culpability as those without such conditions, depending on the circumstances.
Substance abuse is another critical factor that often co-occurs with mental health issues. It can complicate legal cases, as individuals may commit crimes under the influence of drugs or alcohol that they would not otherwise have engaged in. Substance abuse and mental health issues can affect both the approach to defense and the potential rehabilitation opportunities available to the accused.
At HJP Legal, we understand that mental health issues can sometimes play a role in criminal charges. Our experienced criminal defense attorney is dedicated to advocating for your rights and exploring all possible options, including those that address underlying mental health concerns.
Arrange for a confidential consultation with our Oakland County lawyer for mental health cases by contacting us online or at (734) 593-1688. Attorney Peters is licensed in Michigan, Florida & California.
Why Choose HJP Legal?
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Strategic Advice & RepresentationAttorney Halley J. Peters is well-versed in ensuring your legal rights are protected throughout the legal process. They will ensure that the evidence being used against you is obtained legally and within legal boundaries.
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Minimize PenaltiesCriminal charges can have severe consequences, including losing certain rights, massive fines and penalty fees, and potential incarceration. A skilled criminal defense attorney like Halley J. Peters can help to minimize these penalties or even fight to get the charges dismissed entirely.
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Clear Communication & TransparencyHalley is here for you every step of the way. She keeps her clients informed and up to date on important developments in their cases, and is readily available to answer any questions or address any concerns that may arise.
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Legal ExpertiseHalley is an experienced criminal defense attorney with the knowledge, skills, and resources to handle your criminal case. She understands the legal procedures and tactics of the prosecution, allowing her to provide you with the best defense.
Addressing Mental Health Issues in Criminal Defense Cases
Mental health conditions can impact behavior, judgment, and the ability to understand the consequences of one’s actions. This can sometimes lead to situations where individuals with mental issues end up in the criminal justice system.
Lawyers and courts play a pivotal role in addressing these issues. Legal professionals must advocate for the consideration of mental health conditions during trials, ensuring that the defendant's state of mind and capacity for understanding their actions are thoroughly evaluated.
Courts, on their part, can refer individuals to mental health evaluations and consider these findings in their judgments. For instance, Mental Health Courts are specialized court docket programs that help address the underlying problems of offenders with mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders.
Here are some ways mental health concerns can be addressed:
- Mental health evaluations: A court-ordered evaluation by a qualified mental health professional can assess your mental state at the time of the alleged offense.
- Competency to stand trial: This evaluation determines if you understand the charges against you and can assist in your defense.
- Mental Health Court programs: Michigan offers mental health court programs that divert eligible defendants with mental illness into court-supervised treatment programs instead of traditional prosecution.
- Substance abuse treatment: If substance abuse is a contributing factor, participating in a court-ordered rehabilitation program can be beneficial.
- Educational programs: Programs designed to teach coping mechanisms and life skills can help individuals manage their mental health and reduce the risk of future offenses.
- Probation: Probation conditions can include mandatory treatment programs to address mental health and substance abuse issues, offering individuals an opportunity for rehabilitation and reducing the likelihood of reoffending.
How HJP Legal Can help
Attorney Halley Peters brings empathy, care, and legal skills to clients who have suffered mental health and substance abuse issues. Her representation can be invaluable to you and your family when criminal charges have been filed.
Ms. Peters can work with mental health professionals to gather evidence of your mental health condition and its potential role in the alleged offense. She can advocate for you to receive proper mental health evaluations. By demonstrating the presence of a mental health condition, she can negotiate for reduced charges or diversion programs focused on treatment.
Throughout the legal process, our firm will fiercely work to protect your rights, such as the right to a fair trial and the right to treatment. Facing criminal charges can be overwhelming, especially when mental health is a factor. We understand the complexities of these cases and are committed to exploring all possible solutions that prioritize your well-being and a path to recovery.
You can reach us via our online contact form or call (734) 593-1688 to schedule a consultation today.