Nashville Bipolar Disorder Lawyer

Bipolar Disorder Attorney in Nashville, CA

The court system is designed to punish those who have committed crimes, but those with mental health disabilities are at a severe disadvantage in this system. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and is facing legal issues, criminal or otherwise, you don’t need to do it alone. Having a skilled Nashville bipolar disorder lawyer on your side can vastly improve your outcome.

How We Can Help

With years of experience advocating for those with mental disabilities, Elizabeth Kelley is well-equipped to help you navigate criminal charges. She is a compassionate and focused bipolar disorder lawyer with the ability to tailor her experience to your specific needs. Her work is centered on breaking the stigma of mental illness in the criminal justice system to ensure every client is treated with dignity.

Not only does she represent people with mental disabilities, but she was the editor of Representing People with Mental Disabilities: A Practical Guide for Criminal Defense Lawyers for three years. She has an in-depth understanding of how the law applies to people with bipolar disorder and is dedicated to making sure that her clients have fair and accurate representation.

Applying the law to people with bipolar disorder can get complicated, and lawyers without experience with mental disabilities might struggle. Because this is Elizabeth Kelley’s focus, she can be your guide throughout your case.

Criminal Defense for People With Bipolar Disorder in Nashville

Bipolar disorder is characterized by dramatic shifts in mood, energy levels, and the ability to do day-to-day tasks. Because of this, sometimes people diagnosed with the disability can act impulsively or recklessly, which could get them in trouble with the law. On top of that, their actions might be unfairly misinterpreted.

If you or your loved ones are facing criminal charges, it is vital to have a experienced Nashville autism spectrum disorder lawyer or a bipolar criminal defense attorney on your side. This type of attorney can treat the case with care and empathy while advocating aggressively on your behalf.

Tennessee understands the need for those with mental disabilities to receive accommodation while going through the criminal justice system. To make sure that the defendant can undergo a trial, the court might order a competency evaluation. If they fail the evaluation, then the trial might be placed on hold until the defendant has the ability to stand trial.

Speak to a bipolar disorder lawyer today to understand how this and other Tennessee laws might impact you or your loved one.

Hire a Nashville Bipolar Disorder Lawyer in Nashville

Around 5.7 million American adults, or 2.6% of the adult population, are affected by bipolar disorder every year. Those with the disability might find that navigating life is difficult and might lead to a run-in with the law.

The court system can be particularly harsh toward people with mental disabilities, and it’s important to have a lawyer who understands how to advocate for you. A Nashville bipolar disorder attorney can:

• Provide legal counsel
• Analyze the incident and pinpoint how your mental disorder might have contributed to your actions
• Advocate for reasonable accommodations during the proceedings
• Present your case with care and precision
• Mediate on your behalf
• Educate you about your rights
• Gather evidence about your case
• Interview witnesses and expert witnesses, like medical professionals
• Appeal unfavorable rulings
• Represent you at the Justice A.A. Birch Building on Second Avenue or elsewhere
• Represent you in Mental Health Court
• Explain your disability and how it affects your daily life
• Negotiate with the prosecution
• Create a solid defense strategy

Legal experts often question if mentally ill prisoners are being punished for symptoms rather than treated, which is why specialized representation is so important. Having someone on your side throughout this process can vastly improve your outcome. If you hire a bipolar disorder lawyer, you and your loved ones can rest a little easier knowing that someone understands your disability and can help fight for you.

The Davidson County Criminal Court is located on 2nd Avenue North here in Nashville. If your case goes to trial, Elizabeth Kelley can be there to fight for you.

FAQs

Can Bipolar Disorder Affect a Criminal Court Case in Nashville?

Bipolar disorder can affect a criminal court case in Nashville in some circumstances. The court might order a competency evaluation because the defendant’s mental condition could affect their ability to understand the trial.

In rare cases, severe mental disorders can be used as part of an insanity defense. If the defendant is found guilty by reason of insanity, they may be committed to a mental health facility instead of incarcerated.

Is Bipolar Disorder Difficult to Prove in Court?

Bipolar disorder can be difficult to prove in court because, sometimes, a diagnosis alone isn’t enough. To be considered, bipolar disorder often must be supported by expert testimony, medical records, and proof of how the condition impacted the accused at the time of the incident. An experienced bipolar disorder lawyer understands how frustrating it can be and can help you gather the documentation you need.

How Does Bipolar Disorder Play a Role in Crime?

Bipolar disorder can sometimes play a role in criminal cases, but it doesn’t excuse criminal behavior automatically. Sometimes, unmanaged symptoms can cause behavior that results in criminal activity like DUIs, assault and battery, property damage, and more.

Manic episodes can cause poor judgment, and depressive episodes can lead to self-destructive behaviors. If you’ve been charged with a crime and believe that unmanaged symptoms led to the behavior, a bipolar disorder lawyer can help develop a defense for your case.

What Is the Role of the Mental Health Court in Nashville?

The Davidson Mental Health Court in Nashville exists to provide a fair justice system for those who have been charged with a crime and have an addiction or a mental illness, like bipolar disorder. One goal is to help those with bipolar disorder restore their dignity by helping to improve their quality of life. Another role of this court is to help the court identify, evaluate, and keep an eye on offenders with bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses.

Get Legal Help From a Nashville Bipolar Disorder Lawyer

Elizabeth Kelley has years of experience helping people with mental disabilities and is well-versed in bipolar disorder laws. She is well-qualified and practices nationwide to help all she can. Compassionate and devoted to work, Elizabeth Kelley understands how overwhelming it can be to face the law with bipolar disorder and is here to advocate for you. To find out how she can help you, contact her office today.

Nashville, CA Bipolar Disorder Resources

• Breaking the Stigma of Mental Illness in the Criminal Justice System
• Mental Illness and Solitary Confinement
• Are Police the Right Response to a Mental Health Crisis?