Legal Question in Criminal Law in Florida

My friend's father, age 81, has been arrested for lewd and lascivious acts with a young girl and has admitted to the act and expressed remorse. He also has some dementia. His arraignment date is in 3weeks. Does my friend have any legal opportunity to order a mental evaluation that might lead to a committment to an institution other than a prison and the consequences that go along with that?


Asked on 12/09/12, 2:29 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Joseph Justice The Justice Law Firm

There are provisions in criminal justice for people who are mentally incompetent to stand trial and instead need commitment in a mental health facility. His lawyer should request mental health evaluations related to his competency. These are extremely serious charges that usually result in long prison sentences. So it will be very important to convey his mental issues to his lawyer as quickly as possible. These cases never settle at arraignment.

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Answered on 12/09/12, 2:41 pm


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