Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The problem is though that he will not be able to get appropriate treatment for his mental illness in jail and may be at risk because he is mentally ill.

Thank you. Exactly.

Who is to say he will outside jail, and how will they keep him from violating the restriction order otherwise? Serious question. I really feel bad for both sides, the mentally ill nephew, and the person he's scaring...

Thank you. Exactly.

Is your nephew taking medication for his schizophrenia? If he's not, I really think that should be your family's main concentration as a lot of his behavior will be more predictable and in control if he's taking meds regularly. You say he has a psychologist, I think it is necessary that the psychologist is involved in this whole process, and possibly can argue to have your nephew committed to a mental health hospital to get his issues under control and properly medicated vs going to jail. I would hope any decent defender would be able to facilitate this. I don't think the main process for you guys right now should be getting him to avoid jail time, rather getting him the proper help he needs. Which won't happen in jail.

Now, I really, really, don't want to get into specifics on my story, but I was once stalked by a mentally ill person whom I had worked closely with in a volunteer environment. He was a paranoid schizophrenic and his behavior could be downright terrifying when he was off his medications. I didn't want to get a restraining order against him because I honestly felt bad and knew he really wasn't doing some stuff on purpose. However, after he put me in a dangerous situation, I had no choice. He violated the restraining order multiple times by the same "accidentally" bumping into me. But in reality, he knew my schedule and made sure to "accidentally" be in the same spots I was. After being cornered in the subway station, I had him arrested. I had the opportunity to speak when he went to court and between mine, his psychologist's, and his doctor's opinion, he was placed in a local hospital to undergo treatment for his disorders. I do wish I had a way to follow up to see what happened to him.

Very nice guy when medicated, but unfortunately, the paranoid schizophrenia changed his behavior totally.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The problem is though that he will not be able to get appropriate treatment for his mental illness in jail and may be at risk because he is mentally ill.

Thank you. Exactly.

Who is to say he will outside jail, and how will they keep him from violating the restriction order otherwise? Serious question. I really feel bad for both sides, the mentally ill nephew, and the person he's scaring...

Anonymous wrote:The problem is though that he will not be able to get appropriate treatment for his mental illness in jail and may be at risk because he is mentally ill.

Thank you. Exactly.

OP, I recommend you post another thread with the title "Recommend a good criminal defense attorney in VA" You are just going to get a lot of debate on the merits of the case with this title.