Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity in Rhode Island Criminal Cases
Mental Illness Doesn't Make You a Criminal.
The law doesn't punish people who were legally insane at the time of the offense. If a severe mental illness caused someone to lose the ability to understand what they were doing—or to know it was wrong—they may be found Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI).
At Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys, we handle complex criminal cases involving serious mental illness, psychiatric history, and forensic evaluations. We approach these cases with strategy, discretion, and a deep understanding of what's at stake—not just in court, but in life.
What Does “Legally Insane” Mean in Rhode Island?
To be found Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity, the defense must show that, at the time of the offense, the defendant:
Suffered from a severe mental disease or defect, AND
Was unable to appreciate the nature or wrongfulness of their actions
This standard is tough to meet—but when it applies, it can be a complete defense.
This is not about excusing behavior. It's about recognizing that some people cannot be held criminally responsible due to their mental state at the time.
Mental Illness vs. Legal Insanity
Not everyone with a mental health diagnosis qualifies for NGRI. The key legal question is whether the illness caused a total break from reality or moral understanding at the time of the act.
We help the court understand the difference between:
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Depression vs. psychosis
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Substance-induced episodes vs. chronic disorders
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Treatment history vs. deterioration due to lack of care
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Mental illness at the time of arrest vs. mental illness at the time of the act
These distinctions matter—and we work with top forensic experts to clarify them.
When Is the Insanity Defense Used?
We've seen this defense used in cases involving:
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Homicide and attempted murder
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Domestic violence crimes
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Arson tied to delusional thinking
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Assault during manic or psychotic episodes
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Weapons possession while actively paranoid or detached from reality
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Situations involving command hallucinations (“voices made me do it”)
We review medical history, medication compliance, hospitalization records, family input, and expert evaluations. We are not afraid to go to trial on an insanity defense when it's justified—and we know how to make it make sense to a jury.
What Happens If Someone Is Found Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity?
An NGRI verdict does not mean someone simply walks free.
In most cases, they are committed to the state psychiatric hospital (e.g., Eleanor Slater/Zambarano) for treatment and evaluation. Continued confinement is determined based on whether the person is still a danger to themselves or others.
We advise families and clients on:
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Hospital commitments
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Periodic reviews for discharge
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Conditions of release
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Navigating the mental health court system
This defense is not an escape route—it's a lifeline for someone who was never criminally responsible to begin with.
Building a Successful Insanity Defense
We collaborate with:
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Psychiatrists and psychologists with forensic experience
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Neuropsychological experts to assess capacity and cognitive deficits
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Family members who know the client's long-term struggles
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Medical and mental health providers who have treated the client before and after the offense
We also prepare jurors and judges for what can be an emotional and confusing process—clarifying that mental illness is not weakness, and justice doesn't always mean punishment.
Protect Your Loved One. Protect Their Future.
If you or a loved one is facing serious criminal charges but has a severe and documented mental illness, you need a defense team that understands both the legal and medical sides of the case.
At Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys, we bring compassion, expertise, and credibility to the courtroom—because we know these cases are about more than guilt and innocence. They're about mental health, dignity, and safety.
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📍 Based in Providence | Representing clients in mental health–related cases across Rhode Island
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Let us help you fight for what's fair.
