Not guilty by plea of insanity (NGI) can be used in a criminal trial. In this instance, a defendant claims they were mentally disturbed or incapacitated when a crime occurred. Since the defendant did not intend to commit the crime or understand what they were doing was wrong, this individual can argue they do not deserve to be punished for it.
Simmrin Law Group has many years of experience with California criminal cases. We can put you in touch with a criminal defense lawyer. At this point, our attorney can review your case and help you determine if it is in your best interest to submit this type of plea. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our seasoned Mental Health Lawyer.
Everything You Need to Know About the Concept of Not Guilty by Plea of Insanity
An insanity defense can be used in a criminal case. By claiming insanity, a defendant may be able to convince the court that their charges should be dropped. This is due to the fact that the defendant argues their insanity made them aware that they were committing a crime as it happened.
If you have been charged with a crime, it pays to meet with a criminal defense lawyer. The best attorney will look at your case and the severity of the charges against you. From here, your attorney can help you determine if an NGI is warranted.
As you and your attorney work together, you may consider a wide range of legal defense options. If an NGI proves to be the best option at your disposal, your attorney will tailor your legal strategy accordingly. This positions you to present a strong argument that can compel the court to rule in your favor.
What to Expect if You Enter a Plea of Not Guilty Due to Insanity
Before you enter a plea of not guilty due to insanity, it is paramount to understand the definition of insanity. You will need to prove in court that you were legally incompetent at the time you committed a crime. To do so, your attorney will need to know all of the facts of your case to build a strong argument.
The court may use the M’Naghten rule relative to proving cognition. The rule stipulates that a defendant must know that any actions that were committed were wrong and understands why these actions were wrong. If your attorney can prove either of these stipulations was not true in your case, you may benefit from an NGI.
Along with the M’Naghten rule, myriad tests may be used to determine if you were legally insane when you committed a crime. Your lawyer may apply one or more of these tests to your case. If your argument is compelling, your attorney may encourage you to move forward with an NGI.
When to Use Not Guilty by Plea of Insanity
A plea of insanity should not be taken lightly. You can submit this plea if you:
- Did not know the nature of the crime you were committing as you were doing so
- Did not understand what you were doing was a crime
- Were unable to distinguish between right and wrong when you committed the crime
Crimes for which an NGRI plea could be used in California include:
- Murder: California Penal Code §187
- Attempted Murder: California Penal Code Section 664/187
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: California Penal Code Section 245(a)(1)
- Battery: Penal Code Section 242
- Mayhem: Penal Code Section 203
A not guilty by plea of insanity attorney helps you submit your plea and build your case around it. If your attorney is successful, you may have criminal charges against you dismissed. On the other hand, you may require mental health treatments.
Keep in mind that a court may require you to receive medical health treatments if it is determined you were legally insane at the time you committed a crime. You may need to spend an extended period of time in a medical facility to receive these treatments. The time you stay at this facility may exceed the maximum term of the crime you committed.
Legal Alternatives to a Plea of Not Guilty Due to Insanity
An experienced criminal defense attorney looks for every opportunity to prove their client’s innocence. There can be times when an attorney may believe an NGI can do more harm than good. At these times, the attorney discusses their concerns with their client, and both parties consider alternative legal strategies.
It may seem impossible to dispute criminal charges against you. However, your attorney can review all of the evidence in your case and help you set realistic expectations. If the evidence is stacked against you, your attorney may propose a plea bargain.
In a plea agreement, you accept a lesser penalty than what was originally proposed. Meanwhile, the prosecutor ensures you receive punishment in exchange for a fast case resolution. Once you fulfill the terms of your plea agreement, you can move past your punishment.
How to Decide Whether to Move Forward with a Plea of Not Guilty Due to Insanity
If you are considering NGI, consult with a criminal defense lawyer. You can get insights into what it means to submit a plea of not guilty due to insanity. Plus, your lawyer can help you weigh the pros and cons of any legal decisions you make.
Your attorney may propose an NGI or other legal strategies to contest your criminal charges. No matter what legal strategy you and your lawyer develop, you will need to prepare accordingly. With the right attorney at your side, you are equipped to present a compelling argument.
Select a criminal defense lawyer that allocates the time, energy, and resources required to understand you and your case. This attorney can help you set realistic expectations for your litigation and work with you to ensure your legal needs are met. Most importantly, the attorney will advocate for you and try to remove your criminal charges.
Reach Out to a Not Guilty by Plea of Insanity Attorney
Simmrin Law Group can help you evaluate your legal options and determine if now is the right time to submit a plea of not guilty due to insanity. For more information or to request a free case evaluation, please get in touch with us today.