How is a Mental Health Court defense attorney’s role different from attorneys in regular courts?
The Mental Health Court attorneys’ responsibilities include zealous representation of their clients in Mental Health Court as in any other criminal matter. Additionally, one of the MHC defense attorneys screens for potential MHC clients on the early morning jail calendars. Before opt-in, the attorneys consult with their clients to determine whether their interests are better served by participation in Mental Health Court or the regular court system. If a client decides to opt-in to the court and chooses to participate in mental health treatment, the attorney continues to protect the client’s legal interests while working with the team to help the defendant successfully complete mental health treatment and probation. If competency becomes an issue, defense counsel also represent clients in all stages of competency proceedings, with the assistance of the defense social worker.
