A serious mental health illness can make court cases complicated. Luckily, adults with a serious mental health illness can attend a Mental Health Court. You may have heard of Mental Health Courts, but what exactly are they and who qualifies for them?
Definition
Mental Health Courts are specialty courts that combines judicial supervision along with community treatment and support for those with a mental health illness. This process helps reduce criminal activity and improves the quality of life of the participants.
The goals of mental health courts include:
- Reduce incarceration
- Prevents participants from committing even more crimes
- Provide mental health help and support
Who qualifies?
To qualify for Mental Health Courts, there are specific medical and legal criteria that someone must follow.
Medical – must have a diagnosis of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or any axis 1 disorders, which include PTSD and depression.
Legal – Must attend court in the same county the participant lives in, but there are some crimes that automatically excludes qualifying for these specialty courts:
- DUIs
- Sexual offenses
- Violent crimes resulting in injury
Requirements
It is always best to talk to a mental health attorney to know if you qualify and if a Mental Health Court is the right option for you. If you do end up attending a Mental Health Court, keep in mind that you must fully complete your sentence.
Participants must:
- Follow the treatment plan that was given to them
- Take any medications prescribed
- Attend counseling/group sessions that will be provided to them
- Report to the judge at least once a week (this can be reduced to once a month based on multiple factors)
- Undergo standard probation rules including drug testing
The experienced mental health attorneys at Garcia Law Firm are here to help. If you think you could benefit from Mental Health Courts, contact us today for legal guidance.
