The courts and mental health

Explains what may happen if you're charged with committing a crime, what happens when you to go court, and how your mental health is taken into account.

Useful contacts

Mind's services

Mind's legal line – get legal information and general advice by phone, email or post
Side by Side – join our supportive online community
Mind's app library – browse our collection of trusted wellbeing apps to download for everyday support
Local Minds – explore our in-person services across England and Wales

How to find an advocate

To find advocacy services and groups in your area, you could call Mind's Legal Line on 0300 466 6463 or contact your local Mind.

If you're in hospital, you can also contact the:

Patient Advice Liaison Service (PALS) in England
Llais in Wales

In some situations, you may be legally entitled to the support of an advocate. For more information, see our pages on advocacy.

Other organisations

The Bar Council Direct Access Portal

directaccessportal.co.uk
Provides an up-to-date list of direct access barristers who you can contact to get legal advice or help you with your case, without the delay or expense of applying through a solicitor.

Law Society

lawsociety.org.uk
Professional association for solicitors in England and Wales. Includes a searchable directory of solicitors.

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This information was published in April 2024. We'll revise it in 2027.

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