Legal Question in Criminal Law in Virginia

I was recently charged with assault & battery on my boyfriend. During the arrest, I apparently verbally assaulted the officer, thus getting a felony assault on the officer. Here's my dilema: I am legally insane. I collect disability for Bi-Polar Disorder with Psychotic Rage. I have been seeing a Psychiatrist and a Licensed Clinician for about 5 years now and have been put on about 15 different medications to help improve my condition. To date, nothing seems to control the episodes. I've been in Central State and St. Mary's Psychiatric Ward. I have black-outs and have no recollection of the situation. Also, I had just had a seizure 2 days prior to the incident, which completely set me back mentally. The Prosecutor is willing to drop the felony if I plead to the a&b on Tommy. Tommy, however, is willing to testify on my behalf. I am currently back in the home and continuing therepy and am now on another medication. What are my options here? Please help me. I can be reached at [email protected]. Thank you.


Asked on 8/10/10, 7:36 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

You need to be represented by a competent criminal defense counsel

who also has some experience and familiarity with mental health issues as they

may impact allegedly criminal behaviour. If you cannot afford to hire such on

your own, then you should request that the court appoint such counsel

to represent you.

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Answered on 8/15/10, 9:10 am
sheryl shane sheryl shane, attorney at law

You have to ask yourself would a reasonably person in your situation have committed the acts you allegedly committed? If the answer is no, you need to look at some defenses or ways to mitigate your punishment if found guilty. www.sherylshanelaw.com. Tel. 703 503 4448.

Attorney Sheryl Shane.

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Answered on 8/17/10, 1:07 pm


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