Benton, AR asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Elder Law and Criminal Law for Arkansas

Q: how to find an attorney for mentally ill person put in a county jail till she plead guilty

My client has been in several mental institutions and was told she was INCOMPETENT and UNRESTORABLE by a forensic psychologist. She has been in out of the judicial system since 2012. I just learned some of these things , while doing research . One of her mental illnesses is a not good for her or anyone around her. She was put in a county jail for several months, then they would put her in a mental facility for 10 days and put on medication. After the 10 days the county picked her up and put her back in the county jail, no meds, no medical treatment and constantly being put in solitaire. This did more damage to her, the being one and off medication does so much harm and then being behind bars. I sent the sheriff the laws that are in place for her and he ignored them, I emailed them to him and went over them with him.. During some of my research I saw where he knew of all of her mental illness since 2012, as did the courts. They made her sign she did not nor ever have mental illn

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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A: To find an attorney for a mentally ill person in Arkansas who has been in the criminal justice system, consider reaching out to legal organizations that specialize in civil rights, disability rights, or mental health advocacy. The Arkansas Bar Association can provide referrals to lawyers with relevant expertise. Additionally, organizations like Disability Rights Arkansas offer legal assistance and advocacy for individuals with mental illnesses, especially in cases involving mistreatment or legal system challenges.

It's important to select an attorney who understands the complexities of mental health issues in the legal system and is experienced in handling such cases. They can review the case details, including the treatment in jail and the competency evaluations, and advise on the best course of legal action. Additionally, they can assess whether her rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act or other relevant laws were violated. Quick action is crucial in such cases to ensure that her legal and health needs are adequately addressed. Collaboration with mental health professionals may also be beneficial in providing a comprehensive approach to her legal defense and care.

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