May Is Mental Health Awareness Month: What NJ Courts Are Doing for Defendants with Mental Illness

Written By Arthur G. Margeotes, Esq

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which raises awareness of the challenges faced by those living with mental illness. In the criminal justice system, these challenges are especially acute. Fortunately, New Jersey is taking steps to better address mental health in criminal courtrooms.

Defendants with serious mental illness often end up in jail due to behaviors linked to untreated conditions. Recognizing this, New Jersey courts have implemented programs aimed at diversion, treatment, and rehabilitation over incarceration when appropriate.

One such initiative is the Mental Health Diversion Program, available in several counties. This program allows individuals charged with non-violent crimes to receive treatment and support services instead of facing prosecution. Participants must agree to regular check-ins and treatment compliance, but successful completion may result in the dismissal of charges.

Municipal and superior courts are also increasingly open to Mental Health Evaluations, which can be used to argue for reduced sentencing or as part of a defense strategy. For example, someone charged with harassment or disorderly conduct due to a manic episode may be referred for evaluation, and in some cases, avoid jail time entirely.

However, navigating these programs requires careful legal strategy. Mental health should never be used to excuse criminal behavior, but it can provide critical context. With proper legal representation, individuals with mental illness can advocate for fair treatment that balances accountability with compassion.

If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges and mental health is a factor, don’t face the system alone. Our office works with forensic experts and social workers to ensure that mental health is appropriately factored into your defense.

Arthur G. Margeotes, Esq

Arthur G. Margeotes, Esq. is a criminal defense attorney in New Jersey. 

Experienced in the criminal defense of both adults and juveniles, Art also handles DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and motor vehicle violations in municipal courts. 

Art represents parties in domestic violence cases from the initial phase through settlement or litigated hearings, often in conjunction with related criminal charges.

An approved attorney for the New Jersey State P.B.A., Art represents law enforcement officers in criminal, administrative, and employment cases. 

Art’s 28 years as a criminal prosecutor in the Essex and Passaic County Prosecutor’s Offices has given him the rare ability to develop an in-depth knowledge of the intricacies of criminal law.  His extensive trial experience has honed his skills. He has directed numerous investigative units and has prosecuted complex criminal cases involving governmental corruption, white-collar and financial crimes, organized crime, homicide, narcotics, insurance fraud, adult sex crimes, and child abuse.

Throughout his career, Art has worked jointly on investigations with numerous law enforcement agencies, including The Federal Bureau of Investigation (F.B.I.), The United State’s Attorney’s Office, Immigration and Custom’s Enforcement (I.C.E.),  Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco & Firearms (ATF), The Office of the N.J. Attorney General, N.J. Office of Attorney Ethics, N.J. State Police, County Prosecutor’s Offices, and Local Police Departments.  As a result of his vast and varied experience, he has developed relationships with prosecutors and law enforcement and has earned an impeccable reputation before judges.

*The Supreme Court of New Jersey has approved no aspect of this advertisement. See Award Methodology

https://crimelawyernj.com/
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