Marchman Act

Marchman Act—Court Ordered Substance Abuse Treatment

The Marchman Act Statute allows for family members or friends who have knowledge of ones substance abuse to petition the Court for a Court Order to undergo an assessment within three (3) days, stabilization and for involuntary treatment serves for up to ninety (90) days.

The assessment is completed by a qualified clinician. A respondent may enter into an agreement to undergo treatment services to be accepted by the Court, or upon review after a hearing, the Court can find involuntary treatment is necessary for substance abuse impaired individuals who do not have the ability to make rational decisions about their addiction or treatment, who also lack control over their substance abuse, and who pose a threat to themselves or others. Even though the Court Order for involuntary substance abuse treatment can be for up to a period of ninety (90) days, if needed, our firm will also pursue petitions to renew treatment orders beyond the ninety day period since we understand the severity of substance abuse addiction and the long recovery process. There is not a limit on the number of times petitioners can seek to renew involuntary treatment orders.

Given our firms focus on the practice of criminal law, we are fully versed in the prosecution of indirect civil contempt and indirect criminal contempt charges if needed in order to help save substance impaired individuals from risk of further harm to themselves or others. Our goal is to facilitate ones wellness toward recovery.