It is officially known as the Hal S. Marchman Alcohol and Other Drug Services Act of 1993, and it is considered to be one of the most progressive pieces of legislation in the United States. It gives the tools for persons suffering from a drug use problem to be committed, either voluntarily or involuntarily (SUD). According to a Marchman Act attorney in Palm Beach County, the substances covered under the Marchman Act include alcohol, cocaine/crack, heroin, medicines, opioids, benzodiazepines, and methamphetamine, among others. Alcohol is a controlled drug under the Marchman Act.
Because each county processes the Marchman Act procedure differently, many people recommend that you hire an attorney who specializes in Marchman legislation. This may result in unexpected consequences. To avoid this, it is not desirable to choose an attorney at random.
When selecting an attorney, keep the following factors in mind.
Comfort Level – Do you feel comfortable sharing personal information with the lawyer? Do they seem to be interested in resolving your issue?
Credentials – For how long has the attorney been in the practice of law? Do they have any additional Marchman Act cases under their belt?
Cost – hourly or fixed fee? What is the cost? Is it possible for them to provide you with an estimate of the expense of your case?
City/County – The location of their office in the city or county is important.
You must complete the following procedures before looking for an attorney to assist you in filing a Marchman Act petition with the court.
How to File a Marchman Act Petition: Steps to Take County of Palm Beach
Palm Beach County is the third-largest county in Florida and one of 15 Districts/Regions of the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF).
Anyone may pick up Palm Beach County Marchman Act petitions/paperwork at any of the three self-service Palm Beach County Courthouse stations mentioned below, which are conveniently located across the county.
– Main Courthouse
205 North Dixie Highway, Rm #3.2200
West Palm Beach, FL. 33401
(561)355-7048)
– North County Courthouse
3188 PGA Blvd.
Palm Beach Gardens, FL. 33410
(561)624-6650
– South County Courthouse
200 W. Atlantic Avenue
Delray Beach, FL. 33444
(561)274-1588
– West County Courthouse
2950 State Road 15, Rm. #S-100
Belle Glade, FL. 33430
(561)996-4843
The forms require you to: – provide a complete description of the person – provide details on where they can be found
– state which facility the person will be taken to
– state the day and time the treatment facility informed you that a bed would be available for admission
According to the paperwork, you must: – Provide a comprehensive description of the individual – Provide information on how to locate them – Specify which treatment facility the person would be transferred to and what day and time the treatment center informed you that a bed will be available for admittance
List any medical ailments they may be suffering from, as well as any drugs they are currently taking if you know them.
The petitioner must complete the following forms:
Included among the forms that must be filed by the petitioner are:
Cover Sheet for Family Court Cases 12.928, (11/13);
Substance Abuse Assessment and Stabilization Requested by Petition and Affidavit
Petition for Treatment of Substance Abuse in the Absence of Consent
Notification of Related Cases 12.900(h), on the 13th of November
The petitioner is required to bring the following paperwork to the final hearing with him or her: (Do not submit to the Clerk.)
Form of Final Disposition (Final Disposition Form) (Form 1.998)
IF APPLICABLE, the following forms should be completed and submitted:
A.O. 2.310 (04/13): Designation of current mailing and e-mail addresses, as well as instructions on how to provide an e-mail address to court administration
Notice of Address Change, dated September 14, (This form must be completed each time your mailing address changes.)
To help anyone who chooses to represent themselves in court without the aid of a Palm Beach Marchman Act Attorney, the County of Palm Beach offers a free public service.
The following are examples of public services and the costs associated with using these services:
Attorney Consultation* $15.00/15 minutes
Attorney Consultation* $15.00/15 minutes
Attorney Consultation* $30..00/30 minutes
Attorney Consultation* $60.00/60 minutes
Deputy Clerk Signing $3.50/signature
Notary signing $10.00/signature
Copies before filing $0.15/page
Single Forms $1.00/page
Fax Services $1.00/page
Community Resource Referral – Pamphlets
NO FEE
Attorneys do not give legal advice and are only available to help with procedural concerns and the completion of legal paperwork. There is no charge for this service.
The County advises that the site of the assessment/detox facility will be determined based on the respondent’s residence in Palm Beach County. Palm Beach County Marchman Act Receiving Facilities are located in two locations.
1- Delray
Drug Abuse Foundation (DAF)
400 N. Swinton Avenue
Delray Beach, FL. 33444
2- Palm Beach
CARP
5400 East Avenue
West Palm Beach, FL. 33407
Palm Beach Marchman Act Attorney’s
The Marchman Act, according to Palm Beach lawyers, is a very efficient technique to save someone’s life in a variety of situations. They advise that you bear in mind that this is the last resort and should only be used in severe circumstances.
Additionally, Palm Beach Marchman Act Attorneys feel that the Marchman Act is so beneficial because it interrupts the addict’s daily cycle and removes them from a certain location that might mean the difference between recovery and continuing drunkenness.
While one Palm Beach Marchman Act attorney claims to have never seen someone misuse the Marchman Act, he claims to have witnessed responders entirely disregard the law’s provisions.