Mental Health Commitment Process (Civil*)

> Click here to view a flow chart version of this process
> Click here for information on Criminal Mental Health Commitments.

When a Proposed Patient (PP) enters hospital via emergency detention (ED), one of the following will happen:
- Petition for order for temporary mental health services / motion for protective custody; or
- PP can be released within 72 hours

Protective Custody: If the PP is ordered into Protective Custody a Probable Cause hearing will be held to determine if PP poses a substantial risk to hurt self or another. Pending commitment hearing PP can be released.

A Commitment Hearing will be held within 2 weeks of ED to determine if:
- PP is mentally ill and as a result;
- PP is likely to harm self, another or is gravely disabled;
- there is a recent overt act;
- the hospital is the least restrictive setting.

If none of the above is determined, PP can be released.

At the Commitment Hearing the Court can order out-patient or in-patient treatment for up to 90 days or the PP can be released

A Petition can be granted for additional temporary order, extended order, or PP can be released.

Read what Krista Chacona's client's say: "...She called my parents so they would feel more reassured. She didn’t have to do that. She was intelligent, well spoken and modest - not pretentious.- J.M
> read more testimonials

For more information, please call the Austin Criminal Defense
Law Office of Krista A. Chacona, P.C. at (512) 617-5555.

Criminal Defense Areas of Practice

Assault
Bad Check / Forgery Cases
Burglary Cases
Cleaning Up Criminal Records
Concealed Weapons / Possession of Firearms
ALR Hearings
Domestic Violence
Driving on Suspended License
Driving While Intoxicated
Drug Cases

Drunk Driving Offenses
Felonies
Fraud
Misdemeanors
Non-disclosure Orders
Possession of Controlled Substance
Probation Violation
Public Intoxication
Reckless Driving Cases

Robbery Cases
Theft Crimes
Suspended License
Vandalism Charges
Vehicular Manslaughter
Violations of Probation
Violent Crimes
Violation of Order of Protection
Warrants
White Collar Crime