Attorneys
Help restore dignity and respect to your clients who have come into contact with the criminal justice system due to their mental health challenges.
Helping Attorneys Help Their Clients
If you have a client who is a candidate for the Mental Health Court program, please contact us at 615.862.8320 to see how we can assist you both.
Download the attorney checklist to review client qualifications and necessary documentation for the assessment process.
We look forward to working with you to put your client back on the road to success!
Resources for Attorneys
Next Steps for Attorneys & Clients
1. Talk With Your Client
- Walk your client through the Participant Handbook.
- Explain to them that this IS a treatment program, NOT a way out of charges.
- Explain they will be randomly tested for substances and alcohol. The Court considers missed tests to be positive screens.
- If the client wishes to pursue the program, the attorney completes the application process.
2. Complete the Application
- Once the application is completed and the necessary documents have been acquired, the attorney must get approval from the DA and obtain the DA’s signature on the application. (The case remains in General Sessions court if the DA disagrees). Once signed, turn in all documents to the Court Coordinator, Trish Breeding.
- Attorneys MUST attend the MHC orientation with their client(s).
3. The MHC Team Deliberates
- The MHC Team considers the application and recommends acceptance to Judge Blackburn.
- If the client is accepted, the MHC Team considers and votes on the proposed disposition of charges.
4. Decisions Are Made
- The attorney and your client will appear during the following MHC docket on Monday at 1:00 in Courtroom 3-B to meet Judge Blackburn and receive instructions from the court.
- The attorney discusses the contract with the client and confirms they still want to enter the MHC.
Please note that there are certain offenses the Mental Health Court cannot accept, including:
- Murder
- Sexual Assault/Rape
- Crimes committed with use of a handgun
- Arson
See How We Can Help Today
The Davidson County Mental Health Court is committed to assisting clients in reasserting control of their lives and managing their mental health. Contact us today to see how we can help you or someone you know.
