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.
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