Legal Question in Criminal Law in Pennsylvania

Man in need of mental health care but commited robbery with priors.

I have a friend who robbed a convience store at knife point. It has been clear that he has been in need of mental health help and drug and alcohol help. We believe even his prior criminal behavior was due to an untreated mental illness. He seems to think so to. What should we do to get the courts to see that He needs help and not long and harsh jail time in the state pen. Thank you for your time.


Asked on 11/27/06, 5:46 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Brian Zeiger Levin & Zeiger LLP

Re: Man in need of mental health care but commited robbery with priors.

Pennsylvania has sentencing guidelines that instruct Judges on sentencing. The Judge does not have to follow the guidelines, they are a mere suggestion. You should look at what the guidelines suggest as a senetence for the alleged crime before you form an opinion as to what your friend needs. Your question is not a simple yes or no answer, it requires much more depth in information about the accused before it can be properly answered. Good Luck.

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Answered on 11/27/06, 6:02 pm


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