Whether it's your first offense or you've previously navigated the court system, being accused of a crime is a stressful experience. One thing you can do to assist with your defense is having your attorney call a forensic psychiatrist to testify as a witness.
A forensic psychiatrist is a doctor that studies the biology of the brain and how it impacts criminal activity. Here are a couple of reasons to call a forensic psychiatrist expert witness.
1. A Forensic Psychiatrist Can Help You Prove Mental Illness
If you have an untreated mental illness or if your mental illness isn't under control, this can cause you to act in ways that aren't typical for you. Untreated depression can often lead to criminal activities regarding drugs and other illegal substances. You might turn to these substances to self medicate and alleviate the negative feelings associated with your depression.
Bipolar disorder that isn't controlled can cause an individual to participate in a host of activities they usually wouldn't think of doing, especially if they're in a manic phase. When they're experiencing a mania, individuals often feel invincible and don't properly consider the consequences of their decisions.
A forensic psychiatrist lends credibility to your argument that you're mentally ill. The psychiatrist can explain to the court how your illness altered your behavior. They can also argue that you would benefit from your treatment for your mental illness rather than jail time.
If you plan to argue that you aren't competent to stand trial, a forensic psychiatrist can serve as an authoritative medical opinion when making your case before the judge.
2. A Forensic Psychiatrist Can Explain the Lasting Impact of Previous Mental Trauma
Mental illness isn't the only thing that can alter your activities; if you've suffered some type of mental trauma, this can also change the way you act. Trauma that you experience as a child may cause you to form unhealthy relationships and act in ways that other people don't consider appropriate. Abuse at any age is another mitigating factor that can alter your behavior.
If you've experienced a traumatic experience as an adult, your psychiatrist can help the court understand the lasting effects of this trauma. You may have post-traumatic stress disorder that causes you to act out of character when you're experiencing a flashback or encounter something that triggers you.
Your forensic psychiatrist can present your history of trauma in a way that helps the court understand why it should be considered when determining your guilt or handing down a sentence for a crime.