Navigating the Justice System: What You Need to Know

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.

Criminal Justice Self-Advocacy FAQ
Designed as a companion to the 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?

• Connecticut: NAMI Connecticut's Understanding the Criminal Justice System
  NAMI Connecticut published this guide to the criminal justice system in Connecticut for adults with mental illnesses, advocates and families
• Maryland: Beyond Punishment
  NAMI Maryland's guide to navigating the criminal justice system. The information in this book was written specifically for Maryland residents, but may be helpful for others as well.
• Minnesota: Advocating for People with Mental Illnesses in the Minnesota Criminal Justice System
  NAMI Minnesota’s new guide to navigating the Minnesota criminal justice system provides an excellent example for states and communities interested in creating similar guides to their local criminal justice system.
• New York: How to Help: When a Person with Mental Illness is Arrested
  This guide, co-written by NAMI New York State and the Urban Justice Center, is designed to help New Yorkers with mental illness and others navigate the criminal justice system.