Health Care & Hospital Law,
Criminal
Jun. 23, 2025
Involuntary medication and pretrial detainees: What the law says
Many clients with mental health challenges face struggles in criminal court, where expedited procedures -- including involuntary medication based on evaluator reports without a full evidentiary hearing -- are legally upheld to restore competence and ensure timely trial.
Many clients struggle with mental health issues, and the criminal court process provides avenues to avoid a conviction and punishment when the person is taking medication and complying with treatment. However, getting the person to accept a medication regiment may be a struggle. For some, delusions and paranoia impair their legal competence to participate in their case.
When a criminal defendant's mental competence to stand trial is called into doubt pu...
For only $95 a month (the price of 2 article purchases)
Receive unlimited article access and full access to our archives,
Daily Appellate Report, award winning columns, and our
Verdicts and Settlements.
Or
$795 for an entire year!
Or access this article for $45
(Purchase provides 7-day access to this article. Printing, posting or downloading is not allowed.)
Already a subscriber?
Sign In