The Pima County Mental Health Defender’s (MHD) Office is committed to providing effective legal representation for people facing involuntary commitment, guardianship proceedings, and Guilty Except Insane (GEI) sentences. MHD attorneys meet with clients facing involuntary hospitalization within 24 hours of admission. They advise clients of their rights and explain the procedures involved in Title 36 court-ordered evaluations and represent them at hearings for court-ordered treatment. MHD attorneys also represent indigent individuals who are subject to petitions for temporary or permanent guardianship filed by the Pima County Public Fiduciary’s Office. In addition, they provide post-sentencing advocacy for individuals hospitalized for GEI treatment at the Arizona State Hospital. MHD attorneys are dedicated to working patiently and compassionately with clients to ensure they are treated with dignity and respect through the process and are receiving treatment in the least restrictive manner.
Attorney I level attorneys perform entry level and/or intermediate level legal work. Attorneys at this level receive close supervision and support from higher-level attorney personnel in the performance of their duties. More experienced attorneys in this classification work increasingly independently under the general supervision of higher-level attorney personnel.
For more information on the Pima County Public Defense Services Department and the offices in this department, please visit their website at: www.pima.gov/MentalHealthDefender.
For more information on the Pima County Public Defense Services Department and the offices in this department, please visit their website at: www.pima.gov/pds.
Juris Doctorate and admission to the Arizona State Bar at time of appointment, which must be maintained in good standing.
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