District Attorney
Lake County District Attorney
Lakeview, Oregon 97630
Telephone: (541) 947-6009
Mental Illness/Insanity
The District Attorney shall be familiar with ORS 161.295 et seq. and the applicability of guilty except for insanity will be analyzed on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the remainder of these policies.
The DA shall not enter into a stipulation that a person is guilty except for insanity. This policy does not preclude a stipulation to the facts of the case or any medical reports, but the ultimate decision in such a matter is to be made by the judge.
The defense of Mental Disease or Defect is commonly asserted. When handling such cases, the District Attorney must be thoroughly familiar with the ORS sections that control these cases. A thorough history of the defendant is essential in evaluating a defense claim of Mental Disease or Defect. An investigation should be made into prior mental health issues, prior criminal conduct, and family history. Particular attention should be made to alcohol and drug abuse history.
If a person is found guilty except for insanity, the District Attorney is responsible for preparing a case summary to be forwarded to the Assistant Attorney General. This summary will be used in preparing for future hearings before the Psychiatric Security Review Board. The Psychiatric Security Review Board is to be contacted and provided all necessary documents.
Psychiatric Security Review Board hearing notices will be forwarded to the District Attorney. The District Attorney will coordinate with the Assistant Attorney General on preparing for the hearings, including appearing before the Board on appropriate cases. The District Attorney is responsible to notify crime victims of Psychiatric Security Review Board hearings.
The Lake County District Attorney's Office is dedicated to pursuing justice. The people of Lake County enjoy living in a great community. It is the goal of the District Attorney's Office to help make our County safe and an even better place to live and raise a family.
The Lake County District Attorney's Office is located on the top floor of the Courthouse, Room 309, in downtown Lakeview (corner of Highway 395 and Center Street).
