After a sudden mental health crisis, a person and their family may face hospitals, police, and courts all at once. It can be hard to understand what is happening or what the next steps should be.
If you are seeking legal guidance in a situation involving an involuntary hold, our Huntington Park mental health lawyers are ready to support you. The team at Simmrin Law Group has decades of experience and has served thousands of clients over the past 20 years.
We have handled complex cases in courts across California and the federal system, including more than 100 jury trials. When you want a Huntington Park 5150 holds lawyer to explain your rights and next steps, we can step in and start gathering the information you need. Call us today for a free consultation.
What Happens When a Mental Health Crisis Leads to Criminal Charges?
Some mental health crises involve hospital staff and law enforcement. For example, a person may face charges such as resisting arrest, drug possession, or public disturbance during the same event that led to the involuntary hold.
When this happens, our Huntington Park 5150 mental health attorney will:
- Review how the police handled the encounter.
- Check whether the officers followed proper procedures.
- Look for video evidence that shows the person was having a mental health episode.
- Seek treatment-based alternatives in court.
- Work toward outcomes that support long-term stability instead of punishment.
Simmrin Law Group’s mental health lawyers have experience with serious matters, including jury trials and cases involving life-long consequences. When you come to us, we will advise you on what to do next based on your situation. Call our office today for a free consultation.
For a free legal consultation with a 5150 holds lawyer serving Huntington Park, call (310) 896-2723
Understanding What a 5150 Hold Means in California
A 5150 hold is a short–term involuntary hold that lasts up to 72 hours. This hold begins when police officers, mental health workers, or certain medical staff believe a person:
- Can hurt themselves
- Can hurt others, including people they know or care about
- Cannot provide for basic needs due to a mental health condition
Our lawyer for 5150 holds in Huntington Park will review the facts of the hold, check paperwork, gather reports, and speak with anyone involved, such as officers, doctors, or witnesses. This type of review helps families understand why the hold happened and what steps may follow.
How Authorities Use 5150 Holds
Officers or clinicians may start a 5150 hold during a crisis when someone shows signs that they could harm themselves or someone else, or when they cannot care for their basic needs. These decisions can happen in homes, public places, schools, or during medical calls.
Once the hold begins, the person is taken to a hospital or approved facility where doctors can complete an evaluation. The goal is to give the person a safe and stable environment while staff learn more about what caused the crisis.
During this time, doctors watch for changes in behavior, gather medical history, and speak with the person to decide whether a short stay is enough or if a longer hold may be needed.
Huntington Park 5150 Holds Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Our 5150 Holds Attorneys in Huntington Park Will Lead Your Case
A mental health crisis creates confusion for families, and information from hospitals can feel limited. At Simmrin Law Group, we handle the full workload so families do not have to guess what is happening.
We will:
- Gather all documents, medical notes, body-cam videos, and police reports
- Speak with doctors, social workers, and officers
- Prepare for any hearings, including probable cause or Riese hearings
- Guide you through treatment plans, medication questions, and next steps
- Keep you informed with clear updates at every stage
The team at Simmrin Law Group will step in on short notice and protect the rights of the person in care. Call us today to learn more during a free consultation.
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When Should You Contact a Lawyer for a Mental Health Hold?
When these situations occur, families commonly reach out when they see one or more of these happen:
- The hospital will not release the patient after the 72-hour period.
- The staff recommends a 5250 hold.
- The patient disagrees with taking medication.
- Police force, restraints, or injuries occurred.
- Criminal charges were filed during the incident.
- The family wants a second look at what led to the hold.
- A lawyer can help at any stage, even if the hold just began.
You Have Rights During a Mental Health Hold, and We Protect Them
California law gives patients several rights during a 5150 or 5250 hold. These include:
- The right to speak with an attorney
- The right to a certification hearing before a 5250 hold
- The right to present evidence and bring witnesses
- The right to refuse medication unless a doctor seeks a Riese hearing
- The right to a written notice explaining why the hold was started
We will make sure authorities respect your rights at every step of the process.
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When Can the Authorities in Huntington Park Seek a 5250 Hold?
A 5250 hold extends the time someone stays in the hospital. If a doctor believes the person still meets the criteria for a longer hold after the first 72 hours, they may file for a 14–day certification.
The key differences between a 5150 and 5250 hold are:
- Length: A 5150 is up to 72 hours. A 5250 can last up to 14 days.
- Legal rights: Before a 5250 hold begins, the hospital must schedule a certification hearing, also called a probable cause hearing.
- Evidence review: Families can bring a lawyer to the hearing. A lawyer can question witnesses, review documents, and speak on behalf of the patient.
- Treatment plan: A 5250 hold often includes a more structured treatment plan, which may involve medication, therapy, or monitoring.
Why Get a Lawyer to Help if You Need a 5250 Hearing?
These hearings move fast, and hospitals often rely on medical notes as evidence. Our Huntington Park 5250 hearings lawyers will:
- Review your or your loved one’s medical records.
- Request videos, body-camera footage, or police reports.
- Prepare questions for the hospital staff responsible for the patient’s treatment.
- Present information about the patient’s history, support system, or treatment options.
This type of representation can make a major difference in how long someone stays in care.
Common Questions About 5150 and 5250 Holds in California
Involuntary hold cases can bring uncertainty and confusion, especially when criminal charges are involved. It’s understandable to have questions while trying to understand mental health holds in California.
Below, we share answers to some of the questions people have. For advice that is suited to your situation, call us for a no-cost consultation.
Can a Family Member Request a 5150 Hold?
Family members cannot start a hold on their own. They can call 911 or a mental health response team, and trained staff decide whether the criteria are met.
Can Someone Be Discharged Before the Full 72 Hours?
Yes. Doctors may release the person early if they do not meet the criteria after evaluation.
Can a Lawyer Attend a Probable Cause Hearing for a 5250 Hold?
Yes. We can appear at the hearing, question witnesses, and present evidence.
What if the Hold Feels Unfair or Based on Wrong Information?
A lawyer can review the records, speak with the hospital, collect evidence, and challenge errors.
Does a 5150 or 5250 Show Up on a Background Check?
A 5150 or 5250 hold does not appear on a standard criminal background check because they aren’t criminal records. They are medical events. Some government agencies may see mental health hold information in limited situations, such as certain jobs that require firearm access or high-level security clearances.
Hospitals and police do not release full mental health records to the public. For most people, a 5150 or 5250 hold will not show up when an employer or landlord runs a routine background check.
Tell Our Huntington Park 5150 Holds Lawyers About Your Situation
When your loved one is placed on an involuntary 5150 hold, quick action can make a real difference. Our attorneys handle urgent mental health cases throughout Los Angeles County. We are also ready to handle any case in any California court or federal court when needed.
When you call us, we take the time to understand what happened and determine how we can help you. Our 5150 holds lawyers in Huntington Park can start working on your behalf right away. We will explain your options, answer your questions, and move forward with a clear plan. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form