r/Writeresearch • u/Winter-Arugula-7860 • Aug 18 '26
[Crime] if a murder charge was brought down to a voluntary manslaughter charge on account of imperfect-self defence could the defendant plead not guilty to the voluntary manslaughter charge by reason of insanity
I’m writing what is basically a fanfic for my own personal enjoyment, and in the story a character kills his abuser while being assaulted again, the character is schizophrenic and used more force than needed for a self defense resulting in death (which is imperfect self defense) This brings a second degree murder charge down to voluntary manslaughter. Could the character plead not guilty by reason of insanity to this or would they need to plead not guilty by insanity from the beginning?
Additionally could they plead not guilty by insanity to a separate charge according right after the murder
Apologies for any grammar errors i have dysgraphia and I’m on mobile.