What Happens When You Plead Insanity?

Defendants in Florida, including those in Martin County, have the option to plead insanity as a defense in criminal trials. But what does it mean to plead insanity in Florida, Martin County, or under Federal law, and what are the laws governing this defense?

The Insanity Defense in Florida

Under Florida law, a defendant can plead not guilty by reason of insanity if they were so affected by a mental disease or defect that they were unable to understand the nature and consequences of their actions, or if they did understand but could not distinguish right from wrong. The burden of proof is on the defendant to demonstrate their insanity at the time of the crime.

The state of Florida follows the M’Naghten rule, which requires that the defendant did not know the nature and quality of their actions, or did not know that what they were doing was wrong. Florida Statutes § 775.027 outlines the procedures for pleading insanity and the consequences of such a plea.

The Insanity Defense in Martin County, Florida

The laws governing the insanity defense in Martin County, Florida are the same as in the rest of Florida. Defendants in Martin County must follow the same procedures as outlined in Florida Statutes § 775.027, and they are subject to the same requirements for proving their insanity at the time of the crime.

The Insanity Defense Under Federal Law

Federal law also allows for a defense of not guilty by reason of insanity, but it is only available in federal criminal cases. The standard for the insanity defense under federal law is the same as in Florida.

The process for pleading insanity in federal court is governed by Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 12.2. Under this rule, the defendant must provide notice of their intention to rely on the insanity defense, and they must undergo a psychological evaluation. The evaluation is conducted by a licensed mental health professional, and they must provide a report to the court regarding the defendant’s mental state at the time of the offense.

What Happens When You Plead Insanity?

If a defendant is found not guilty by reason of insanity, they will be committed to a psychiatric facility for treatment. In Florida, the length of the commitment is determined by the court, and it can be for an indeterminate period. If the defendant is found not guilty by reason of insanity under federal law, they can be committed to a psychiatric facility or placed on probation.

It is important to note that a not guilty by reason of insanity verdict does not mean that the defendant is free to go. They are still held accountable for their actions, and their release is dependent on their mental state and the evaluation of psychiatrists or mental health professionals.

Criticism of the Insanity Defense

The insanity defense remains controversial, with critics arguing that it is overused by defendants as a way to avoid punishment. Some also argue that the insanity defense sends the wrong message, as it suggests that individuals with mental illnesses are not responsible for their actions, which is not always the case.

Overall, the laws surrounding the insanity defense can vary by jurisdiction, but in Florida, Martin County, and under federal law, the principles remain the same. The defense requires extensive evaluation and expert testimony, and if successful, the defendant can be committed to a mental health facility for treatment. While the insanity defense is not commonly used, it remains a vital option for defendants who suffer from mental illnesses that affect their understanding of their actions.

A Word From WHTA Director

As the director of the docu/series “What Happened to Austin?”, it is with both great fascination and concern that we share the development in the case of Austin Harrouff since we began our journey in November 2020. After a long weight and no publicized criminal trial, Austin Harrouff was just found not guilty by reason of insanity in the gruesome attack that claimed the two innocent lives of John Stevens and Michelle Mishcon.

The verdict comes as a surprise to many and yet others argue that there was overwhelming evidence of Harrouff’s mental illness. This case continues to raise many questions about the insanity defense and the implications of this ruling on the future of criminal justice.

As a true crime series that focuses on the facts and consequences of real-life criminal cases, @whtadoc finds itself at the forefront of the conversation surrounding the insanity defense. While the ruling is clear that the opinion of the state of Florida is that Austin Harrouff was suffering from a severe mental illness at the time of the crime, it leaves many still questioning whether the insanity defense is an appropriate legal tool in a case where the evidence of guilt seems undeniable.

But despite the controversy and the shock that comes with such a verdict, @whtadoc remains committed to presenting the facts as they are and eliciting an informed and constructive dialogue around issues of mental health, the criminal justice system, and the human capacity for cruelty and compassion.

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Cristie Lee

Independent Filmmaker