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Role of criminal defence lawyers experienced with mental health or addiction issues

Region: Ontario Answer # 1871

Many people who are charged with a criminal offence are experiencing mental health and/or addiction issues. The client, and their families, are often in crisis, and are crying out for help from professionals. In many cases, the appropriate treatment can help to reduce the criminal penalty, or even result in the client not having a criminal conviction. However, if the client has been fingerprinted and photographed by the police they will still have some form of a criminal record that will need to be removed.

At a very early stage of the process, a criminal defence lawyer experienced in mental health and addiction issues has the ability to understand whether the client has a mental illness or addiction, and if so, how this has played a role in the commission of the offence.

If, after a careful review of the evidence, the lawyer determines that the case against the client can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, the lawyer will discuss the possible motivation for the client committing the crime.

If mental illness or an addiction has contributed to the client’s behaviour, the lawyer will:

  • obtain an assessment from a professional, usually a psychiatrist,
  • arrange counselling, and then
  • provide a report to the Crown attorney or the court.

This report will outline the link between the illness and the criminal behaviour, as well as provide a diagnosis and treatment. If the client successfully completes treatment, the report will most likely indicate that the client is less of a risk to the public, and will remain so as long as he or she remains committed to abstaining from substance abuse and/or continuing counselling and medication, if recommended.

An experienced criminal defence lawyer with expertise in dealing with mental health and/or addiction issues can:

  • significantly reduce the impact criminal charges will have on the client and the client’s family,
  • provide clients and their families with the tools to manage the mental illness and/or the addiction, and thereby
  • give them hope for a brighter future.

Get Help

To erase your criminal record, call toll-free 1-888-808-3628 or learn more at Pardon Partners. It’s easier than you think.

If you have been charged with a crime, it is important to hire an experienced criminal defence lawyer as soon as possible. Contact our preferred criminal defence expert, Calvin Barry Criminal Lawyers for a free consultation at 416-938-5858 .


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