The Public Defender represents individuals in the following types of cases related to behavioral health:

 

  • Conservatorship proceedings for individuals alleged to be unable to feed, clothe, or care for themselves because of a mental disorder or their advanced age
  • Welfare and Institutions Code Section 6500 proceedings wherein developmentally disable individuals are facing involuntary commitment to a state hospital, other facility, or community placement
  • Hearings for people involuntarily detained in mental health facilities or those involuntarily compelled to take psychotropic medications in thos facilities or local jails
  • Hearing for people facing recommitments as sexually violent predators; those found not guilty by reason of insanity but still deemed insane; and mentally disordered offenders