When someone is placed on an involuntary psychiatric hold, families often feel powerless. California’s 5150 statute allows for individuals to be detained for up to 72 hours if a peace officer or clinician believes the person may be a danger to themselves or others, or they’re unable to care for basic needs due to a mental health disorder.
The best way to protect your loved one’s rights is by working with a Hawthorne 5150 holds lawyer who knows how to challenge these detentions and intervene quickly. At Simmrin Law Group, we represent individuals and families dealing with psychiatric holds throughout California.
With 20 years in business and decades of combined experience, we understand what it takes to push back against unlawful confinement, collect evidence, and present a compelling legal case.
As your Hawthorne mental health lawyer, we act fast to contact facilities, review evaluations, and pursue legal remedies to secure release when possible.
Legal Strategies We Use to Fight 5150 Holds
Once we are brought into a case, our legal team begins working immediately. Every hour matters in these situations, especially when there is a risk that the hold will be extended into a 5250 detention.
Here’s how we take action:
- Document review: We examine hold paperwork, clinical notes, and any reports from law enforcement to identify gaps or errors.
- Direct facility contact: Our attorneys initiate communication with psychiatric units and caseworkers to get status updates and challenge unlawful decisions.
- 5250 defense preparation: If the facility moves to extend the hold beyond 72 hours, we build a defense for the certification hearing, including independent psychiatric opinions when needed.
- Rights protection: We ensure that the individual is informed of their legal rights and help family members understand their role in the process.
Our mental health lawyers are deeply familiar with facility procedures across Los Angeles County and know how to escalate urgent matters through the legal system when necessary.
For a free legal consultation with a 5150 holds lawyer serving Hawthorne, call (310) 896-2723
What Is a 5150 Hold in California?
Under the California Welfare and Institutions Code § 5150, a person can be placed on an involuntary psychiatric hold for up to 72 hours. This hold is meant to allow for psychiatric evaluation and potential treatment.
It can be issued by a peace officer, licensed therapist, psychiatrist, or certain hospital staff when they believe:
- The individual poses a threat to themselves
- The individual may harm others
- The person is gravely disabled due to mental illness
Although designed to provide urgent intervention, 5150 holds are sometimes issued without enough supporting evidence or without considering less restrictive alternatives. People are held against their will, sometimes without access to legal representation or family involvement.
Hawthorne 5150 Holds Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
What Happens After a 5150 Hold Ends
If the hospital believes that further care is needed, they may file for a 5250 hold, which extends the confinement by an additional 14 days. This triggers a certification review hearing, typically held within four days.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Short notice: Families often receive minimal warning before the hearing, leaving little time to prepare.
- Legal standard must be met: The facility must present clear and convincing evidence to justify continued detention.
- You can fight back: Our attorneys represent clients in these hearings and are prepared to cross-examine staff, present outside medical opinions, and contest the facility’s findings.
We work quickly to prepare for these hearings, and our courtroom experience helps us stay composed even when facilities are uncooperative or procedural timelines are tight.
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Why Work With Our Hawthorne 5150 Holds Law Firm
Simmrin Law Group is not a passive firm. We take on complex cases that other attorneys shy away from, especially those involving involuntary mental health holds and facility challenges.
Our team includes seasoned trial attorneys with experience in both civil and criminal matters, including over 100 jury trials.
Our clients benefit from:
- Aggressive evidence collection: We gather video footage, text messages, police records, and clinical evaluations to support your case.
- Trial readiness: If your case escalates to a courtroom, we’re fully prepared to argue before a judge or hearing officer.
- Informed, responsive guidance: We keep families updated every step of the way and make sure you know your options at each stage.
No one should be left alone to deal with the legal consequences of an emergency psychiatric hold. We’re here to help families regain control.
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When to Contact a 5150 Holds Attorney in Hawthorne
You don’t need to wait until a 5250 hearing is scheduled to seek legal help. The earlier you reach out, the more options we can explore to intervene and prevent a longer detention.
We also assist with:
- Sealing or modifying records that can affect job applications, professional licenses, or gun ownership
- Challenging past holds that were improperly filed or executed
- Legal planning for future care, including mental health directives and conservatorship advice
Time is critical. Once a 5150 hold is issued, facilities move quickly—and you need someone who can keep up.
Start With a Free Consultation Today
If someone you love is under a psychiatric hold, contact Simmrin Law Group for trusted guidance. We bring thousands of cases’ worth of insight and are proud to offer free consultations to families facing urgent mental health legal challenges.
Our team works with individuals and families in Hawthorne and across California, and we are ready to act now.
Call today to speak with a 5150 holds attorney in Hawthorne. We will listen, explain your options, and take steps to defend your rights. With our reputation for aggressive courtroom strategy, we are ready to fight for the outcome your family deserves.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form