When Mental Health and the Criminal Justice System CollideWhether your loved one is charged with a crime or your family has been impacted as a victim, we are here to guide you through the legal process with compassion, dignity, and strength.
Mental Health Plays a Critical Role in Many Criminal Cases
Mental illness often plays a major role in criminal charges — but the legal system isn’t always equipped to handle these cases fairly.
At Jacob Wilson Law, we represent families and individuals dealing with criminal charges involving:
Schizophrenia
Bipolar disorder
Major depressive disorder
PTSD
Intellectual disabilities
Autism spectrum disorders
Substance use disorders (co-occurring or primary)
We believe the justice system should offer treatment and understanding — not just punishment — when mental health is involved.
How We Help Families When a Loved One Is Charged
If your family member has been arrested and you are concerned about their mental health, we can:
Advocate for mental health evaluations (competency and sanity)
Fight to keep the case in specialized mental health courts when available
Seek diversion programs focused on treatment, not incarceration
Work with doctors and social workers to present strong mitigation evidence
Push for bond conditions that prioritize treatment and stability
Negotiate alternatives to jail whenever possible
We work closely with families to create a comprehensive defense strategy that acknowledges both legal needs and mental health realities.
How We Help Families of Victims Impacted by Mental Illness
Sometimes families are not seeking defense for a charged loved one — they are victims impacted by a crime involving mental health issues.
We can represent families who:
Want a voice in criminal proceedings
Want to ensure mental health considerations are addressed appropriately by the prosecution
Wish to seek protective orders, restitution, or other court protections
Need help navigating communication with the District Attorney’s office
Victims deserve advocates, too.
We help families express their concerns, safeguard their rights, and work toward outcomes that promote healing, safety, and justice.
Why Jacob Wilson Law for Mental Health-Related Cases?
Compassionate Approach: We understand the emotional complexity families face when mental illness and criminal law intersect.
Experience with Mental Health Systems: We are familiar with local mental health courts, providers, and treatment options.
Flexible Representation: Whether defending a loved one or advocating for a family as victims, we provide strong, strategic support.