St. Petersburg Marchman Act Lawyer

Intervention Services for Substance Abuse and Addiction

The Hal S. Marchman Alcohol and Other Drug Services Act of 1993 is a Florida Statute that provides for the voluntary or involuntary assessment and treatment of people affected by substance abuse or addiction. Also referred to as the Marchman Act, it allows friends, family members, and those close to the affected individual to pursue non-court-involved or court-involved avenues to help their loved one get the services they need to redirect and refocus their behaviors when they are not taking such action voluntarily.

At Fleming Law Group, we recognize the seriousness of drug or alcohol addiction and how it can lead a person down a path that gets them in legal trouble. That is why we provide the compassionate support you need to assist a loved one struggling with substance abuse. Our St. Petersburg Marchman Act attorney delivers legal and intervention services to help you through the process. We can develop a comprehensive plan to support your loved one's recovery and direct you to appropriate programs and facilities to address issues. We understand that this can be a difficult and sensitive time for you, which is why we will handle the matter confidentially and competently.

To learn more about the process for helping a person affected by substance abuse or addiction, call us at (727) 202-4858 or contact us online today.

What Are the Criteria for Pursuing Action Under the Marchman Act?

Florida Statutes Chapter 397, the law concerning the Marchman Act, provides that friends, family members, and others recognized by the court can seek involuntary intervention for a person addicted to drugs and/or alcohol when there is reason to believe that such behaviors have or will cause harm.

Justification for seeking involuntary substance abuse assessment and treatment includes the following:

• The use of the substance has diminished the person's self-control;
• The person affected by drugs or alcohol has caused physical harm on themselves or others or has threatened to do so, or there is a risk that they will harm themselves or others without treatment services; or
• The substance abuse has impaired the person's judgment such that they can't recognize or appreciate the need for treatment

If you believe your loved one's situation meets the above criteria, speak with our Marchman Act lawyer in St. Petersburg to determine your options for getting them help.

What Is the Process for Assessment or Treatment?

The process for involuntary assessment or treatment depends on why services are sought. For example, if you are seeking non-court-involved emergency admission, you may request such. A physician's certification with recommendations about appropriate services for the individual is needed.

If you are seeking court-ordered treatment and assessment, you must submit a petition to the court. The court may hold a hearing to determine whether reasonable grounds exist for involuntary admission.

The affected individual must undergo an assessment for no more than 5 days. The court will then review the findings and may order treatment for up to 90 days.

Whatever course of action you are pursuing, you can trust that our Marchman Act attorney in St. Petersburg can help you navigate the process.

What Can an Interventionist Do?

At Fleming Law Group, we provide intervention services for those seeking help for their loved ones affected by substance abuse. Our Marchman Act lawyer in St. Petersburg, J.S. Lucas Fleming, can do this without legal process.

We can help determine a comprehensive treatment plan to meet your loved one's needs. Recognizing that getting substance abuse helps impacts both the affected person and their loved ones, we also provide guidance for you to let you know what the immediate and long-term processes are and how to stay on track with treatment recommendations. Our team will openly communicate with you to ensure that your questions and concerns are addressed and you're well-informed of the changes or adjustments needed to support your loved one.

Contact Our Firm Today

With nearly 40 years of combined experience at Fleming Law Group, we recognize that alcohol or drug abuse often stems from addiction. We are ready to assist with pursuing action through the Marchman Act and helping your loved one seek to overcome the addictive behavior.

Schedule a free consultation by calling (727) 202-4858 or submitting an online contact form.