Authorities are actively searching for a New Jersey woman who is accused of assaulting her four-year-old niece by stabbing her multiple times. The child, identified as Amber, underwent surgery to repair damage to her lung and liver resulting from the attack that took place at her home in Paterson, NJ. Although she is projected to make a complete recovery, authorities are still working to secure custody of her aunt for domestic assault, who is said to have "emotional issues."

In New Jersey, there exists a legal defense for criminal responsibility that is grounded in mental illness. Furthermore, the state has recently introduced a Mental Health Diversion Program aimed at emphasizing treatment instead of punishment. The Lento Law Firm has taken on hundreds of criminal defense cases involving defendants with mental health disorders.

For criminal defense matters, securing the support of a competent professional is crucial to your case. If you or someone you know is facing charges and suffers from a mental defect, please contact the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team at 888-535-3686, or fill out an online form.

Mental Health Challenges Among the Prison Population in New Jersey

The state legislature has acknowledged that nearly fifty percent of the prison population has mental health issues, prompting efforts to reduce the load on the criminal justice system — and ensure that those with mental health challenges receive the right treatment. Evidence suggests that treatment is more effective in preventing future offenses than incarceration. However, many individuals with mental health conditions do not receive the necessary care, leading to a vicious cycle in which minor offenders are repeatedly incarcerated.

In fact, the Treatment Advocacy Center, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving access to treatment for severe mental illnesses, reported that by 2017, 21 states had made minimal to no progress in establishing programs for the treatment of defendants with such conditions. This lack of initiative results in individuals who need stability, leading some to inflict harm upon themselves or others.

New Jersey's Mental Illness Diversion Program

That's why New Jersey enacted a law that created a new Mental Health Diversion Program in 2023. This program is designed to work with individuals who agree to participate in supervised care, with the aim of reducing convictions and incarceration through their ongoing commitment to treatment. The Mental Health Diversion Program has several criteria for admission, including securing proof of a mental illness diagnosis.

For those who qualify and do not have viable defenses, joining this program can be a beneficial option. During the defendant's engagement in the Mental Health Diversion Program, their criminal case is redirected from trial, and upon successful completion of the program, the criminal charge will be dismissed.

How the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team Can Help

If you are facing criminal charges in New Jersey, our Criminal Defense Team is unwavering in its commitment to uphold your rights. Whether you have emotional issues or have been diagnosed with a mental illness, we will partner with you during the criminal process to achieve a successful outcome.

To schedule a confidential consultation today, contact our Criminal Defense Team at 888-535-3686, or fill out an online form.