51.15(5)
(5) Detention procedure; other counties. In counties having a population of less than 500,000, the law enforcement officer or other person authorized to take a child into custody under
ch. 48 or to take a juvenile into custody under
ch. 938 shall sign a statement of emergency detention which shall provide detailed specific information concerning the recent overt act, attempt or threat to act or omission on which the belief under
sub. (1) is based and the names of persons observing or reporting the recent overt act, attempt or threat to act or omission. The law enforcement officer or other person is not required to designate in the statement whether the subject individual is mentally ill, developmentally disabled or drug dependent, but shall allege that he or she has cause to believe that the individual evidences one or more of these conditions if
sub. (1) (a) 1.,
2.,
3. or
4. is believed or mental illness, if
sub. (1) (a) 5. is believed. The statement of emergency detention shall be filed by the officer or other person with the detention facility at the time of admission, and with the court immediately thereafter. The filing of the statement has the same effect as a petition for commitment under
s. 51.20. When, upon the advice of the treatment staff, the director of a facility specified in
sub. (2) determines that the grounds for detention no longer exist, he or she shall discharge the individual detained under this section. Unless a hearing is held under
s. 51.20 (7) or
55.06 (11) (b), the subject individual may not be detained by the law enforcement officer or other person and the facility for more than a total of 72 hours, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays.
Effective date note
NOTE: Sub. (5) is amended eff. 12-1-01 by
1997 Wis. Act 35 to read:
Effective date text
(5) Detention procedure; other counties. In counties having a population of less than 500,000, the law enforcement officer or other person authorized to take a child into custody under ch. 48 or to take a juvenile into custody under ch. 938 shall sign a statement of emergency detention which shall provide detailed specific information concerning the recent overt act, attempt or threat to act or omission on which the belief under sub. (1) is based and the names of persons observing or reporting the recent overt act, attempt or threat to act or omission. The law enforcement officer is not required to designate in the statement whether the subject individual is mentally ill, developmentally disabled or drug dependent, but shall allege that he or she has cause to believe that the individual evidences one or more of these conditions. The statement of emergency detention shall be filed by the officer or other person with the detention facility at the time of admission, and with the court immediately thereafter. The filing of the statement has the same effect as a petition for commitment under s. 51.20. When, upon the advice of the treatment staff, the director of a facility specified in sub. (2) determines that the grounds for detention no longer exist, he or she shall discharge the individual detained under this section. Unless a hearing is held under s. 51.20 (7) or 55.06 (11) (b), the subject individual may not be detained by the law enforcement officer and the facility for more than a total of 72 hours, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays.
51.15(6)
(6) Release. If the individual is released, the treatment director or his or her designee, upon the individual's request, shall arrange for the individual's transportation to the locality where he or she was taken into custody.
51.15(7)
(7) Intercounty agreements. Counties may enter into contracts whereby one county agrees to conduct commitment hearings for individuals who are detained in that county but who are taken into custody under this section in another county. Such contracts shall include provisions for reimbursement to the county of detention for all reasonable direct and auxiliary costs of commitment proceedings conducted under this section and
s. 51.20 by the county of detention concerning individuals taken into custody in the other county and shall include provisions to cover the cost of any voluntary or involuntary services provided under this chapter to the subject individual as a result of proceedings or conditional suspension of proceedings resulting from the notification of detention. Where there is such a contract binding the county where the individual is taken into custody and the county where the individual is detained, the statements of detention specified in
subs. (4) and
(5) and the notification specified in
sub. (4) shall be filed with the court having probate jurisdiction in the county of detention, unless the subject individual requests that the proceedings be held in the county in which the individual is taken into custody.
51.15(8)
(8) Evaluation, diagnosis and treatment. When an individual is detained under this section, the director and staff of the treatment facility may evaluate, diagnose and treat the individual during detention, if the individual consents. The individual has a right to refuse medication and treatment as provided in
s. 51.61 (1) (g) and
(h). The individual shall be advised of that right by the director of the facility or his or her designee, and a report of any evaluation and diagnosis and of all treatment provided shall be filed by that person with the court.
51.15(9)
(9) Notice of rights. At the time of detention the individual shall be informed by the director of the facility or such person's designee, both orally and in writing, of his or her right to contact an attorney and a member of his or her immediate family, the right to have an attorney provided at public expense, as provided under
s. 967.06 and
ch. 977, if the individual is a child or is indigent, the right to remain silent and that the individual's statements may be used as a basis for commitment. The individual shall also be provided with a copy of the statement of emergency detention.
51.15(10)
(10) Voluntary patients. If an individual has been admitted to an approved treatment facility under
s. 51.10 or
51.13, or has been otherwise admitted to such facility, the treatment director or his or her designee, if conditions exist for taking the individual into custody under
sub. (1), may sign a statement of emergency detention and may detain, or detain, evaluate, diagnose and treat the individual as provided in this section. In such case, the treatment director shall undertake all responsibilities that are required of a law enforcement officer under this section. The treatment director shall promptly file the statement with the court having probate jurisdiction in the county of detention as provided in this section.
51.15(11)
(11) Liability. Any individual who acts in accordance with this section, including making a determination that an individual has or does not have mental illness or evidences or does not evidence a substantial probability of harm under
sub. (1) (a) 1.,
2.,
3. or
4., is not liable for any actions taken in good faith. The good faith of the actor shall be presumed in any civil action. Whoever asserts that the individual who acts in accordance with this section has not acted in good faith has the burden of proving that assertion by evidence that is clear, satisfactory and convincing.
51.15(11g)
(11g) Other liability. Subsection (11) applies to a director of a facility, as specified in
sub. (2), or his or her designee, who under a court order evaluates, diagnoses or treats an individual who is confined in a jail, if the individual consents to the evaluation, diagnosis or treatment.
51.15(11m)
(11m) Training. Law enforcement agencies shall designate at least one officer authorized to take an individual into custody under this section who shall attend the in-service training on emergency detention and emergency protective placement procedures offered by a county department of community programs under
s. 51.42 (3) (ar) 4. d., if the county department of community programs serving the law enforcement agency's jurisdiction offers an in-service training program.
51.15(12)
(12) Penalty. Whoever signs a statement under
sub. (4),
(5) or
(10) knowing the information contained therein to be false may be fined not more than $5,000 or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.
Effective date note
NOTE: Sub. (12) is amended eff. 12-31-99 by
1997 Wis. Act 283 to read:
Effective date text
(12) Penalty. Whoever signs a statement under sub. (4), (5) or (10) knowing the information contained therein to be false may be fined not more than $5,000 or imprisoned for not more than 7 years and 6 months or both.
51.15 Annotation
A mental health worker did not have immunity under sub. (11) for actions regarding a person already in custody and not taken into custody under an emergency detention. Kell v. Raemisch, 190 W (2d) 754, 528 NW (2d) 13 (Ct. App. 1994).
51.15 Annotation
The time limits established by this section are triggered when a person taken into custody under this section is transported to any of the facilities designated by sub. (2) irrespective of whether the facility is one specifically chosen by the county for the receipt of persons taken into custody under this section. Milwaukee County v. Delores M. 217 W (2d) 69, 577 NW (2d) 371 (Ct. App. 1998).
51.15 Annotation
It is inadvisable to treat individuals transported across state lines for emergency medical care differently than other individuals when determining whether emergency detention proceedings should be initiated pursuant to this section.
78 Atty. Gen. 59.
51.15 Annotation
While sub. (7) does not authorize contractual agreements with counties outside of Wisconsin, ss. 51.75 (11), 51.87 (3) and 66.30 (5) each contain legal mechanism through which financial or other responsibility for care and treatment of individuals from such counties may be shared under certain specified circumstances.
78 Atty. Gen. 59.
51.15 Annotation
A law enforcement officer who places an individual under emergency detention is obligated to transport the individual to one of the four categories of facilities listed under sub. (2) until custody of the individual is transferred to the facility.
81 Atty. Gen. 110.
51.20
51.20
Involuntary commitment for treatment. 51.20(1)(a)(a) Except as provided in
pars. (ab),
(am),
(ar) and
(av), every written petition for examination shall allege that all of the following apply to the subject individual to be examined:
51.20(1)(a)1.
1. The individual is mentally ill or, except as provided under
subd. 2. e., drug dependent or developmentally disabled and is a proper subject for treatment.
Effective date note
NOTE: Subd. 1. is repealed and recreated eff. 12-1-01 by
1995 Wis. Act 292 to read:
Effective date text
1. The individual is mentally ill, drug dependent or developmentally disabled and is a proper subject for treatment.
51.20(1)(a)2.
2. The individual is dangerous because he or she does any of the following:
51.20(1)(a)2.a.
a. Evidences a substantial probability of physical harm to himself or herself as manifested by evidence of recent threats of or attempts at suicide or serious bodily harm.
51.20(1)(a)2.b.
b. Evidences a substantial probability of physical harm to other individuals as manifested by evidence of recent homicidal or other violent behavior, or by evidence that others are placed in reasonable fear of violent behavior and serious physical harm to them, as evidenced by a recent overt act, attempt or threat to do serious physical harm. In this
subd. 2. b., if the petition is filed under a court order under
s. 938.30 (5) (c) 1. or
(d) 1., a finding by the court exercising jurisdiction under
chs. 48 and
938 that the juvenile committed the act or acts alleged in the petition under
s. 938.12 or
938.13 (12) may be used to prove that the juvenile exhibited recent homicidal or other violent behavior or committed a recent overt act, attempt or threat to do serious physical harm.
51.20(1)(a)2.c.
c. Evidences such impaired judgment, manifested by evidence of a pattern of recent acts or omissions, that there is a substantial probability of physical impairment or injury to himself or herself. The probability of physical impairment or injury is not substantial under this
subd. 2. c. if reasonable provision for the subject individual's protection is available in the community and there is a reasonable probability that the individual will avail himself or herself of these services, if the individual is appropriate for protective placement under
s. 55.06 or, in the case of a minor, if the individual is appropriate for services or placement under
s. 48.13 (4) or
(11) or
938.13 (4). The subject individual's status as a minor does not automatically establish a substantial probability of physical impairment or injury under this
subd. 2. c. Food, shelter or other care provided to an individual who is substantially incapable of obtaining the care for himself or herself, by a person other than a treatment facility, does not constitute reasonable provision for the subject individual's protection available in the community under this
subd. 2. c.
51.20(1)(a)2.d.
d. Evidences behavior manifested by recent acts or omissions that, due to mental illness, he or she is unable to satisfy basic needs for nourishment, medical care, shelter or safety without prompt and adequate treatment so that a substantial probability exists that death, serious physical injury, serious physical debilitation or serious physical disease will imminently ensue unless the individual receives prompt and adequate treatment for this mental illness. No substantial probability of harm under this
subd. 2. d. exists if reasonable provision for the individual's treatment and protection is available in the community and there is a reasonable probability that the individual will avail himself or herself of these services, if the individual is appropriate for protective placement under
s. 55.06 or, in the case of a minor, if the individual is appropriate for services or placement under
s. 48.13 (4) or
(11) or
938.13 (4). The individual's status as a minor does not automatically establish a substantial probability of death, serious physical injury, serious physical debilitation or serious disease under this
subd. 2. d. Food, shelter or other care provided to an individual who is substantially incapable of obtaining the care for himself or herself, by any person other than a treatment facility, does not constitute reasonable provision for the individual's treatment or protection available in the community under this
subd. 2. d.
51.20(1)(a)2.e.
e. For an individual, other than an individual who is alleged to be drug dependent or developmentally disabled, after the advantages and disadvantages of and alternatives to accepting a particular medication or treatment have been explained to him or her and because of mental illness, evidences either incapability of expressing an understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of accepting medication or treatment and the alternatives, or substantial incapability of applying an understanding of the advantages, disadvantages and alternatives to his or her mental illness in order to make an informed choice as to whether to accept or refuse medication or treatment; and evidences a substantial probability, as demonstrated by both the individual's treatment history and his or her recent acts or omissions, that the individual needs care or treatment to prevent further disability or deterioration and a substantial probability that he or she will, if left untreated, lack services necessary for his or her health or safety and suffer severe mental, emotional or physical harm that will result in the loss of the individual's ability to function independently in the community or the loss of cognitive or volitional control over his or her thoughts or actions. The probability of suffering severe mental, emotional or physical harm is not substantial under this
subd. 2. e. if reasonable provision for the individual's care or treatment is available in the community and there is a reasonable probability that the individual will avail himself or herself of these services or if the individual is appropriate for protective placement under
s. 55.06. Food, shelter or other care that is provided to an individual who is substantially incapable of obtaining food, shelter or other care for himself or herself by any person other than a treatment facility does not constitute reasonable provision for the individual's care or treatment in the community under this
subd. 2. e. The individual's status as a minor does not automatically establish a substantial probability of suffering severe mental, emotional or physical harm under this
subd. 2.e. This
subd. 2. e. does not apply after November 30, 2001.
51.20(1)(ab)
(ab) If the individual is an inmate of a prison, jail or other criminal detention facility, the fact that the individual receives food, shelter and other care in that facility may not limit the applicability of
par. (a) to the individual. The food, shelter and other care does not constitute reasonable provision for the individual's protection available in the community.
51.20(1)(ad)1.1. If a petition under
par. (a) is based on
par. (a) 2. e., the petition shall be reviewed and approved by the attorney general or by his or her designee prior to or within 12 hours after the time that it is filed. If the attorney general or his or her designee disapproves or fails to act with respect to the petition, the petition may not be filed. If the attorney general or his or her designee disapproves or fails to act with respect to a petition under this subdivision within 12 hours after the time that it is filed, the individual, if detained under the petition, shall be released and the petition is void.
51.20(1)(ad)2.
2. Subdivision 1. does not apply if the attorney general makes a finding that a court of competent jurisdiction in this state, in a case in which the constitutionality of
par. (a) 2. e. has been challenged, has upheld the constitutionality of
par. (a) 2. e.
51.20(1)(ad)3.
3. This paragraph does not apply after November 30, 2001.
51.20(1)(am)
(am) If the individual has been the subject of inpatient treatment for mental illness, developmental disability or drug dependency immediately prior to commencement of the proceedings as a result of a voluntary admission or a commitment or placement ordered by a court under this section or
s. 55.06 or
971.17 or
ch. 975, or if the individual has been the subject of outpatient treatment for mental illness, developmental disability or drug dependency immediately prior to commencement of the proceedings as a result of a commitment ordered by a court under this section or
s. 971.17 or
ch. 975, the requirements of a recent overt act, attempt or threat to act under
par. (a) 2. a. or
b., a pattern of recent acts or omissions under
par. (a) 2. c. or
e. or recent behavior under
par. (a) 2. d. may be satisfied by a showing that there is a substantial likelihood, based on the subject individual's treatment record, that the individual would be a proper subject for commitment if treatment were withdrawn. If the individual has been admitted voluntarily to an inpatient treatment facility for not more than 30 days prior to the commencement of the proceedings and remains under voluntary admission at the time of commencement, the requirements of a specific recent overt act, attempt or threat to act or pattern of recent acts or omissions may be satisfied by a showing of an act, attempt or threat to act or a pattern of acts or omissions which took place immediately previous to the voluntary admission. If the individual is committed under
s. 971.14 (2) or
(5) at the time proceedings are commenced, or has been discharged from the commitment immediately prior to the commencement of proceedings, acts, attempts, threats, omissions or behavior of the subject individual during or subsequent to the time of the offense shall be deemed recent for purposes of
par. (a) 2.
Effective date note
NOTE: Par. (am) is repealed and recreated eff. 12-1-01 by
1995 Wis. Act 292 to read:
Effective date text
(am) If the individual has been the subject of inpatient treatment for mental illness, developmental disability or drug dependency immediately prior to commencement of the proceedings as a result of a voluntary admission or a commitment or placement ordered by a court under this section or s. 55.06 or 971.17 or ch. 975, or if the individual has been the subject of outpatient treatment for mental illness, developmental disability or drug dependency immediately prior to commencement of the proceedings as a result of a commitment ordered by a court under this section or s. 971.17 or ch. 975, the requirements of a recent overt act, attempt or threat to act under par. (a) 2. a. or b., a pattern of recent acts or omissions under par. (a) 2. c. or recent behavior under par. (a) 2. d. may be satisfied by a showing that there is a substantial likelihood, based on the subject individual's treatment record, that the individual would be a proper subject for commitment if treatment were withdrawn. If the individual has been admitted voluntarily to an inpatient treatment facility for not more than 30 days prior to the commencement of the proceedings and remains under voluntary admission at the time of commencement, the requirements of a specific recent overt act, attempt or threat to act or pattern of recent acts or omissions may be satisfied by a showing of an act, attempt or threat to act or a pattern of acts or omissions which took place immediately previous to the voluntary admission. If the individual is committed under s. 971.14 (2) or (5) at the time proceedings are commenced, or has been discharged from the commitment immediately prior to the commencement of proceedings, acts, attempts, threats, omissions or behavior of the subject individual during or subsequent to the time of the offense shall be deemed recent for purposes of par. (a) 2.
51.20(1)(ar)
(ar) If the individual is an inmate of a state prison, the petition may allege that the inmate is mentally ill, is a proper subject for treatment and is in need of treatment. The petition shall allege that appropriate less restrictive forms of treatment have been attempted with the individual and have been unsuccessful and it shall include a description of the less restrictive forms of treatment that were attempted. The petition shall also allege that the individual has been fully informed about his or her treatment needs, the mental health services available to him or her and his or her rights under this chapter and that the individual has had an opportunity to discuss his or her needs, the services available to him or her and his or her rights with a licensed physician or a licensed psychologist. The petition shall include the inmate's sentence and his or her expected date of release as determined under
s. 302.11 or
302.113, whichever is applicable. The petition shall have attached to it a signed statement by a licensed physician or a licensed psychologist of a state prison and a signed statement by a licensed physician or a licensed psychologist of a state treatment facility attesting either of the following:
51.20(1)(ar)1.
1. That the inmate needs inpatient treatment at a state treatment facility because appropriate treatment is not available in the prison.
51.20(1)(ar)2.
2. That the inmate's treatment needs can be met on an outpatient basis in the prison.
51.20(1)(av)1.1. If the individual is an inmate who has been sentenced to imprisonment in a county jail or house of correction, the petition may allege that the inmate is mentally ill, is a proper subject for treatment and is in need of treatment. The petition shall allege that appropriate less restrictive forms of treatment have been attempted with the individual and have been unsuccessful and shall include a description of the less restrictive forms of treatment that were attempted. The petition shall also allege that the individual has been fully informed about his or her treatment needs, the mental health services available to him or her and his or her rights under this chapter and that the individual has had an opportunity to discuss his or her needs, the services available to him or her and his or her rights with a licensed physician or a licensed psychologist. The petition shall include the inmate's sentence and his or her expected date of release as determined under
s. 302.43 or
303.19 (3). The petition shall have attached to it a signed statement by a licensed physician, licensed psychologist or other mental health professional attesting either of the following:
51.20(1)(av)1.a.
a. That the inmate needs inpatient treatment at a state or county treatment facility because appropriate treatment is not available in the jail or house of correction.
51.20(1)(av)1.b.
b. That the inmate's treatment needs can be met on an outpatient basis in the jail or house of correction.
51.20(1)(av)2.
2. This paragraph does not apply to petitions filed under this section on or after July 1, 1990.
51.20(1)(b)
(b) Each petition for examination shall be signed by 3 adult persons, at least one of whom has personal knowledge of the conduct of the subject individual, except that this requirement does not apply if the petition is filed pursuant to a court order under
s. 938.30 (5) (c) 1. or
(d) 1.
51.20(1)(c)
(c) The petition shall contain the names and mailing addresses of the petitioners and their relation to the subject individual, and shall also contain the names and mailing addresses of the individual's spouse, adult children, parents or guardian, custodian, brothers, sisters, person in the place of a parent and person with whom the individual resides or lives. If this information is unknown to the petitioners or inapplicable, the petition shall so state. The petition may be filed in the court assigned to exercise probate jurisdiction for the county where the subject individual is present or the county of the individual's legal residence. If the judge of the court or a court commissioner who handles probate matters is not available, the petition may be filed and the hearing under
sub. (7) may be held before a judge or court commissioner of any circuit court for the county. For the purposes of this chapter, duties to be performed by a court shall be carried out by the judge of the court or a court commissioner of the court who is an attorney and is designated by the judge to so act, in all matters prior to a final hearing under this section. The petition shall contain a clear and concise statement of the facts which constitute probable cause to believe the allegations of the petition. The petition shall be sworn to be true. If a petitioner is not a petitioner having personal knowledge as provided in
par. (b), the petition shall contain a statement providing the basis for his or her belief.
51.20(1m)
(1m) Alternate grounds for commitment. For purposes of
subs. (2) to
(9), the requirement of finding probable cause to believe the allegations in
sub. (1) (a) or
(am) may be satisfied by finding probable cause to believe that the individual satisfies
sub. (1) (a) 1. and evidences such impaired judgment, manifested by evidence of a recent act or omission, that there is a substantial probability of physical impairment or injury to himself or herself. The probability of physical impairment or injury may not be deemed substantial under this subsection if reasonable provision for the individual's protection is available in the community and there is a reasonable probability that the individual will avail himself or herself of the services or if the individual is appropriate for protective placement under
s. 55.06. The individual's status as a minor does not automatically establish a substantial probability of physical impairment or injury under this subsection. Food, shelter or other care provided to an individual who is substantially incapable of obtaining the care for himself or herself, by any person other than a treatment facility, does not constitute reasonable provision for the individual's protection available in the community under this subsection.
51.20(2)
(2) Notice of hearing and detention. Upon filing of a petition for examination, the court shall review the petition to determine whether an order of detention should be issued. The subject individual shall be detained only if there is cause to believe that the individual is mentally ill, drug dependent or developmentally disabled and the individual is eligible for commitment under
sub. (1) (a) or
(am) based upon specific recent overt acts, attempts or threats to act or on a pattern of recent acts or omissions made by the individual. If the subject individual is to be detained, a law enforcement officer shall present the subject individual with a notice of hearing, a copy of the petition and detention order and a written statement of the individual's right to an attorney, a jury trial if requested more than 48 hours prior to the final hearing, the standard upon which he or she may be committed under this section and the right to a hearing to determine probable cause for commitment within 72 hours after the individual arrives at the facility, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays. The officer shall orally inform the individual that he or she is being taken into custody as the result of a petition and detention order issued under this chapter. If the individual is not to be detained, the law enforcement officer shall serve these documents on the subject individual and shall also orally inform the individual of these rights. The individual who is the subject of the petition, his or her counsel and if the individual is a minor, his or her parent or guardian, if known, shall receive notice of all proceedings under this section. The court may also designate other persons to receive notices of hearings and rights under this chapter. Any such notice may be given by telephone. The person giving telephone notice shall place in the case file a signed statement of the time notice was given and the person to whom he or she spoke. The notice of time and place of a hearing shall be served personally on the subject of the petition, and his or her attorney, within a reasonable time prior to the hearing to determine probable cause for commitment. If the law enforcement officer has a detention order issued by a court, or if the law enforcement officer has cause to believe that the subject individual is mentally ill, drug dependent or developmentally disabled and is eligible for commitment under
sub. (1) (a) or
(am), based upon specific recent overt acts, attempts or threats to act or on a pattern of omissions made by the individual, the law enforcement officer shall take the subject individual into custody. If the individual is detained by a law enforcement officer, the individual shall be orally informed of his or her rights under this section on arrival at the detention facility by the facility staff, who shall also serve all documents required by this section on the individual. Placement shall be made in a hospital which is approved by the department as a detention facility or under contract with a county department under
s. 51.42 or
51.437, approved public treatment facility, mental health institute, center for the developmentally disabled under the requirements of
s. 51.06 (3), state treatment facility, or in an approved private treatment facility if the facility agrees to detain the subject individual. Upon arrival at the facility, the individual is deemed to be in the custody of the facility.
51.20(3)
(3) Legal counsel. At the time of the filing of the petition the court shall assure that the subject individual is represented by adversary counsel. If the individual claims or appears to be indigent, the court shall refer the person to the authority for indigency determinations specified under
s. 977.07 (1). If the individual is a child, the court shall refer that child to the state public defender who shall appoint counsel for the child without a determination of indigency, as provided in
s. 48.23 (4).
51.20(4)
(4) Public representation. Except as provided in
ss. 51.42 (3) (ar) 1. and
51.437 (4m) (f), the corporation counsel shall represent the interests of the public in the conduct of all proceedings under this chapter, including the drafting of all necessary papers related to the action.
51.20(5)
(5) Hearing requirements. The hearings which are required to be held under this chapter shall conform to the essentials of due process and fair treatment including the right to an open hearing, the right to request a closed hearing, the right to counsel, the right to present and cross-examine witnesses, the right to remain silent and the right to a jury trial if requested under
sub. (11). The parent or guardian of a minor who is the subject of a hearing shall have the right to participate in the hearing and to be represented by counsel. All proceedings under this chapter shall be reported as provided in
SCR 71.01. The court may determine to hold a hearing under this section at the institution at which the individual is detained, whether or not located in the same county as the court with which the petition was filed, unless the individual or his or her attorney objects.
51.20(6)
(6) Juveniles. For minors, the hearings held under this section shall be before the court assigned to exercise jurisdiction under
chs. 48 and
938.
51.20(7)(a)(a) After the filing of the petition under
sub. (1), if the subject individual is detained under
s. 51.15 or this section the court shall hold a hearing to determine whether there is probable cause to believe the allegations made under
sub. (1) (a) within 72 hours after the individual arrives at the facility, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays. At the request of the subject individual or his or her counsel the hearing may be postponed, but in no case may the postponement exceed 7 days from the date of detention.
51.20(7)(am)
(am) A subject individual may not be examined, evaluated or treated for a nervous or mental disorder pursuant to a court order under this subsection unless the court first attempts to determine whether the person is an enrollee of a health maintenance organization, limited service health organization or preferred provider plan, as defined in
s. 609.01, and, if so, notifies the organization or plan that the subject individual is in need of examination, evaluation or treatment for a nervous or mental disorder.
51.20(7)(b)
(b) If the subject individual is not detained or is an inmate of a state prison, county jail or house of correction, the court shall hold a hearing within a reasonable time of the filing of the petition, to determine whether there is probable cause to believe the allegations made under
sub. (1).
51.20(7)(c)
(c) If the court determines that there is probable cause to believe the allegations made under
sub. (1), it shall schedule the matter for a hearing within 14 days from the time of detention of the subject individual, except as provided in
sub. (8) (bg) or
(bm) or
(11) (a). If a postponement has been granted under
par. (a), the matter shall be scheduled for hearing within 21 days from the time of detention of the subject individual. If the subject individual is not detained under
s. 51.15 or this section or is an inmate of a state prison, county jail or house of correction, the hearing shall be scheduled within 30 days of the hearing to determine probable cause for commitment. In the event that the subject individual fails to appear for the hearing to determine probable cause for commitment, the court may issue an order for the subject individual's detention and shall hold the hearing to determine probable cause for commitment within 48 hours, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, from the time that the individual is detained.
51.20(7)(d)1.1. If the court determines after hearing that there is probable cause to believe that the subject individual is a fit subject for guardianship and protective placement or services, the court may, without further notice, appoint a temporary guardian for the subject individual and order temporary protective placement or services under
ch. 55 for a period not to exceed 30 days, and shall proceed as if petition had been made for guardianship and protective placement or services. If the court orders only temporary protective services for a subject individual under this paragraph, the individual shall be provided care only on an outpatient basis. The court may order psychotropic medication as a temporary protective service under this paragraph if it finds that there is probable cause to believe that the allegations under
s. 880.07 (1m) (c) and
(cm) apply, that the individual is not competent to refuse psychotropic medication and that the medication ordered will have therapeutic value and will not unreasonably impair the ability of the individual to prepare for and participate in subsequent legal proceedings. An individual is not competent to refuse psychotropic medication if, because of chronic mental illness, and after the advantages and disadvantages of and alternatives to accepting the particular psychotropic medication have been explained to the individual, one of the following is true:
51.20(7)(d)1.a.
a. The individual is incapable of expressing an understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of accepting treatment and the alternatives.
51.20(7)(d)1.b.
b. The individual is substantially incapable of applying an understanding of the advantages, disadvantages and alternatives to his or her chronic mental illness in order to make an informed choice as to whether to accept or refuse psychotropic medication.
51.20(7)(d)2.
2. A finding by the court that there is probable cause to believe that the subject individual meets the commitment standard under
sub. (1) (a) 2. e. constitutes a finding that the individual is not competent to refuse medication or treatment under this paragraph.
Effective date note
NOTE: Par. (d) is repealed and recreated eff. 12-1-01 by
1997 Wis. Act 35 to read:
Effective date text
(d) If the court determines after hearing that there is probable cause to believe that the subject individual is a fit subject for guardianship and protective placement or services, the court may, without further notice, appoint a temporary guardian for the subject individual and order temporary protective placement or services under ch. 55 for a period not to exceed 30 days, and shall proceed as if petition had been made for guardianship and protective placement or services. If the court orders only temporary protective services for a subject individual under this paragraph, the individual shall be provided care only on an outpatient basis. The court may order psychotropic medication as a temporary protective service under this paragraph if it finds that there is probable cause to believe that the allegations under s. 880.07 (1m) (c) and (cm) apply, that the individual is not competent to refuse psychotropic medication and that the medication ordered will have therapeutic value and will not unreasonably impair the ability of the individual to prepare for and participate in subsequent legal proceedings. An individual is not competent to refuse psychotropic medication if, because of chronic mental illness, and after the advantages and disadvantages of and alternatives to accepting the particular psychotropic medication have been explained to the individual, one of the following is true:
Effective date text
1. The individual is incapable of expressing an understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of accepting treatment and the alternatives.
Effective date text
2. The individual is substantially incapable of applying an understanding of the advantages, disadvantages and alternatives to his or her chronic mental illness in order to make an informed choice as to whether to accept or refuse psychotropic medication.
51.20(7)(dm)
(dm) The court shall proceed as if a petition were filed under
s. 51.45 (13) if all of the following conditions are met:
51.20(7)(dm)1.
1. The petitioner's counsel notifies all other parties and the court, within a reasonable time prior to the hearing, of his or her intent to request that the court proceed as if a petition were filed under
s. 51.45 (13).
51.20(7)(dm)2.
2. The court determines at the hearing that there is probable cause to believe that the subject individual is a fit subject for treatment under
s. 51.45 (13).
51.20(7)(e)
(e) If the court determines that probable cause does not exist to believe the allegations, or to proceed under
par. (d), the court shall dismiss the proceeding.
51.20(8)
(8) Disposition pending hearing. 51.20(8)(a)(a) If it is shown that there is probable cause to believe the allegations under
sub. (1), the court may release the subject individual pending the full hearing and the individual has the right to receive treatment services, on a voluntary basis, from the county department under
s. 51.42 or
51.437, or from the department. The court may issue an order stating the conditions under which the subject individual may be released from detention pending the final hearing. If acceptance of treatment is made a condition of the release, the subject individual may elect to accept the conditions or choose detention pending the hearing. The court order may state the action to be taken upon information of breach of the conditions. A final hearing must be held within 30 days of the order, if the subject individual is released. Any detention under this paragraph invokes time limitations specified in
sub. (7) (c), beginning with the time of the detention. The right to receive treatment voluntarily or accept treatment as a condition of release under this paragraph does not apply to an individual for whom a probable cause finding has been made, under
s. 51.61 (1) (g), that he or she is not competent to refuse medication, to the extent that the treatment includes medication.
51.20(8)(b)
(b) If the court finds the services provided under
par. (a) are not available, suitable, or desirable based on the condition of the individual, it may issue a detention order and the subject individual may be detained pending the hearing as provided in
sub. (7) (c). Detention may be in a hospital which is approved by the department as a detention facility or under contract with a county department under
s. 51.42 or
51.437, approved public treatment facility, mental health institute, center for the developmentally disabled under the requirements of
s. 51.06 (3), state treatment facility, or in an approved private treatment facility if the facility agrees to detain the subject individual.
51.20(8)(bg)
(bg) The subject individual, or the individual's legal counsel with the individual's consent, may waive the time periods under
s. 51.10 or this section for the probable cause hearing or the final hearing, or both, for a period not to exceed 90 days from the date of the waiver, if the individual and the counsel designated under
sub. (4) agree at any time after the commencement of the proceedings that the individual shall obtain treatment under a settlement agreement. The settlement agreement shall be in writing, shall be approved by the court and shall include a treatment plan that provides for treatment in the least restrictive manner consistent with the needs of the subject individual. Either party may request the court to modify the treatment plan at any time during the 90-day period. The court shall designate the appropriate county department under
s. 51.42 or
51.437 to monitor the individual's treatment under, and compliance with, the settlement agreement. If the individual fails to comply with the treatment according to the agreement, the designated county department shall notify the counsel designated under
sub. (4) and the subject's counsel of the individual's noncompliance.
51.20(8)(bm)
(bm) If, within 90 days from the date of the waiver under
par. (bg), the subject individual fails to comply with the settlement agreement approved by the court under
par. (bg), the counsel designated under
sub. (4) may file with the court a statement of the facts which constitute the basis for the belief that the subject individual is not in compliance. The statement shall be sworn to be true and may be based on the information and belief of the person filing the statement. Upon receipt of the statement of noncompliance, the court may issue an order to detain the subject individual pending the final disposition. If the subject individual is detained under this paragraph, the court shall hold a probable cause hearing within 72 hours from the time of detention, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays or, if the probable cause hearing was held prior to the approval of the settlement agreement under
par. (bg), the court shall hold a final hearing within 14 days from the time of detention. If a jury trial is requested later than 5 days after the time of detention under this paragraph, but not less than 48 hours before the time of the final hearing, the final hearing shall be held within 21 days from the time of detention. The facts alleged as the basis for commitment prior to the waiver of the time periods for hearings under
par. (bg) may be the basis for a finding of probable cause or a final disposition at a hearing under this paragraph.
51.20(8)(br)
(br) Upon the motion of the subject individual, the court shall hold a hearing on the issue of noncompliance with the settlement agreement within 72 hours from the time the motion for a hearing under this paragraph is filed with the court, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays. The hearing under this paragraph may be held as part of the probable cause or final hearing if the probable cause or final hearing is held within 72 hours from the time the motion is filed with the court, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays. At a hearing on the issue of noncompliance with the agreement, the written statement of noncompliance submitted under
par. (bm) shall be prima facie evidence that a violation of the conditions of the agreement has occurred. If the subject individual denies any of the facts as stated in the statement, he or she has the burden of proving that the facts are false by a preponderance of the evidence.
51.20(8)(c)
(c) During detention a physician may order the administration of such medication or treatment as is permitted under
s. 51.61 (1) (g) and
(h). The subject individual may consent to treatment but only after he or she has been informed of his or her right to refuse treatment and has signed a written consent to such treatment, except that an individual for whom, under
s. 51.61 (1) (g), a probable cause finding has been made that he or she is not competent to refuse medication may not consent to medication under this paragraph. A report of all treatment which is provided, along with any written consent, shall be filed with the court by the director of the treatment facility in which the subject individual is detained, or his or her designee.
51.20(9)(a)(a) If the court finds after the hearing that there is probable cause to believe the allegations under
sub. (1), it shall appoint 2 licensed physicians specializing in psychiatry, or one licensed physician and one licensed psychologist, or 2 licensed physicians one of whom shall have specialized training in psychiatry, if available, or 2 physicians, to personally examine the subject individual. Such examiners shall have the specialized knowledge determined by the court to be appropriate to the needs of the subject individual. One of the examiners may be selected by the subject individual if such person makes his or her selection known to the court within 24 hours after completion of the hearing to determine probable cause for commitment. The court may deny the subject individual's selection if the examiner does not meet the requirements of this paragraph or such person is not available. If requested by the subject individual, the individual's attorney or any other interested party with court permission, the individual has a right at his or her own expense or if indigent with approval of the court hearing the petition, at the reasonable expense of the individual's county of legal residence, to secure an additional medical or psychological examination, and to offer the evaluator's personal testimony, as evidence at the hearing. The examiners may not be related to the subject individual by blood or marriage, and may have no interest in his or her property. Prior to the examination the subject individual shall be informed that his or her statements can be used as a basis for commitment and that he or she has the right to remain silent, and that the examiner is required to make a report to the court even if the subject individual remains silent. A written report shall be made of all such examinations and filed with the court. The issuance of such a warning to the subject individual prior to each examination establishes a presumption that the individual understands that he or she need not speak to the examiner. The examiners shall personally observe and examine the subject individual at any suitable place and satisfy themselves, if reasonably possible, as to the individual's mental condition, and shall make independent reports to the court. The subject individual's treatment records shall be available to the examiners. If the subject individual is not detained pending the hearing, the court shall designate the time and place where the examination is to be held and shall require the individual's appearance. The report and testimony, if any, by the examiners shall be based on beliefs to a reasonable degree of medical certainty, or professional certainty if an examiner is a psychologist, in regard to the existence of the conditions described in
sub. (1), and the appropriateness of various treatment modalities or facilities. If the examiners are unable to make conclusions to a reasonable degree of medical or professional certainty, the examiners shall so state in their report and testimony, if any.
51.20(9)(b)
(b) If the examiner determines that the subject individual is a proper subject for treatment, the examiner shall make a recommendation concerning the appropriate level of treatment. Such recommendation shall include the level of inpatient facility which provides the least restrictive environment consistent with the needs of the individual, if any, and the name of the facility where the subject individual should be received into the mental health system. The court may, prior to disposition, order additional information concerning such recommended level of treatment to be provided by the staff of the appropriate county department under
s. 51.42 or
51.437, or by the staff of a public treatment facility if the subject individual is detained there pending the final hearing.
51.20(9)(c)
(c) On motion of either party, all parties shall produce at a reasonable time and place designated by the court all physical evidence which each party intends to introduce in evidence. Thereupon, any party shall be permitted to inspect, copy, or transcribe such physical evidence in the presence of a person designated by the court. The order shall specify the time, place and manner of making the inspection, copies, photographs, or transcriptions, and may prescribe such terms and conditions as are just. The court may, if the motion is made by the subject individual, delay the hearing for such period as may be necessary for completion of discovery.
51.20(10)(a)(a) Within a reasonable time prior to the final hearing, the petitioner's counsel shall notify the subject individual and his or her counsel of the time and place of final hearing. The court may designate additional persons to receive notice of the time and place of the final hearing. Within a reasonable time prior to the final hearing, each party shall notify all other parties of all witnesses he or she intends to call at the hearing and of the substance of their proposed testimony. The provision of notice of potential witnesses shall not bar either party from presenting a witness at the final hearing whose name was not in the notice unless the presentation of the witness without notice is prejudicial to the opposing party.
51.20(10)(b)
(b) Counsel for the person to be committed shall have access to all psychiatric and other reports 48 hours in advance of the final hearing.
51.20(10)(c)
(c) The court shall hold a final hearing to determine if the allegations specified in
sub. (1) are true. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the rules of evidence in civil actions and
s. 801.01 (2) apply to any judicial proceeding or hearing under this chapter. The court shall, in every stage of an action, disregard any error or defect in the pleadings or proceedings that does not affect the substantial rights of either party.
