In Weld County, if a person’s behavior or mental state could put them or others in danger, they could be placed on a Mental Health Hold, Involuntary Civil Commitment, or an M1. This places the defendant into a mental health hospital against their wishes. Our M1 Civil Commitment attorneys can help navigate the criminal charges that are often accompanied by a Mental Health Hold. Below, we will discuss more about M1 Mental Health Holds and what you need to know about them.
What is a Mental Health Hold, C.R.S. 27-65-105, in Greeley, Colorado? Court Definition
A Mental Health Hold or M1 is defined in Greeley as:
When any person appears to have a mental health disorder and, as a result of such mental health disorder, is in need of immediate evaluation for treatment in order to prevent physical or psychiatric harm to others or to himself or herself, then an intervening professional, as specified in subsection (1)(a)(II) of this section, upon probable cause and with such assistance as may be required, may immediately transport the person to an outpatient mental health facility or other clinically appropriate facility designated or approved by the executive director. If such a facility is not available, the person may be taken to an emergency medical services facility. Colo. Rev. Stat. § 27-65-105 Emergency procedure.
How Does a Mental Health Hold or M1 Happen in Weld County?
There are only a few situations where a person can be placed on a Mental Health Hold in Weld County. There are two ways someone can get an M1 Mental Health Hold and Civil Commitment: 1) If someone appears to pose an imminent danger due to a mental health issue and a mental health professional acknowledges this, or 2) a judge signs an affidavit that someone seems to pose an imminent danger due to mental health issue. An Involuntary Civil Commitment lasts for 72 hours and then the person is either released, detained for a crime, or there is a recommendation for further treatment.
In Greeley, Colorado Who Can Start the Process of Involuntary Civil Commitment?
In Greeley, there are only a few people who can start the process of Involuntary Civil Commitment, after a person has been observed and probable cause found. A few of these people include a police officer, doctor or nurse, psychologist, therapist, or a social worker. Police can take you to a mental health professional, but they can’t commit you on their own.
Where Can a Person Be Detained During a Mental Health Hold and What Happens After the First 72 Hours in Greeley Courts?
When a person in Greeley Colorado is deemed to be a danger to themselves or others due to a mental health issue, they will be detained for 72 hours. They will be placed at a mental facility that accepts emergency placements, or if there is no facility available, they can also be placed in an emergency room. While there, you will receive a mental health evaluation and treatment.
A psychologist will decide when you can be released from an Involuntary Civil Commitment or Mental Health Hold. They can decide that you can be released before the 72 hours are up, whether you can receive treatment and then be released, or if you need further treatment and must stay in custody longer. If further treatment is needed, there will also be a court process started for a judge to decide if you must stay in custody longer. After you are released, it is possible you can be taken to the Weld County Jail if there was also a criminal charge involved with the Mental Health Hold.
If you or a loved one has been placed in a 72 Hour Mental Health Hold, contact experienced mental health lawyers at the O’Malley Law Office. Let us do the talking for you in court. Call 970-616-6009. Together, we can protect your future.
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