In California, a criminal defendant is entitled to an acquittal if it is determined that she was legally insane at the time she committed a crime. California criminal defense lawyer explains Penal Code 1368 PC mental competency for trial on a defendant where a judge can suspend the court proceedings.Recent changes to the law have expanded eligibility for California's Mental Health Diversion under California Penal Code section 1001.36. The program permits some defendants to receive mental health counseling and treatment when charged with an offense. Upon request, a victim services advocate can also assist victims of crime in filling out and submitting the necessary forms. The insanity defense refers to a defense that a defendant can plead in a criminal trial. The judge must find that your mental disorder played a significant role in the charged crime unless there is clear and convincing evidence otherwise. Phillip Garcia was in psychiatric crisis. A defendant in a California criminal case will have two options to plea during an arraignment, or an initial hearing: guilty or not guilty. "Pleading paper" is often used to describe the format of a document that is filed with the Court when a pre-made form is not available.