The Double-Edge Sword: 3 Mitigating Circumstances That Can Turn Aggravating

Mitigating circumstances are frequently used in criminal cases to help reduce punishment once the defendant has been found or pleaded guilty. An effective mitigation defense can reduce the amount of time a defendant is incarcerated or, in some cases, can mean the difference between life and death. Although several issues can be used for mitigation, they are not always effective and can increase perceived dangerousness and culpability. Mental Illness The public often erroneously believes the issue of mental illness is frequently used as an “…