Boston, MA criminal defense attorney Dan Gaudet talks about how he can use mental health as a defense in a violent crime case. He recognizes that mental health disorders and violent offenses are often closely connected. When a client faces a violent crime charge, it is essential to determine early whether a mental health condition may have influenced their actions. From the outset, he prioritizes understanding any mental health issues that could be relevant to the case.

He takes a proactive approach, obtaining mental health records and collaborating with qualified mental health experts to assess the impact on the client’s behavior. This allows him to explore opportunities to challenge the charges or, where appropriate, mitigate the consequences by presenting the client’s mental health context effectively.