Was Your Rage Induced by Mental Illness?

Various types of mental illness are often linked to impulsive, aggressive behaviors that result in violence and criminal actions.

Is Rage Caused by Mental Illness?

Mental illness is often linked to violence and criminal behaviors by the public and the media, but behavioral health and research studies are much less conclusive. Although some violent behaviors are linked to anger disorders, PTSD, and borderline personality disorders, there is little evidence that rage is a mental health issue.

Only three to five percent of violent acts are linked to mental illness. The majority of violent behaviors that result in crimes including theft, battery, assault, and rape do not include gun violence or deadly actions. In cases of mass shootings, research shows that less than 15 percent of perpetrators are diagnosed as psychotic or mentally ill.

Crime statistics show that people with mental illness are more likely to be victims of criminal acts rather than perpetrators. Research indicates that people who are mentally ill have higher rates of unemployment, physical and mental abuse, alcohol or drug dependency, and parents or family members who have criminal records.

Gun Violence and Mass Shootings

Although mental illness is not conclusively linked to violent actions, hostility and anger are major factors. Psychiatrists at Oxford University compared studies of impulsive, angry personalities to the general population and found that hostile, angry individuals have significant risks for violent tendencies. History shows that people with violent tendencies commonly have hostile or antisocial behaviors. Most violent tendencies start with school fights, verbal threats, and destruction of property, then progress to acts of violence with deadly force.

America’s most well-known mass shooters are angry, young men who regularly displayed hostile, antisocial behaviors before they carried out their deadly attacks. Many were previously identified as a potential threat by family members, friends, co-workers, or classmates. In most cases, anger, hostility, and antisocial behaviors stood out as significant risk factors.

In a recent study published in Preventive Medicine, the link between mental illness and gun violence is examined. The results indicate that gun violence is tied more to gun access than mental illness. The study shows that people with easy access to guns are 18 times more likely to threaten or assault someone with a gun. To reduce gun violence, federal law prohibits individuals with felony convictions from purchasing guns. In some states, even individuals with certain misdemeanor convictions are prohibited from purchasing firearms.

Max Keller has won countless jury trial cases involving misdemeanors and felonies, sex crimes, and DWI’s. He is a member of the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice, which only allows the top 50 criminal defense attorneys in the state as members. Max is a frequent speaker at CLE’s and is often asked for advice by other defense attorneys across Minnesota.

Years of Experience: Approx. 20 years
Minnesota Registration Status: Active
Bar & Court Admissions: State of Minnesota Minnesota State Court Minnesota Federal Court 8th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals State of Maryland

What to Do If You Have Been Charged with a Criminal Offense

How a DWI Affects CDL Holders in Minnesota

Commercial motor vehicle drivers arrested or charged with driving while impaired (DWI) may need to know how a DWI affects CDL holders in Minnesota. You will lose your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) for at least a year if you are convicted of DWI for the first time, and forever after a second conviction. The consequences go beyond the immediate legal implications of a DWI conviction. A CDL suspension or revocation will lead to job loss, difficulty finding employment, and serious financial challenges.

How a DWI Affects Rideshare Drivers in Minnesota

Knowing how a DWI affects rideshare drivers in Minnesota allows you to take the right steps to protect your license and livelihood. A DWI conviction will lead to suspension or cancellation of your driver’s license. Once you lose your license, you will be ineligible for a work permit required to work for rideshare companies as a driver. You may also face jail time, fines, or ignition interlock device (IID) installation, depending on the seriousness and number of related offenses on your record.

Can Police Search Your Phone Without a Warrant in Minnesota?

People under criminal investigation or whose phones have been seized by law enforcement officers may ask, “Can police search your phone without a warrant in Minnesota?” It’s illegal for police to search your phone without a warrant. However, there are exceptions to the warrant requirement. These exceptions include when you consent to the search, someone’s life is in danger, or there is an immediate risk of evidence destruction.