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

The timeline for filing pre-trial motions in a criminal case in Minnesota varies with the type of motion. A motion related to the discovery of evidence or dismissal of a criminal case must be filed at least three days before the Omnibus Hearing. The prosecution is then allowed to respond to the motions, and the court sets the timeline for these responses.
Knowing the tips for interacting with law enforcement as a suspect in Minnesota can keep you from saying or doing something that incriminates you. These tips include understanding your rights while interacting with law enforcement, knowing how to handle search and seizure, and seeking the early intervention of a criminal defense lawyer. You should apply these tips when you are stopped for questioning, a suspect in a criminal investigation, pulled over in a car, and during arrest, arrest processing, and custody.
You may need to hire a criminal defense lawyer even if you have not been charged. A criminal defense lawyer protects your rights when law enforcement officers are investigating you for a crime. Without a lawyer, you might say something that could be incriminating or misconstrued. Your lawyer can engage with the police or the prosecutors and provide evidence that prevents them from filing formal charges. Your lawyer can also go through your case and prepare a defense strategy if there is a possibility of you getting charged.