Should I Take Anger Management If I Am Charged With A Crime In Arizona?

Rage comes from many sources, and failing to address them can have violent consequences. This can cause a defendant to be arrested and charged with one or more criminal offenses for their actions while in a fit of anger. Anger isn’t an excuse for violence or crime, but trauma can be behind a defendant’s struggle with rage. Sometimes, the court will recognize this, especially if the defendant takes proactive steps to deal with their rage in the wake of a criminal prosecution. So, should you enroll in an anger management course if you have been accused of an anger-based crime in Arizona? Read on for factors to consider in this decision. For your free consultation with an experienced Arizona criminal defense attorney, call 480-833-8000. 

Selecting An Anger Management Course 

If you wish to attend anger management courses as part of your defense strategy, it is crucial to select a reputable course provider. There are certain methods and theories that have been proven to be effective, especially when administered by a licensed mental health professional. Avoid courses by aspiring life coaches, social media influencers, etc. The court has a list of certified course providers for defendants convicted of anger-related offenses, but a defendant can enroll in one of these courses before receiving a verdict, or even their first court appearance. However, this strategy is most effective if the defendant acknowledges the criminal offense and is angling for a plea bargain or reduced charges, rather than alleging a case of mistaken identity or a similar defense strategy. If you are unsure if and which anger management course you should take while facing criminal charges in Arizona, consult with your defense attorney for guidance. 

Self Help

There are plenty of books out there by psychologists and other experts tackling various mental health problems. They can be helpful for someone who has self-awareness about their struggles, and may even be assigned as “homework” by a therapist. But if you’ve already been arrested for what has happened due to your anger, it is probably too late to rely on self-help alone as a guide for anger management in both your personal life and your legal case. The judge isn’t going to be reviewing your reading progress and checking to see if you’ve filled out journaling sections in your books to stay on track. If anger management is part of a defense strategy against criminal charges, it needs to be formal instead of through self-guided reading. A mental health professional can provide documentation of attendance and testify to their patient’s progress. 

Court-Ordered Anger Management

If a defendant doesn’t proactively complete anger management, courses could be a part of their sentencing if found guilty. In the justice system, this is divided into two parts: evaluation and treatment. One of four requirements must be met for court-ordered evaluation and/or treatment to be appropriate for a defendant:

1. Danger to self
2. Danger to others
3. Persistently or acutely disabled
4. Gravely disabled

If court-ordered evaluation, or COE, is necessary for a defendant, they will be held in a mental health facility for up to 72 hours to complete evaluation. Two mental health specialists must provide separate evaluations analyzing the defendant’s mental capacity. If there is a consensus that the defendant meets one or more of the criteria described above, the judge in the case will hear the evidence and decide if the defendant should then be moved to treatment. 

Court-ordered treatment, or COT, may or may not be appropriate for anger management situations. COT is meant for individuals with mental health disorders- substance abuse, developmental issues and other problems don’t make a person eligible for COT if they don’t have an underlying mental health disorder. Overall, COT is meant for defendants when there is something the court can order them to do- such as take medication- to help resolve or alleviate their issues. 

When a defendant doesn’t qualify for COE/COT, they can still be ordered to take anger management courses as part of their sentencing- just as defendants convicted of DUI need to take driving courses and parents convicted of neglect or abuse need to complete parenting courses. Anger management courses can be preferable to COE/COT because they don’t require the defendant to be involuntarily held and evaluated, kept away from their family, job, and other obligations. But attendance and participation can become a more serious matter if it is a requirement for parole or probation. Here, a course provider could report back if a defendant is absent or refuses to participate. This could be considered a parole or probation violation serious enough that the defendant is put behind bars. 

Anger Management Basics

There are a variety of methods for managing anger, which can be practiced both within and outside of an anger management course. Some of the basics you may cover in an anger management course include:

• Physical activity: Exercise is consistently proven to improve mood and alleviate a wide variety of mental health issues. Implementing an exercise routine can be a useful step in the process of anger management and recovery. Start with low-impact activities like walking or swimming if your fitness level isn’t at the point where you feel comfortable going to the gym or enrolling in a class like CrossFit. At the same time, paying for a membership or fitness classes may encourage you to be more consistent. Try an online fitness instruction course (e.g., YouTube) if other factors are keeping you from working out in a public setting. 
• Give yourself time to calm down before reacting: This sentiment is much easier to complete in theory than in practice. But if you have a history of anger management problems, stepping away from a triggering situation can be preferable to reacting. This may require some participation from your loved ones- for example, reminding them to give you a few moments to collect your thoughts in heated situations as opposed to responding immediately. You will be able to articulate your concerns in a more productive way if you take a pause to let anger pass. 
• Diffuse with humor: While not the best method for everyone, humor can help some cope with a variety of emotions, including anger. Sometimes a deeper truth comes out in a joke about an emotionally difficult situation. However, do your best to avoid sarcasm as a coping method, because it can often be taken the wrong way by loved ones. 
• Find relaxation methods that work for you: Telling a person with anger management problems to take a deep breath and pause before reacting is usually insufficient. But engaging in long-term activities that help reduce stress can help that person deal with anger in tense moments. Yoga, meditation, and journaling are examples of relaxing hobbies that have no cost barrier. Art and music (both listening and playing) can also help someone experiencing mental health difficulties. 

Still Can’t Decide if Anger Management Is Right For Your Situation? Consult with One Of Our Experienced Defense Attorneys 

Embarking on any type of mental health journey is a difficult process. Admitting you need help with emotional regulation and anger management can be hard enough as it is, but even more so when facing criminal charges. This type of stress can make it more trying to seek help for mental health problems that need urgent attention. Retaining a skilled criminal defender can help you tackle all of the issues you may be facing after being arrested and charged with a crime. To schedule your free consultation with an experienced Arizona defense lawyer, call 480-833-8000.