24-08-B SUPERSEDES 02-36-B IN RE: MENTAL HEATH – MISDEMEANOR & THIRD-DEGREE FELONY DIVERSIONARY MENTAL HEALTH COURT - ORDERED 1/29/2024 BY CHARLES G. CRAWFORD
EXCERPT: “WHEREAS, specialized courts can enhance the expediency, effectiveness and the quality of judicial administration; WHEREAS, it is essential that a new strategy be implemented to isolate and focus upon individuals arrested for misdemeanor offenses or third degree felonies who are mentally ill or developmentally disabled, in view of the unique nature of mental illness and developmental disability, and the need for appropriate treatment in an environment conducive to wellness and not punishment, as well as the continuing necessity to ensure the protection of the public; WHEREAS, there is a recognized need to bring defendant’s qualified to participate in the Diversionary Mental Health Court before a judge assigned to expeditiously and efficiently move mentally ill or developmentally disabled people from an overcrowded jail system into the mental health system without compromising the safety of the public; WHEREAS, the rapidly increasing number of misdemeanor or third degree felony cases involving mentally ill or developmentally disabled defendants has contributed to the congested and overburdened court dockets in the county and circuit court criminal divisions, as well as jail overcrowding; and WHEREAS, a centralized mental health program that utilizes available community resources and support systems will increase the efficiency of the criminal court system in this circuit and permit better access to a continuing shrinkage of mental health care services; NOW THEREFORE, by authority vested in me as Chief Judge and pursuant to the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration, it is ORDERED: (Open AO for more information.)”
Additional Information: