Van Nuys Mental Health Law Attorney

Criminal Defense Attorney Helping Mentally ill Clients and Their Families

One out of every four Americans suffer from mental illness. People with mental illnesses often end up incarcerated unjustly in jail and locked treatment facilities because they are vulnerable and misunderstood. Many police officers do not have the proper training to know how to effectively communicate with a mentally ill individual, and as a result, they may end up detained against their will under the California Welfare and Institutions Code Section 5150 or 5250. If you or your loved one is being charged with a criminal offense, or being held under Codes 5150 or 5250 contact a Van Nuys criminal defense attorney from our firm today.

The California Welfare and Institutions Code 5150 states that when a police officer or designated mental health professional believes that a person is unable to care for themselves (gravely disabled) or are a danger to themselves or others, they can decide to have that individual detained for up to 72 hours without a right to go to court and ask for release. 5250 is similar, except that the individual can be obtained for 14 days. In these cases, an individual may even be forced to take antipsychotic medication against their will. Without the aid of an attorney, the chances of them being released early are extremely slim.

Criminal Defense Attorney in Van Nuys

At Lessem & Newstat, we are experienced in handling 5150 cases, and helping defend mentally ill clients against the criminal charges they are facing. Because of a difficulty many mentally ill people may have in communicating with others, it is extremely important that an experienced and aggressive attorney represent them in courtroom proceedings. The attorneys at our firm have over 50 years of combined criminal defense experience, having handled violent crimes, white collar crimes and juvenile crimes cases, as well as hundreds of cases involving people suffering from various forms of mental illness. We are ready and able to help you with your case. We serve all areas of the San Fernando Valley community, including surrounding areas of Burbank, Glendale, Sherman Oaks, Hidden Hills, San Fernando, Westlake, Sylmar, and Pasadena, and we are ready to help your family today.

Contact a San Fernando Valley criminal defense attorney today if you or your mentally ill loved one is in legal trouble. We may be able to have them released from 5150 detention.