Can I Be Not Guilty of Shoplifting Due to Mental Illness?

Full question:

can I use mental illness or defect for misdemenor shop lifting. I have Two mental diseases

  • Category: Criminal
  • Date:
  • State: Tennessee

Answer:

It would likely need to be proven that when you committed the crime, you could not tell right from wrong or could not control your behavior because of severe mental defect or illness. Such evidence would have to be established through expert testimony. Legally kleptomania is not classified as insanity. Individuals are held responsible except when complete lack of control over their actions can be definitely established.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

When someone has two mental health diagnoses, it is often referred to as having comorbid conditions or comorbidity. This means that two distinct mental health disorders are present simultaneously, which can complicate treatment and management.