Maryland Mental Health Court Lawyer
Maryland’s Mental Health Courts are specialized problem solving dockets for defendants with qualifying mental health conditions. Instead of defaulting to standard prosecution, these courts pair judicial supervision with a voluntary, treatment focused plan that a team of court staff and mental health professionals designs and monitors. See the Judiciary’s overview of Mental Health Courts at the Office of Problem Solving Courts and the statewide PSC program page here.
Who Mental Health Court serves
- People with qualifying mental or behavioral health conditions that contributed to the charged conduct
- Defendants whose cases can benefit from structured care, frequent reviews, and accountability
- Individuals willing to engage in treatment and comply with a court supervised plan
Use the Judiciary’s Operational Problem Solving Courts map to see where Mental Health Court currently operates, including any regional programs.
Competency and restoration
If there is a question about your ability to understand the proceedings or assist your lawyer, the court can order a competency evaluation. When someone is found incompetent but restorable, services may be ordered to restore competency so the case can move forward. We request appropriate evaluations, track timelines, and coordinate with providers so competency questions do not stall progress on admission to a Mental Health Court or a suitable alternative.
How Mental Health Courts work
Mental Health Courts are voluntary. Participants are identified through screening and assessment, then enter a judicially supervised treatment plan with regular status hearings. Teams use incentives and measured sanctions, adjust plans as needs change, and keep a clear record of progress. Program design and graduation criteria vary by county. You can read the Judiciary’s Mental Health Court overview and resources at the OPSC pages here and here.
Common phases
- Screening and referral from District Court or Circuit Court
- Admission and individualized treatment plan
- Phased participation with court check ins, services, and compliance reviews
- Graduation and a program specific case resolution such as dismissal, reduction, or a treatment oriented disposition
Why these dockets help
- Stabilization through evidence informed treatment coordinated with the court
- Frequent judicial contact and team support to keep care on track
- Potential for reduced or alternative outcomes that prioritize health and public safety
Our role
- Screen eligibility, gather records, and coordinate clinical evaluations
- Prepare a complete referral packet and liaise with the program coordinator
- Appear at status hearings, propose plan adjustments, and address setbacks early
- Align court requirements with work, family, and medical schedules so participation is sustainable
Process overview
- Initial screening and clinical evaluation
- Team staffing and admission decision
- Participation with incentives, sanctions, and modifications as needed
- Graduation and case resolution based on your performance and the local program’s rules
FAQs
Will Mental Health Court dismiss my case
Outcomes vary by jurisdiction. Some programs dismiss upon graduation, others reduce charges or enter Probation Before Judgment. We will tell you the likely options in your county before you commit. See the Judiciary’s MHC overview here.
What if I miss appointments
Programs use graduated responses. We work with the team to adjust curfews, therapy frequency, medication management, or testing schedules so a one time problem does not become a termination.
Can I keep working while participating
Usually yes. We ask the court to coordinate appointment times and reporting requirements so you can keep your job and comply with treatment.
Where can I find official information
Start with the Judiciary’s Mental Health Court page here, the PSC home page here, and the operational courts map here.
Related pages
- Maryland Drug Court Lawyer
- Maryland Veterans Court Lawyer
- Competency Q and A
- DUI Defense
- Traffic Lawyer
Contact
If you or a family member needs help in a Mental Health Court, get a free consultation on our contact page. We respond 24/7.