If you or someone you love is facing a legal issue involving mental illness, a Simi Valley mental health lawyer from Simmrin Law Group will step in to help. Our attorneys have decades of experience, have handled over 100 jury trials—including capital murder cases—and are not afraid to take cases to court.
Mental health-related cases can be especially complex. Whether you are facing a 5150 or 5250 hold or have been charged with a crime linked to a psychiatric condition, a mental health lawyer from our team will represent you.
We will protect your rights, explain your legal options, and work toward the best outcome. Call us today for a free, private consultation.
What Happens When Mental Health and the Law Overlap?
Mental illness can affect how someone behaves, responds to stress, or handles daily life. Sometimes, these challenges lead to situations that involve the police, hospitals, or the court system.
In California, people with mental health conditions may be held under state laws for their safety or the safety of others. If you’re facing criminal charges and have a mental health condition, it’s important to get a lawyer who understands the legal and medical sides of your case.
For a free legal consultation with a mental health lawyer serving Simi Valley, call (310) 896-2723
Criminal Charges Linked to Mental Health
Sometimes, people with mental health conditions are arrested on charges of crimes they didn’t mean to commit or could not control. Mental illness can lead to behavior that gets misunderstood by others, including law enforcement.
At Simmrin Law Group, we’ve seen how people get charged with crimes like:
- Trespassing
- Vandalism
- Assault or battery
- Drug possession
- Resisting arrest
In many of these cases, the person is not a criminal—they’re someone who needs help.
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Our Simi Valley Mental Health Attorneys Will Support You and Lead Your Case
If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in a situation involving a mental health condition, it will help you to have legal representation. Our attorney doesn’t just look at what happened—we look at why it happened.
At Simmrin Law Group, we know that mental illness can play a major role in a person’s actions, so we work hard to make sure the court sees the full picture.
We will manage your case from start to finish. This means we take care of every document and deadline so you can focus on yourself. We also:
- Gather medical records and expert opinions: We work with doctors, psychologists, and other professionals who will explain your condition clearly to the court.
- Show how your condition influenced your behavior: Mental illness can affect decision-making, memory, or impulse control. We connect your actions to your diagnosis when building your defense.
- Help the court understand your full story: You are more than a case number. We tell your story in a way that humanizes your situation and encourages a fair response.
- Explore alternatives to jail: In many cases, treatment programs or supervised care are better options than jail. We push for solutions that protect both your future and your health.
You can trust our mental health criminal defense lawyer in Simi Valley to fight for your rights while respecting what you’re going through. To discuss your situation with us during a free consultation, call us today to get started.
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What Outcomes Are Possible in Mental Health Defense Cases?
When mental illness plays a role in a criminal case, the outcome doesn’t always have to be jail or a conviction. At Simmrin Law Group, we fight for results that take your mental health into account and help you move forward safely and fairly.
Possible outcomes we can work toward include:
Mental Health Diversion Programs
California offers mental health diversion programs for people with psychological conditions who are facing certain charges for a criminal act. These programs allow people to receive treatment instead of going to jail.
If you finish the program, your charges could be dropped completely. The legal team at Simmrin Law Group will help you apply and make your case to the judge.
Dismissal or Reduced Charges
In some cases, we can show that your mental illness makes the charges unfair or too harsh. We may be able to get charges dismissed or reduced, especially if this is your first offense or if you were in crisis at the time.
Sentencing Alternatives
If your case does go forward, we can ask the court to consider other options besides jail time. These might include:
- Outpatient treatment
- Residential mental health care
- Probation with counseling
- Community service
Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity
In rare but serious cases, we may argue that a person was legally insane at the time of the crime. If the court agrees, they can be found not guilty by reason of insanity and sent to treatment rather than prison.
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When Should You Call a Mental Health Lawyer?
You should call a mental health defense lawyer from Simmrin Law Group if:
- You or someone you love has been placed on a 5150 or 5250 hold
- You were arrested and have a history of mental illness
- You are being told to take medication you don’t agree with
- You are being denied medical care while in custody
- Your case involves criminal charges and mental health issues
Even if you’re not sure whether a lawyer is needed, talking with one can help you understand your rights and options.
Understanding 5150 and 5250 Holds in California
In California, if someone is having a serious mental health crisis, the law allows them to get help right away. Two important laws—called 5150 and 5250—let doctors or police place a person in the hospital for care.
This can happen if the person is a danger to themselves, a danger to others, or can’t take care of their basic needs because of their mental health.
What Is a 5150 Hold?
A 5150 hold is a law in California that allows someone to be taken to a hospital for up to 72 hours for a mental health evaluation. This happens when a person:
- Poses a danger to themselves (suicidal thoughts or actions)
- Poses a danger to others
- Is gravely disabled due to a mental health condition
Only authorized professionals like police officers or doctors can place someone on a 5150 hold.
What Is a 5250 Hold?
If doctors think more time is needed after the 72-hour hold, they may begin a 5250 hold, which allows up to 14 more days of treatment. Before this happens, the person has the right to a hearing where a decision is made about whether the hold should continue.
Your Rights Under 5150 and 5250 Holds
Even during a mental health hold, you still have rights, including:
- The right to know why the authorities are holding you
- The right to a hearing (for 5250 holds)
- The right to refuse medication in some cases
- The right to contact an attorney, advocate, or family member
Our experienced mental health rights lawyers in Simi Valley will protect your rights and ensure the legal system treats you fairly. During a free consultation, we will explain the difference between 5150 and 5250 holds and answer your questions.
Our Simi Valley Mental Health Lawyer Will Help You Today
If you or someone you care about is facing a legal situation involving mental illness, don’t wait. Call Simmrin Law Group today for a free consultation. We will listen to your story and explain how we can help.
Your mental health should not be used against you in court, and you deserve to have an attorney who understands 5150 and 5250 holds and their related consequences. We are ready to handle any case in any court in California or a U.S. federal court.
Let our mental health lawyers in Simi Valley fight for you. Call us today for a free, private consultation.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form