A man in his thirties who receives full-time care from his mother has been arrested after allegedly threatening to kill the president.
The man, who is from the area around Palm Beach, has autism. His condition is very limiting, and he struggles with reading, writing and even handling basic daily tasks without help. Authorities say he posted a threat on social media about shooting the president.
The man is under the care of a court-appointed guardian. He also reportedly has an IQ below 60. When sheriff’s deputies came to arrest him, he started to cry and tried to apologize.
Despite the man’s circumstances, the prosecution is maintaining this case for the time being.
The man faces a charge of making an electronic threat to kill. The penalties for this felony offense are severe. Even for one threat, a person can face 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. In fairness, the prosecution in this case is offering a deal that would involve neither additional jail time nor a criminal conviction for the man.
Mental health issues are in play during many criminal cases
It is sad how many people who suffer from debilitating mental health issues or intellectual challenges wind up in the criminal justice system, often for offenses related to their conditions.
Too often, people who need treatment and support get lost in a system that is designed to convict and punish people authorities perceive as lawbreakers. At a minimum, these people need others to advocate for consequences that are fair considering their circumstances.
A person’s intellectual or mental health diagnoses can have a bearing on the person’s criminal defense.
People facing these sorts of challenges may not fully understand their rights in a criminal case. Also, depending on the case, a person’s mental state or intellectual abilities can help them with a defense to serious criminal charges.
Family members of those who have disabilities and who are facing prosecution in Florida’s should make sure their loved one’s legal rights are protected.