“Better Served by Treatment”: A Path Forward for Defendants with Mental Illness

Tuesday, June 4, 2024 | 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm

Format: Webinar

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Program Co-Chair: Program Co-Chair: Program Co-Chair:

James Bergamo
Principal Court Attorney to the Hon. Kevin B. McGrath, Jr., Criminal Court of the City of New York
Eric Fieldman
Principal Court Attorney to the Hon. Toko Serita, Queens County Criminal Court and OCA Office for Justice Initiatives Division of Policy and Planning
Kacie A. Lally
Principal Court Attorney to the Hon. Anne J. Swern, NYS Supreme Court

  • This course offers an introduction to the operational framework of New York City’s expanded Mental Health Courts (MHC) and is designed to equip lawyers with essential skills for effective practice. MHC were established to address the intersection of mental health and the criminal justice system, recognizing the unique needs faced by individuals with mental health challenges who become involved in legal proceedings. We will have welcoming remarks by the Hon. Rowan D. Wilson, Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals, New York State. Participants will gain insight into the unique dynamics of MHC. Key topics covered include:

    • How to identify clients experiencing mental health challenges
    • How to effectively communicate to clients with mental illness
    • Understanding who is eligible to participate in Mental Health Courts
    • Learn Mental Health Court procedures from the initial stages of acceptance into judicial diversion to plea negotiations and final disposition
    • The role of community mental health providers in treatment for participants

    Through a blend of theoretical insights and practical guidance, this introductory course provides lawyers with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to navigate MHCs successfully and engage in proficient legal practice within this specialized area.

    Program Fee:
    Free for Members | $50 for Nonmembers
    In-House Counsel: Free for Members | $149 Nonmember Small Law Firm: $119 Member

  • Introduction:
    Hon. Rowan D. Wilson
    Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals, State of New York

    Panelists:
    Katherine Bajuk
    New York County Defender Services

    Toni Mardirossian
    New York County District Attorney

    Rosemary Vassalo Vellucci
    Legal Aid Society

    Hon. John Z. Wang
    NYC Civil Court

    Panel Leaders/Moderators:
    Kacie A. Lally
    Principal Court Attorney to the Hon. Anne J. Swern, NYS Supreme Court

    James Bergamo
    Principal Court Attorney to the Hon. Kevin B. McGrath, Jr., Criminal Court of the City of New York

  • 1:00 pm – 1:05 pm
    Welcome and Speaker Introductions

    1:05 pm – 1:15 pm
    Introduction by Chief Judge Rowan D. Wilson, NYS Court of Appeals

    1:15 pm – 1:25 pm
    Hon. John Wang – Creation, eligibility, operation and goals of the New York County misdemeanor mental health court. Importance of procedural justice for mentally ill participants.  

    1:25 pm – 2:15 pm
    Panel Discussion on Following Topics:

    • Identification of justice-involved persons in need of mental health care;
    • How to communicate to persons with mental illness in a court setting;
    • Eligibility for mental health court;
    • Treatment options and providers;
    • Procedure to get a client into mental health court;
    • Procedural justice: Role of the court staff in creating a courtroom that supports mentally ill persons.

  • New York: 1.0 Skills
    New Jersey: 1.4 General
    California: 1.0 General
    Pennsylvania: 1.0 General

  • Sponsoring Association Committees:
    Criminal Courts, Anna G. Cominsky and Carola Beeney, Co-Chairs
    Small Law Firm, Adam N. Weissman, Chair

    Co-sponsoring Organization:
    Small Law Firm Center

    Sponsorship Opportunities are Available! Please Contact:
    Yelena Balashchenko, Manager, Business Development & Sponsorships | (212) 382-6608 | ybalashchenko@nycbar.org

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