Recent statements by D.A. Mike Ramsey regarding California’s mental health diversion (MHD) law present a misleading view of how MHD works. Diversion exists because traditional criminal practices often don’t address root causes of behavior driven by mental illness. MHD operates within criminal courts. If an individual cannot complete the treatment program within two years, they face the same consequences, including conviction and incarceration, they would have faced without trying treatment. Contrary to Mr. Ramsey’s claim, judges are not required to divert cases unless there is proof “beyond a reasonable doubt” that the individual will commit a future violent crime. Courts […]
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