When a juvenile is arrested in Colorado, the child may be released to a parent or responsible adult, referred for detention screening, or held for a prompt detention hearing. If the child remains in custody, the hearing generally must occur within 48 hours, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays. The district attorney then decides whether to file a delinquency petition, offer diversion, or decline to prosecute formally. Decisions made during
Mental health issues affect millions of people worldwide, and in some cases, these conditions can lead to criminal behavior. In Colorado, mental illness can be used as a defense in criminal cases under certain circumstances. This article will discuss when mental health can be used as a defense in Colorado criminal cases and how it can affect the outcome of a trial.
When Can Mental Health be Used as a
