Felony Mental Health
The 17th Judicial Circuit Felony Mental Health court was the first of its kind in the nation. The court was created on October 17, 2003 by Administrative Order to provide services for those persons charged with felony offenses who have been deemed incompetent to proceed. Court services include competency restoration, case management, linkage to mental health out- patient and residential treatment, assistance with housing, therapy and medication management. When requested, the court also commits defendants, where appropriate, to forensic hospital care.
The court works with the person charged, their family, the victim, and community mental health providers to create an individualized cost-effective plan of treatment for a defendant suffering from mental health issues. Agencies and providers in the mental health court include Henderson and Archways, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Broward Regional Health Planning Council, Broward Behavioral Health Coalition, the Broward County Elderly and Veterans Services, the Florida Department of Corrections, probation and parole services, the Office of the State Attorney, the Office of the Public Defender, the Office of Regional Conflict Council, private criminal defense attorneys and local law enforcement.
As a case progresses in the mental health court, regular psychological evaluations are ordered and hearings held to determine if the person charged has attained competency. Upon entry of an order of restoration to competency, certain cases are eligible to remain in felony mental health court for final disposition which include downward departure hearings and sentencing of the Defendant pursuant to a negotiated open plea.
For further information on Felony Mental Health Court:
Hon. Ari Abraham Porth, Circuit Court Judge 954-831-6905
Mental Health dockets are held on Wednesday, Thursday & Friday in Courtroom 7810@10am
Felony Drug Court
Please Note: Drug Court will begin having regular Drug Court Dockets starting August 2nd. All hearings will be in-person for participants.
Zoom Meeting ID: https://17thflcourts.zoom.us/j/873944477
Dial by phone: (888)475-4499 US Toll-free, (833)548-0276 US Toll-free, (833)548-0282 US Toll-free, (877)853-5257 US Toll-free, (786)635-1003, +1 (312)626-6799, +1 (646)876-9923
Meeting ID: 873-944-477