Arizona Motion for Acquittal Based on Insanity

• Category: Criminal - Acquittals
• State: Multi-State
• Control #: US-00836
• Format: Word; Rich Text

Description

Defendant, through his/her attorney moves the court that he/she be acquitted of certain matters because he/she is both-feeble minded and insane

Arizona Motion for Acquittal Based on Insanity is a legal defense strategy used in Arizona courts to seek a not guilty verdict by reason of insanity. This motion serves as a request to dismiss criminal charges against a defendant on the grounds that they were mentally incapable of understanding the nature of their actions or unable to distinguish right from wrong at the time of the offense. This detailed description will explore the key aspects of Arizona's Motion for Acquittal Based on Insanity and shed light on different types within this defense strategy. In the state of Arizona, the statutory basis for the Motion for Acquittal Based on Insanity is outlined in Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) § 13-502, which states that a defendant may be found not guilty by reason of insanity if they prove that at the time the offense was committed, they suffered from a mental disease or defect that rendered them incapable of appreciating the wrongfulness or nature of their conduct. To initiate the Motion for Acquittal Based on Insanity, the defendant, through their legal counsel, submits a written motion to the court, presenting evidence to support their claim of insanity. This evidence can include expert psychiatric evaluations, medical records, witness testimonies, and any other relevant documentation that substantiates the defendant's mental state at the time of the crime. Arizona recognizes two main types of Motion for Acquittal Based on Insanity: M'Heighten Rule and Irresistible Impulse. 1. M'Heighten Rule: Under this standard, also known as the right-wrong test, the defendant must prove that they did not know the nature and quality of the criminal act they committed or that they did not understand that it was morally and legally wrong. The defense will present evidence demonstrating the defendant's mental disorder and how it affected their cognition and judgment during the specific incident. 2. Irresistible Impulse: This test focuses on the defendant's ability to control their actions rather than their knowledge of right and wrong. It requires proof that, due to a mental disease or defect, the defendant experienced an uncontrollable impulse to commit the crime and was unable to resist or conform their behavior to the law. In Arizona, if the court grants the Motion for Acquittal Based on Insanity, the defendant is typically committed to a state mental health facility for treatment until their condition improves, or they are deemed no longer a danger to themselves or society. The court's decision is guided by the legal standard set forth in A.R.S. § 13-502 and is subject to the assessment and evaluation of mental health professionals. It is important to note that the burden of proving insanity rests on the defendant, requiring clear and convincing evidence rather than the usual standard of beyond a reasonable doubt. Furthermore, even if the motion is granted, the defendant may still be subject to certain restrictions and supervision, ensuring public safety and appropriate medical care. In conclusion, Arizona's Motion for Acquittal Based on Insanity is a legal defense strategy allowing defendants to seek a not guilty verdict by demonstrating their mental incapacity at the time of the alleged offense. The two main types available in Arizona are the M'Heighten Rule and Irresistible Impulse. This defense requires substantial evidence and expert testimony to prove the defendant's mental illness or defect rendered them incapable of understanding or controlling their actions. The court's decision hinges on the criteria specified in A.R.S. § 13-502, and if successful, the defendant may receive mental health treatment under court supervision.