Keep me logged in until I sign out. Insanity is a defense to certain crimes that require proof of intent. A few states have abolished the insanity defense but allow psychiatric evidence at trial on the issue of intent. For example, a defendant in a drug case could not have formed the intent to sell an illegal substance if he was delusional and believed that he was a doctor dispensing medication.
Most states require formal notice of plans to raise the insanity defense.
Such defendants enter a plea of not guilty and proceed to trial. If convicted, such an individual may be found guilty, not guilty by reason of insanity, or in a few states, guilty but mentally ill. Defendants found not guilty by reason of insanity are placed in a mental health facility until their mental condition improves so that they are no longer a threat to themselves or the community. Everything you need for court related issues. The Intelligent Alternative to Court.