Boston-Area Criminal Defense Attorney Keith Halpern
Successfully Using the Insanity Defense in Murder and Homicide Cases
When an individual's psychological state is truly impaired at the time of committing a malicious crime, such as murder, should the case be handled like other homicide cases? If a loved one has been arrested for murder or homicide in Massachusetts, it is essential to move quickly to hire an experienced homicide defense attorney. When the state of mind of the defendant is in question, the difference in days, weeks or months is exponential. Contact me immediately to discuss the case.
Preserving Evidence When It Matters Most
When an individual suffers from delusions, mental illness, such as bipolar disorder (manic depressive disorder) or paranoid schizophrenia, his or her state of mind at the time of the crime is critical to the outcome of the case. In many cases, the individual had not yet been diagnosed or had not been taking medications for the mental illness. In some cases the individual goes off the medication, however, the prosecutor's psychiatrist often does not assess the individual until weeks or even months after the incident. By this time, the individual is likely medicated and is no longer in the same state of mind. Without evidence demonstrating the true state of mind at the time of the incident, it is nearly impossible to overcome murder charges with a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity.
When contacted by a client, I immediately go to interview the defendant, often with video camera in hand. The evidence collected in my client interviews truly demonstrates their state of mind at the time of the crime. This evidence has proven effective in previous criminal defense cases, resulting in an acquittal or a significant reduction of charges (including a case in which murder charges were reduced to involuntary manslaughter charges). Through compelling negotiations with the prosecution and judge in pre-trial hearings, I am often capable of resolving the matter before trial is ever scheduled.
Experienced Murder/Homicide Defense Lawyer
Through my experience representing mentally ill clients facing murder charges, I have become familiar with the Bridgewater State Hospital, where my clients are typically placed pending the outcome of their cases. As a result, I have the ability to work with doctors to handle treatment appropriately without damaging my client's defense. In addition, I have the resources to work with the leading forensic experts in the field. I am experienced handling charges in which a psychiatric/insanity defense is frequently used, such as:
- First-degree murder
- Second-degree murder
- Attempted murder
- Negligent homicide
- Federal capital murder charges being prosecuted in Massachusetts
- Other homicide charges
Contact an Experienced Defense Lawyer Right Away
Don't let time destroy the evidence of your loved one's state of mind. Contact me, an experienced Boston-area defense lawyer with the specific skill necessary to handle murder/homicide cases which involve the insanity defense. Call me, criminal defense attorney Keith Halpern at 617.830.1217 or 866.719.2448 (toll free).
