About Marchman Act Drug Treatment Court
Marchman Act Drug Treatment Court – Division “Z”
Courtroom 32 (Hillsborough County Courthouse Annex, Fifth Floor)
The preferred method for communication with Marchman Act Drug Treatment Court – Division “Z” is by email at felonydivz@fljud13.org.
If you are a participant and have any questions regarding if your presence is required please contact your attorney, the AOC case manager or the Judicial Assistant. If you do not have a private attorney, your case will be represented by an attorney from the Office of Regional Counsel. Their phone number is (813) 221-5134. The AOC Court Specialist Ms. Cheryl Cowans (handling last names beginning A-L) can be contacted by phone at (813) 276-8519 or by email at cowanscm@fljud13.org. AOC Court Specialist Ms. Gina Traxler (handling last names beginning M-Z) can be contacted by phone at (813) 272-5518 or by email at gina.traxler@fljud13.org.
Note: The Judicial Assistant cannot give legal advice or discuss the facts of a case with the parties, nor is the Judicial Assistant permitted to convey information from the parties to the Judge. The opportunity for the parties to address the Judge occurs only in open court.
Description
The Marchman Act is a law specific to Florida and was named after Rev. Hal S. Marchman when instituted it in 1993. The statute allows families to petition the courts for mandatory assessment and substance abuse treatment.
The criteria for all involuntary admissions includes:
There is good faith reason to believe the person is substance abuse impaired and, because of such impairment:
1. Has lost the power of self-control with respect to substance use; and either
2a. Has inflicted, or threatened or attempted to inflict, or unless admitted is likely to inflict, physical harm on himself or herself or another; or
b. Is in need of substance abuse services and, by reason of substance abuse impairment, his or her judgment has been so impaired that the person is incapable of appreciating his or her need for such services and of making a rational decision in regard thereto; however, mere refusal to receive such services does not institute evidence of lack of judgment with respect to his or her need for such services.
History
In 1993 Representative Steven Wise of Jacksonville introduced legislation to combine chapters 396 and 397 of Florida Statutes into a single law that clearly spelled out legislative intent, licensure of service providers, client rights, voluntary and involuntary admissions, offender and inmate programs, service coordination, and children’s substance abuse services. The statute was named the Hal S. Marchman Alcohol and Other Drug Services Act of 1993 -- generally referred to as the Marchman Act. The Act was named after Rev. Hal. S. Marchman, an advocate for persons who suffer from alcoholism and drug abuse, who was recognized by the Legislature for his contributions addressing the delivery of substance abuse services. To implement the new Chapter 397, Florida Administrative Code was developed to provide the standards that service providers must uphold in order to be licensed to serve persons with addictions. It also provided detailed policies governing the entire licensing process as well as other provisions. These rules are identified as Chapter 65D-30 of the Florida Administrative Code. These rules have specific legislative authority. Since the rules cannot restate language from the statute, it is critical that individuals are aware of the provision from the law AND the rules in order to carry out the law, protect their agencies from liability, and protect their clients from harm.