Thus, less resources are available for mentally ill defendants.ĭefendants have waited up to six months for treatment, and during that time, they have caused serious harm to themselves. Mental hospital directors argue that they try to accommodate mentally ill defendants, but they are under greater political pressure to commit violent sexual predators and inmates who have served their prison sentence but are still not ready to be released into society. Many attorneys file orders to show cause, urging mental hospital directors to take their clients or face contempt charges. In June 2010, over 200 mentally ill defendants were waiting to be treated at mental hospitals. Six months later, McDuffie remained in solitary confinement, waiting for a space to open up at a mental hospital. Mentally Ill Defendants Face Long Waiting Times For Treatment – California Penal Code 1370(A)Īn accused robber and schizophrenic, Van McDuffie, was found incompetent to stand trial and was ordered released from jail so he could check into a mental hospital.
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