Mental Health and the Criminal Justice System in Florida

What happens when mental illness intersects with criminal charges? In this episode of Badges to Briefcases, former law enforcement officers turned Florida criminal defense attorneys break down mental health in the criminal justice system and how it impacts arrests, prosecutions, and defense strategies.At Gans Law in Orlando, Florida, we regularly see cases where mental health plays a critical role — from competency evaluations and insanity defenses to diversion programs and crisis intervention. But is jail the right answer when someone is experiencing a mental health crisis?In this episode, we discuss:• How mental illness affects criminal charges in Florida• The difference between competency and insanity defenses• Mental health diversion programs and alternative sentencing• What families should do if a loved one with mental illness is arrested• How former police officers view mental health calls on the front lines• Why proper representation matters in mental health-related casesAs former police officers and now criminal defense attorneys, we bring a unique perspective to these cases — understanding both how law enforcement handles crisis situations and how the court system responds.If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges involving mental health issues in Florida, understanding your rights is critical.📍 Serving Orlando and Central Florida📞 Contact Gans Law for a free consultationBecause Everyone Deserves Justice.y