Griffo Proposes New Law For Those Pleading Mentally Unstable

Utica, NY (WIBX) - State senator Joseph Griffo is proposing a new state law holding those pleading mental instability to the same standards as those convicted to prison terms.

According to Griffo, the proposed law would make a defendant's sentence in a mental health facility equal to the amount of time they would have to serve in a correctional facility.

Griffo says a few states currently have "guilty but insane" laws, but he is hoping for a law that cannot be easily challenged in court.

"I had Senate lawyers research this because I wanted to do it right," Griffo said. "I wanted to make sure that I had something that, when we pass it- if we can pass it- would stand Constitutional muster and that we can accomplish, so it's not going to be anything that can potentially be challenged."

The senator introduced similar legislation last June, before David Trebilcock killed 6-year-old Lauren Belius in July. Since then, he has worked to re-introduce the bill and is looking for support in the state assembly to continue.