The Marchman Act provides for assessment, stabilization and treatment for individuals who are severely impaired due to substance abuse, are refusing voluntary treatment and who meet the following criteria: He/she is likely to inflict harm on self or others and/or His/her judgment is so impaired due to substance abuse that he/she is incapable of appreciating the need for care and of making a rational decision regarding that need for care.

HOW TO FILE A MARCHMAN ACT PETITION

1. A family member or three non-relatives may file a petition for Involuntary Assessment and Stabilization with the Mental Health Division located at the Hillsborough County Main Court House at 800 East Twiggs St, 2nd Floor, Room 205. (Edgecomb Courthouse)
2. The petitioner must provide in writing, on the petition, personal knowledge about his/her substance abuse.
3. The person will be served a subpoena to appear in court to answer to the petition. If he/she admits to the petition, the case will be heard on the court date. If he/she contests the petition, an attorney may be appointed and the petition will be set for a hearing. All Juveniles will be appointed an attorney at the initial hearing and all subsequent hearings.
4. Hearings are scheduled on Tuesdays at 1:30pm. Both parties will be required to appear for the initial hearing and all scheduled reviews. You will be given a court date when you file the petition
5. If the person does not appear for the initial hearing after the subpoena has been served, a pick up order may be issued. If the party has not been served the case will be reset. The case will not proceed until the party has been properly notified.

If you have any questions or concerns, pertaining to the Marchman Act, please contact:

Contact:  Thomas Garcia or Dan Kane 
(813) 367-2315
(813) 367-2312 (FAX)