Marchman Act

The Marchman Act allows a Petition for Involuntary Assessment to be filed when there is good reason to believe an individual is substance-abuse impaired. Due to  impairment they have lost the power of self-control. The Petition is filed with the Clerk of Court and must be set for hearing within 10 days. Notice of hearing is provided by mail to the petitioners. The client is served notice of hearing by a plainclothes Deputy Sheriff.

A General Master presides at the hearing. After hearing all relevant testimony, the court may enter an Order for Involuntary Assessment. Unless arrangements have been made for assessment at a private facility, the court order shall direct the Sheriff’s Office to take the client into custody and deliver him/her to a public facility licensed by the Department of Children and Families. The facility will assess and stabilize the client for a period not to exceed 5 days. A written assessment is sent to the court. Once the written assessment is received, the court may proceed with the Petition for 

Involuntary Treatment.

A Petition for Involuntary Treatment may be filed once the written assessment is reviewed by the court and the recommendation is involuntary treatment. Notice of hearing is provided by mail to the petitioners and any attorney on record. The client is once again served notice of hearing by a plainclothes Deputy Sheriff. A general master presides at the hearing and after taking all relevant testimony, the court may enter an order for involuntary treatment for a period not to exceed 60 days. It may also direct the Sheriff to take the client into custody and delivery him to the licensed facility. 

If you are a family member in need of assistance in a Marchman Act, please feel free to contact the office to set up an appointment.