Your mental health impacts every aspect of your life: your work, your home life, and even how you relax. But did you know that, in a Missouri criminal court, a defendant’s mental health can also impact a case’s outcome? If you’re facing criminal charges and believe the state of your mental health played a significant role in your actions, here is what you need to know.
How Does Mental Capacity Affect Criminal Defense Cases?
Missouri criminal law takes relevant aspects of a defendant’s mental condition into account. First, “mental capacity” refers to a person’s ability to understand the nature of the charges against them and to participate meaningfully in their own defense. If a defendant is incapable of understanding the proceedings—in other words, if they lack the “mental fitness to stand trial” — the Missouri court may delay the hearing or alter how they handle the rest of the case.
If your attorney doubts your mental capacity to understand the trial or assist in your own defense, they can request a competency evaluation. If the evaluation supports your attorney’s suspicions, the court can order treatment before the case continues or, in some cases, dismiss the charges entirely.
Delivering justice in a criminal court requires that the defendant understand the process and strategy to prove them innocent: this is why the courts treat compromised mental capacity so seriously.
How Does Mental Health Affect Criminal Defense Cases?
While mental capacity deals with your current ability to comprehend and engage in the legal process, in Missouri law, “diminished capacity“ refers to your mental state at the time of the alleged crime. Depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mental health issues can influence a defendant’s behavior and decision-making process, which can affect the court’s decision.
For instance, if you were suffering from a mental health crisis at the time of the alleged offense, your attorney might argue that this crisis impaired your judgment or reduced your ability to understand your actions. Your lawyer might argue that you were in an impaired state in which you could not have formed the intent to commit a crime. This strategy can help reduce your charges or seek out alternative sentence options, such as treatment rather than incarceration.
In addition to the mental health crisis itself, you should talk with your attorney about any related external factors that might have contributed to your lack of mental well-being. For instance, if a defendant dealt with severe abuse or trauma that potentially triggered an emotional spiral, the court could extend leniency or reduce any potential sentence to acknowledge the complexity of the situation.
Addressing Mental Health Issues with the Bates & Merryman Law Firm LLC
Criminal law aims to deter people from choosing crime—but if your mental health compromised your fundamental decision-making ability during the alleged offense, call our criminal defense attorneys at The Bates & Merryman Law Firm LLC. Our seasoned lawyers will build your best possible case to protect your rights while treating you with compassion and understanding from start to finish.
Call us at (816) 608-2570 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. We have helped many clients get through their tough times; we are here for you, too.
