Criminal
Jan. 25, 2019
Prosecutors designating personnel for mental illness diversions
The bill modifying the Mental Health Diversion law, SB 215, went into effect Jan. 1.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey, second from left, unveiled the state's first internal prosecutorial division to handle defendants who need mental health care, along with, from left, Los Angeles City Police Chief Michael Moore, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger and Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva.
Having successfully limited the scope of the state’s recent law allowing pretrial diversion for mentally ill defendants, prosecutors are beginning to fully embrace the practice.
The Mental Health Diversion law, which went into effect in July, allowed diversion for any suspect with mental illnesses — with the exception of anti-social personality disorders and pedophilia — even those who committed serious or violent felonies.
<...
To continue reading, please subscribe.
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
$895, but save $100 when you subscribe today… Just $795 for the first year!
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
$895, but save $100 when you subscribe today… Just $795 for the first 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