Mental Illnesses Treatment Support & Programs How You Can Help Find Your Local NAMI NAMIWalks
Search
 | Print this page | 
 | 
Legal_Support

Navigating the Justice System: What You Need to Know

After an arrest,  it's important to educate yourself about the justice system and what you can do to help your loved one. These resources can help: 

A Guide to Mental Illness and the Criminal Justice System
This guide offers consumers and family members basic information about how to navigate the criminal justice system.

Working with Public Defenders: Q&A with Stephen Bush
When an individual living with mental illness is arrested, often his or her only advocate in the justice system is the public defender. This resource helps individuals and families understand the role of the public defender and answers common questions about how family members can work with public defenders more effectively.

Understanding the Courts: A Q&A interview with Dr. Catherine Cerulli
Learn what to expect if you or a loved one need to appear in court.                   

Criminal Justice Self-Advocacy FAQ
Designed as a companion to A Guide to Mental Illness and the Criminal Justice System, this resource answers common questions such as: what are my rights while in jail or prison? How can I help my loved one who is being mistreated in jail or prison? What programs can help my loved one get transferred from jail to treatment?

Three Part Series on Supporting the Recovery of Justice-Involved Consumers
A three part series for individuals involved in the justice system, and the families and professionals supporting them.

State Specific Guides           

Contact your NAMI State Organization for state-specific information. Here is a selection of state-specific resources for navigating the criminal justice system.

 


 | Print this page | 
 | 


Join NAMI today!

When you become a member of NAMI, you become part of America's largest grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of persons living with serious mental illness. And now you can join online.

  • Follow NAMI
  • Contact Us
    • NAMI
    • 3803 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 100
    • Arlington, Va 22203
    • Main: (703) 524-7600
    • Fax: (703) 524-9094
    • Member Services: (888) 999-6264
    • Helpline: (800) 950-6264