Prosecutors have discretion to make charging decisions, bail and pre-trial release recommendations, plea bargain offers, and sentence recommendations. Their position in the justice system gives district attorneys and prosecutors the opportunity to provide leadership in the community to address the needs of those with mental health issues. Prosecution can create special units within their office to handle cases involving individuals with mental health issues.
Learn More About Prosecution
- John J. Choi et al., Prosecutors and Frequent Utilizers: How Can Prosecutors Better Address the Needs of People who Frequently Interact with the Criminal Justice and Other Social Systems?
- Fair and Just Prosecution, Improving Justice System Responses to Individuals with Mental Illness
- Fair and Just Prosecution
- Prosecutors’ Center for Excellence, Victims, Witnesses, and Defendants with Mental Illness or Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Guide for Prosecutors
- CSG Justice Center, Understanding and Managing Risks for People with Behavioral Health Need: FAQs for Local Prosecutors