If you or a loved one suffers from mental illness and has recently been arrested. Get in contact with a mental health lawyer right away. Contact your State’s Bar Association. An operator will help you locate a lawyer, or you can do a search yourself. Be sure to look specifically for mental health lawyers. Also, major universities with a law school may offer free legal services through a clinic. Do a search for these in your area. It is a good idea to have records of your loved ones mental health history. You may have to advocate for your loved one to be placed in the psych side of jail. To receive a semblance of treatment and evaluations. If not, they could be placed in general population.
Lastly, it is always helpful to have a good relationship with your local NAMI chapter. National Alliance on Mental Illness. Each major city and county has one. They have a helpline. They may be able to provide unexpected support and resources during dark times.
