Mental Health Law Your Fight is Our Fight
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Mental Health Lawyers

Understanding Mental Health & Criminal Defense

The criminal justice system often fails in handling matters related to individuals suffering from mental health issues. People with mental health conditions that get caught up in the justice system need to be treated differently than standard criminal cases.

They need to be assessed by a mental health professional, a treatment plan needs to be developed and the role their mental health-related conditions played in the alleged crime needs to be determined. These are highly complex and specialized issues.

That is why ensuring that you have a mental health lawyer by your side is essential to the outcome of your case. Schedule a free case review today by calling (800) 462-7160 to get started.

We Are Ready & Prepared to Fight Your Case

See Our Past Mental Health Related Victories & Settlements

  • Client received a suspended prison sentence with probation and residential treatment.

  • Client was facing a year in jail. Client received mental health diversion which included regular therapy visits and no custody time.

  • Client was sentenced to probation and a residential treatment program.

  • Client was facing 6 years in state prison. Client was given probation and residential treatment.

  • He was facing up to 6 years in state prison. The client never had to serve any custody time and the case was ultimately dismissed.

  • Client was at risk of a sentence of 9-14 years. Client pled guilty and received 6 months in a mental health facility. No jail.

  • Client was given credit for time served of approximately five months and released to complete inpatient dual diagnosis mental health treatment program.

  • Client was at risk of a sentence of 9-11 years in California State Prison. Client received 2 years mental health diversion.

  • Client was granted mental health diversion for 2 years in an out-patient treatment program.

  • Client received 2 years of mental health diversion in a residential treatment program.

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Mental Health Practice Areas

At Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP, our mental health attorneys are skilled in all matters of mental health and criminal defense. When it comes to handling claims of a criminal nature, paying attention to mental health-related issues can make a world of difference in how your case plays out.

Therefore, having an attorney who understands things such as the issues surrounding insanity, as well as what it means to plead not guilty by reason of insanity (NGI) can greatly improve your chances of a successful result.

Additionally, with strong connections to numerous psychologists, psychiatrists and mental health treatment facilities, our lawyers at Lessem, Newstat & Tooson are uniquely positioned to achieve the best possible results for criminal defendants with mental health conditions.

Mental Health Cases We Handle

Areas in which we can help those with mental health conditions include:

Our mental health lawyers are here to help. Contact Lessem & Newstat, LLP at (800) 462-7160 to schedule a consultation today.

No words can appropriately describe how life-saving a mental health attorney can be to the issues that may arise during a mental health criminal case. Whether you have been accused of a crime and are now in need of legal defense to represent your case at the Ventura Mental Health Court or Department 95, or you would like to learn more about Murphy Conservatorships, restoration of sanity, or mental health disability rights, we are here for you. We can even help you decide if seeking mental health diversion would be right for your case. In many situations, it might not be the best option, so consulting with a lawyer first is advised.

We have dedicated over 50 years of combined experience to defending the rights of the criminally accused, particularly as they pertain to claims of mental health.

As such, we can provide you with information concerning:

  • Crisis consultations
  • Treatment vs. jail
  • 5250 hearings
  • And even pre-filing intervention of mental health cases

Mental health cases can be very complicated. According to the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization, having a criminal defense specialist representing you in a complicated case is important. Jeremy Lessem, one of our mental health attorneys, is certified by the Board of Legal Specialization in criminal law.

Put 50+ Years of Criminal Defense & Mental Health Experience on Your Side Today

If you're facing a criminal allegation, you want a lawyer like Mr. Lessem fighting for your rights in court. Our team has successfully taken over 200 cases to trial and achieved numerous successful results.

Dedicated to obtaining the best possible outcome for each and every one of our clients, we are ready to apply our legal skills and know-how to even the most difficult of cases. Whether your case goes to a jury trial or it gets resolved out of court, there is nothing stopping us from effectively defending your case.

Your Fight is Our Fight

We are here and ready to learn your story and your case, and to tirelessly fight on your behalf. 

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Proudly Serving Southern California

At the firm, we have a passion for protecting the rights of those accused in Southern California. We have worked hard to ensure local residents are provided with professional mental health defense services.

We serve areas throughout:

  • Los Angeles
  • Santa Barbara
  • Ventura
  • Van Nuys
  • Orange County
  • And the San Fernando Valley

Wherever you are in Southern California, we can help. Our legal skills can be put to work on your behalf; all you have to do is call our offices to learn more.

The legal help you need and deserve can be found at Lessem & Newstat, LLP. Contact a Los Angeles mental health lawyer today at (800) 462-7160 to learn more.

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  • We are very pleased and impressed!

    “We are blessed to have you for our lawyer and will highly recommend you with your professional and educated advice!”

  • DEFINITELY the best lawyer

    “You can''t understand how happy this makes us, mom even started to cry! Thank you so much for all your help! this is super fantastic news and I'll feel a lot safer flying in tomorrow. Again thank you, ...”

  • I will recommend you and your firm to anyone

    “I shall never forget you. You can take for granted that I will recommend you and your firm to anyone who needs counsel.”

  • No Jail Time

    “Getting my DUI was a very scary thing for me. Not knowing what I was up against, I turned to the law firm, which came highly recommended through a friend. I was amazed to learn that I didn't have to ...”

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Why Choose Our Team

  • 1,000's of Cases Handled In & Out of Court
  • 50+ Years of Combined Legal Experience
  • No Recovery, No Fees for All Injury Cases
  • Strong & Attentive Counsel Available 24/7

Successfully Defending the Accused for Over Three Decades

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Your Future is Our Business

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Your Fight Is Our Fight

When going through serious legal matters, do not put your case in the hands of just any attorney. Rather, work with a team who has earned a respected reputation for outstanding legal service and one with a proven track record of success.

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