If you or a loved one is under a 5150 hold in California, you’re likely experiencing tremendous confusion, fear, and worry. When you are held against your will, it is traumatic and disempowering, and it may not even be clear why you’re there.
You may have limited communication with family and face pressure to accept treatments you don’t agree with. Our Inglewood 5150 holds lawyers can protect your rights, help you understand why you’re being held, and represent your interests throughout the process.
Our team at Simmrin Law Group has decades of legal experience standing up for people with mental health challenges in California. Call today for your free case evaluation and learn about how our Inglewood mental health lawyers can help with your 5150 hold.
The Purpose of a 5150 Hold
A 5150 hold is used when someone appears to have a serious mental health disorder and poses a significant risk to themselves or others, or is unable to care for basic needs due to their condition. It allows for emergency intervention before harm occurs.
You aren’t there for punishment. The purpose is to help you stabilize after a mental health crisis. Because this is an emergency intervention, you can be held for evaluation for up to 72 hours, whether or not you consent.
Only designated professionals can initiate a 5150 hold, and they must have probable cause based on observations or credible reports. People who can initiate a 5150 hold include police officers, licensed therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and certain registered nurses or social workers with proper training.
For a free legal consultation with a 5150 holds lawyer serving Inglewood, call (310) 896-2723
Consequences of a 5150 Hold
While a 5150 hold is intended to help you, and in some cases does, it can also have repercussions that stick with you for years or the rest of your life. The consequences of a 5150 hold in California can include:
Legal Issues
A 5150 hold may impact background checks, restrict gun ownership for five years, and lead to longer involuntary holds. It can also affect immigration status or professional licensing, especially in healthcare, education, or government-related fields.
Mental Health and Medical Impact
You may be diagnosed with a mental illness and treated involuntarily, including with medication. This becomes part of your medical record, potentially influencing future care, insurance coverage, and how providers view or manage your treatment.
Personal and Social Stigma
A 5150 can cause emotional trauma, damage personal relationships, and carry a lasting stigma. It may affect employment, housing, and social standing, especially if misunderstood by others.
Because a 5150 hold is so serious, but also so potentially necessary, the legal system must be certain when it holds a citizen against their will. If you believe your rights have been violated, our mental health lawyers can review your case.
Inglewood 5150 Holds Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
How Our Attorneys Can Help
When the state detains you against your will, it’s easy to feel like you don’t have a voice. Our team will ensure you are heard and that your needs and wishes are respected. Some of the ways we can assist you or your loved one include:
- Explain your legal rights
- Clarify the validity of the hold or treatment decisions
- Help with access to medical records and privacy issues
- Assist family members with questions and concerns
- Guide you through the next steps in mental health care or the legal processes
- Represent you at the 5250 certification hearing
- Support with your legal challenges if extended holds occur
For family members, our team may be able to help communicate with the hospital, request medical records, or advocate for discharge or alternative treatment. While the system can feel intimidating, you don’t have to go through this alone.
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Your Rights During Your 5150 Hold
You have legal rights, even if you are being held involuntarily for psychiatric evaluation. Our 5150 holds lawyers in Inglewood will review your circumstances to make sure you aren’t unlawfully detained or mistreated. You have the right to:
- Be informed about what a 5150 hold is in California and why you are being held
- Receive humane and respectful treatment
- Get privacy regarding your medical records
- Communicate with family or legal counsel
- Refuse certain treatments unless it’s an emergency
- Have legal representation if the hold extends to a 5250 hearing
- Appeal or challenge longer holds
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Potential Outcomes of a 5150 Hold
After your 5150 hold expires, you may be released if you are no longer deemed a danger or gravely disabled. You may agree to continue care and be admitted voluntarily. However, if the risks remain, you can be placed on a longer hold under California WIC § 5250.
A 5250 hold is a legal extension of a 5150 in California, allowing a person to be held involuntarily for up to 14 more days for treatment. A certification review hearing is required within four days, and you have the right to contest the hold.
In severe cases, longer-term holds are possible. Other possible outcomes include referral to outpatient services, medication plans, or housing support. Our attorneys can help you better understand and plan for what happens after a 5150 hold in California.
Contact Our Inglewood 5150 Holds Attorneys
Being held against your will can make you feel powerless, but you still have rights. While a 5150 hold can be necessary in some situations, it must be carried out lawfully and fairly. You don’t have to accept everything without question.
Especially after the initial 72 hours, you have a right to be heard, to legal support, and to participate in decisions about your care. Our Inglewood 5150 holds attorneys can represent you through the process and help you work toward the best possible outcome.
Simmrin Law Group has assisted thousands of clients with their criminal and mental health legal challenges. Call today for a free case evaluation.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form