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Past

Present

My loved one is in Jail, now what?

Ventura County Diversion Court

Competent to Stand Trial Vs Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity

Competent to Stand Trial

Many people confuse the two and believe if they can get a mental health evaluation to be incompetent to stand trial that this will help their case. This may not be so. They must wait for a hospital bed at Patton State Hospital. Governor Browne proposed to separate violent offenders with nonviolent offenders and that did not happen. Patton is considered a violent place. In some cases, some inmates wait longer for a bed and trial and serve more time than had they plead guilty.

Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity

Not Guilty by reason of insanity means that person does not have the mental capability of knowing right or wrong but that doesn't mean they will be released. If the judge finds that they are danger to others, they can be sent to......where they may be kept as an inpatient for more years than they would have served in a guilty plea.

Sometimes families think they are doing the right thing by requesting a medical evaluation, but it may only put your loved one in more danger or just prolong their suffering. Having a medical diagnosis and getting your loved one in A VCBH program is really important. Right now, with diversion court many people are trying to say they have mental health issues just to stay out of jail. Having medical records and a case worker to verify your loved one's mental health illness is the best you can do for them.

Public Defender's Office

Mental Health Court

Impact Statement Letters from Family