Michigan — Statute

768.20a – Insanity as defense in felony case; notice of intention to assert defense; examination; independent psychiatric evaluation; cooperation required; admissibility of statements; report; notice of rebuttal; admissibility of reports; âqualified personnelâ defined | Michigan Law

Michigan felony defendants claiming insanity must give notice 30 days before trial and undergo psychiatric evaluations per state law, with clear procedures outlined.

Legal Content

Michigan State Law

768.20a – Insanity as defense in felony case; notice of intention to assert defense; examination; independent psychiatric evaluation; cooperation required; admissibility of statements; report; notice of rebuttal; admissibility of reports; âqualified personnelâ defined

Michigan Code of Criminal Procedure § 768.20a

Summary

Michigan law requires defendants in felony cases who intend to claim insanity as a defense to provide a written notice at least 30 days before trial. The law details procedures for psychiatric examinations, including independent evaluations and cooperation requirements, and addresses the admissibility of related statements and reports. It also defines who qualifies as qualified personnel for conducting these assessments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Attorneys Choose FlawFinder

Side-by-side with Westlaw and LexisNexis

Feature	FlawFinder	Westlaw	LexisNexis
Monthly price	$19 - $99	$133 - $646	$153 - $399
Contract	None	1-3 year min	1-6 year min
Hidden fees	$0, always	Up to $469/search	$25/mo + per-doc
Police SOPs	✓ 310+ departments	✗	✗
Zero-hallucination AI	✓ CitationGuard	✗	✗
Cancel	One click	Termination fees	No option to cancel

Explain Like I'm 5

In simple terms: Michigan felony defendants claiming insanity must give notice 30 days before trial and undergo psychiatric evaluations per state law, with clear procedures outlined.. This means people must follow this rule, and breaking it can lead to criminal penalties.

768.20a – Insanity as defense in felony case; notice of intention to assert defense; examination; independent psychiatric evaluation; cooperation required; admissibility of statements; report; notice of rebuttal; admissibility of reports; âqualified personnelâ defined | Michigan Law

768.20a – Insanity as defense in felony case; notice of intention to assert defense; examination; independent psychiatric evaluation; cooperation required; admissibility of statements; report; notice of rebuttal; admissibility of reports; âqualified personnelâ defined

Why Attorneys Choose FlawFinder

768.20a – Insanity as defense in felony case; notice of intention to assert defense; examination; independent psychiatric evaluation; cooperation required; admissibility of statements; report; notice of rebuttal; admissibility of reports; âqualified personnelâ defined | Michigan Law

768.20a – Insanity as defense in felony case; notice of intention to assert defense; examination; independent psychiatric evaluation; cooperation required; admissibility of statements; report; notice of rebuttal; admissibility of reports; âqualified personnelâ defined