Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mental Health Court (MHC)?

The Deschutes County Mental Health Court is a voluntary diversion program with the goal of increasing access and engagement to treatment for residents with an eligible serious mental illness who have been charged with a crime. The program also promotes skill development and access to services. MHC also supports the long-term well being of the participant while reducing the likelihood that they will commit a new crime in the future.

How can I participate?

Ask your defense attorney to refer you to the Mental Health Court program. You may also contact the MHC coordinator directly to inquire about participation: Lisa Rosen at (541) 322-7500.

Will this change the outcome of my case?

In most cases it will. In order to enter the Mental Health Court program, the defendant is required to make an initial guilty plea. Upon successful completion of the program, a defendant’s charges will be dismissed unless another agreement has been made with the District Attorney or if prohibited by law, such as DUIIs.

What happens if I violate the rules of MHC?

Sanctions will be used in proportion to the gravity of the non-compliance. (Examples of non-compliance include: Missed treatment appointments or court dates, dishonesty, positive urinalysis, and a poor attitude in treatment or in court). Sanctions may include additional court appearances, development of lists or other written plans to deal with treatment-interfering behavior, time required to sit in court, community service, jail time, and other appropriate sanctions. If the defendant commits a new crime or has repeated willful violations, they may be terminated from the program.

What happens if I get terminated from MHC?

If the defendant commits a new crime or has repeated willful violations, they may be terminated from the program. The original charges are then referred back to criminal court where they will be sentenced. The charge will then remain on the defendant’s record.

What if I want to opt-out of MHC after I have been accepted?

Once a defendant has been officially accepted into MHC and a guilty plea has been entered, they cannot opt-out. Should a defendant wish to discontinue their participation in the program, it will be treated the same as a termination.

What does the clean and sober requirement mean?

All MHC participants are required to submit to random urinalysis testing. The use of illegal substances or the abuse of prescription or over-the-counter medications is prohibited. Decisions about whether or not a participant would be required to abstain from alcohol use is made after a thorough evaluation and is decided on a case-by-case basis.

When are MHC hearings?

MHC hearings are typically held on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 8:15 a.m. Exceptions are made when there are court closures for legal holidays or when staff is unavailable.

How often do I have to attend MHC hearings?

Once accepted into MHC, the typical participant attends review hearings about once every 30 days. As a person makes progress in their treatment, the review hearings are decreased to about once every 60 to 90 days. If a participant suffers a setback, the review hearings may be increased again. If necessary, participants may be notified to appear at special court hearings at any time.