There are two key elements of a criminal offence: actus reus (the guilty act) and mens rea (the guilty mind). Generally, an accused can only be convicted if the Prosecution is able to prove both of these elements beyond reasonable doubt.
The mens rea component of a criminal offence refers to an offender’s intention to engage in an illegal act. An accused generally cannot be found guilty of a criminal offence unless their behaviour was voluntary and intentional.
The law recognises that mental health conditions may sometimes impinge on a person’s ability to reason or properly understand the nature of their actions. As such, a person may escape criminal liability for an offence if a mental condition has played a role in the commission of the offence.
Getting a charge dismissed
There are a variety of provisions in NSW that may be utilised to divert people suffering from a mental health condition away from the criminal justice system.
One of the most common ways to avoid conviction is by succeeding in an application under section 32 of the Mental Health (Forensic Provisions) Act.
What is a section 32?
A section 32 allows a Magistrate to dismiss a criminal charge.
The Magistrate can discharge the accused into the care of a responsible person and make orders that the person adheres to a court-mandated treatment plan.
Treatment plans will usually be imposed for 6 months. They might include requirements such as attending counselling or taking medication.
Alternatively, a Magistrate can adjourn proceedings and make a decision at a later date, where they will assess how an accused is responding to treatment.
What conditions may invoke a section 32?
In order to be eligible for a section 32, the accused must be:
- Cognitively impaired; or
- Suffering from mental illness; or
- Suffering from a mental condition for which treatment is available in a mental health facility
Conditions that may satisfy the above requirements include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- An intellectual disability
- Borderline intellectual functioning
- Dementia
- An acquired brain injury
- Drug or alcohol-related brain damage
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
When will the court grant a Section 32?
An application for a Section 32 will only be successful if it satisfies a two-step test. The test is as follows:
- Is the accused eligible to be dealt with pursuant to section 32 of the Act? If so,
- Is it appropriate for the Magistrate to deal with the defendant under section 32 (as opposed to by law)?
The first aspect of the test requires an accused (through their lawyer) to demonstrate that they were suffering a relevant condition at the time the offence was committed. This is usually established by obtaining a report from a mental health professional.
The second test requires a Magistrate to consider the seriousness of the offence with which an accused has been charged, and the circumstances that surrounded it.
Key Takeaways
- NSW law offers a mechanism to dismiss criminal charges for individuals suffering from mental health conditions under section 32 of the Mental Health (Forensic Provisions) Act.
- This provision allows for charges to be dismissed if the individual agrees to adhere to a treatment plan, which may include counseling or medication, typically imposed for 6 months.
- Eligibility for a section 32 requires the individual to be cognitively impaired, suffering from mental illness, or having a mental condition treatable in a mental health facility.
- The court's decision to grant a section 32 involves a two-step test assessing the individual's eligibility based on their condition and the appropriateness of dismissing the charges given the offense's seriousness.
How do I apply for a Section 32?
If your case satisfies the above criteria, an experienced criminal lawyer will be able to guide you through the application process and make submissions on your behalf.
Our lawyers have extensive experience making section 32 applications and appearing in the Mental Health Review Tribunal.
If you, or a loved one, needs advice or representation, call Hamilton Janke Lawyers 24/7 on 4038 1666.
Written By
James Janke
James Janke is founding partner at Hamilton Janke Lawyers, and has more then decade of experience as a Criminal Defence Lawyer. Admitted to both the Supreme Court of New South Wales and High Court of Australia
