{"id":1733,"date":"2026-09-22T01:46:53","date_gmt":"2026-09-22T01:46:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/marchman-act-attorney\/marchman-act-addiction-danger-criteria\/"},"modified":"2026-10-21T13:58:30","modified_gmt":"2026-10-21T13:58:30","slug":"marchman-act-addiction-danger-criteria","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/marchman-act-attorney\/marchman-act-addiction-danger-criteria\/","title":{"rendered":"Marchman Act Addiction &#038; Danger to Self: Florida Grounds"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull is-dark\" style=\"min-height:460px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-secondary-background-color has-background-dim-60 has-background-dim\"><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background\" alt=\"Judge reviewing Marchman Act involuntary commitment petition documents in courtroom during hearing.\" src=\"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/judge-reviewing-marchman-act-involuntary-commitment-petition-photo-1.jpg\"\/><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"chg-eyebrow has-base-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\">Marchman Act<\/p><h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\">Florida Grounds for Involuntary Commitment: Addiction &amp; Danger to Self<\/h1><p class=\"has-base-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.625), 1.25rem);\">Understanding when the Marchman Act applies and how to petition for emergency intervention.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+15618494149\">Schedule a consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/contact\/\">Schedule a consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#6b7280;margin-bottom:1.5rem\">By Richard J. Casey III, Esq. \u00b7 Published September 22, 2026<\/p>\n\n<article lang=\"en\">\n\n\n<h2>Marchman Act Grounds: Addiction, Substance Abuse &amp; Danger to Self in Florida<\/h2>\n<p>Florida&#8217;s Marchman Act allows you to petition a court for involuntary commitment when substance abuse creates substantial likelihood of serious bodily harm. The law doesn&#8217;t require a prior diagnosis, years of addiction, or failed treatment attempts. It focuses on present danger and current substance abuse patterns.<\/p>\n<p>Understanding the specific statutory grounds is the first step. It helps you determine whether a Marchman Act petition is available in your situation.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/wooden-gavel-on-round-surface-next-to-folders-on-courtroom-t-photo-80.jpg\" alt=\"Wooden gavel on round surface next to folders on courtroom table, overhead view.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"cta-dose-mid wp-block-group has-base-color has-accent-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--accent,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#x27;re facing this decision and aren&#x27;t sure where to start, reach out to discuss what your case might look like and what options are available. Talk it through with our team &#8212; the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+15618494700\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/contact\/\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>What Are the Legal Grounds for a Marchman Act Petition?<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;Search_String=&amp;URL=0300-0399\/0397\/0397.675\/0397.675.html\">Florida Statute \u00a7 397.675<\/a> permits involuntary commitment for substance abuse when one of three grounds is met:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Danger to self<\/li>\n<li>Danger to others<\/li>\n<li>Refusal or failure to complete voluntary treatment in the past 12 months<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Courts apply the law strictly and narrowly. You cannot petition simply because someone uses drugs or alcohol. The statute requires specific evidence that substance abuse creates substantial likelihood of serious bodily harm\u2014to themselves or another person\u2014in the near future without treatment.<\/p>\n<h2>Addiction and Substance Abuse as Marchman Act Grounds<\/h2>\n<p>Substance abuse under the Marchman Act means active use of alcohol, controlled substances, or both. The use must demonstrate a recent or intensive pattern.<\/p>\n<p>A critical misconception: the pattern must span years. It doesn&#8217;t. Recent escalation\u2014a sudden spike in frequency, amount, or recklessness\u2014can qualify if it meets the danger threshold. What matters is whether the current pattern of use, combined with other circumstances, creates substantial likelihood of serious harm.<\/p>\n<p>The statute covers all controlled substances and alcohol. However, substance abuse alone is not sufficient grounds. The addiction or abuse must also meet one of the statutory danger criteria. Simply using drugs or drinking heavily, without evidence of danger to self or others, does not trigger the Marchman Act.<\/p>\n<h2>Danger to Self: The Core Criterion<\/h2>\n<p>Danger to self is the most common ground cited in Marchman Act petitions across Florida.<\/p>\n<p>Legally, danger to self means substantial likelihood that the person will inflict serious bodily harm on themselves. This is not a guess or worry\u2014it&#8217;s an assessment based on totality of circumstances: current substance use pattern, behavior while intoxicated, medical and psychiatric history, and observed conduct.<\/p>\n<p>Danger to self does not require an explicit threat or prior suicide attempt. Courts evaluate it based on concrete facts. Examples include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Overdose risk<\/strong>: Escalating doses, mixing substances, or use of highly potent drugs like fentanyl without tolerance<\/li>\n<li><strong>Self-harm behaviors<\/strong>: Cutting, burning, or other injury while intoxicated or during withdrawal<\/li>\n<li><strong>Reckless conduct while intoxicated<\/strong>: Driving under the influence repeatedly, operating machinery impaired, or engaging in dangerous activities<\/li>\n<li><strong>Suicidal ideation tied to substance use<\/strong>: Statements about wanting to harm themselves, especially combined with active substance abuse<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The key is that danger must be tied to substance abuse. It must be likely to occur in the near future without intervention.<\/p>\n<h2>How Courts Evaluate Danger to Self<\/h2>\n<p>When a judge reviews a Marchman Act petition, they examine several factors. They determine whether danger to self exists.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Current substance use pattern and frequency<\/strong> is foundational. How often is the person using? Has the frequency or amount increased recently? Are they using multiple substances at once?<\/p>\n<p><strong>Medical or mental health conditions<\/strong> that compound addiction risk are highly relevant. Someone with a history of overdose, respiratory issues, cardiac problems, depression, or suicidal ideation faces greater danger when actively abusing substances.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Prior overdoses, hospitalizations, or emergency interventions<\/strong> significantly strengthen a petition. If the person has been revived with naloxone (Narcan), hospitalized for overdose, or treated in an emergency room for substance-related injuries or psychiatric crisis, that history demonstrates a pattern of danger.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The person&#8217;s own statements<\/strong> about their use or inability to stop are admissible evidence. If they&#8217;ve told family members, friends, or healthcare providers that they can&#8217;t control their use or feel suicidal, those statements matter.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Testimony from family, friends, or healthcare providers<\/strong> about observed behavior is critical. Witnesses can describe what they&#8217;ve seen: intoxication, neglect of self-care, dangerous decisions, or deterioration over time. This firsthand account often carries more weight than general allegations.<\/p>\n<h2>Danger to Others and Refusal of Treatment<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Danger to others<\/strong> is a separate ground: substantial likelihood that the person will inflict serious bodily harm on another person without treatment. This might include violent behavior while intoxicated, threats, or a documented history of harming others during substance use.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Refusal or failure to complete voluntary treatment<\/strong> within the past 12 months is a third ground. If the person has been offered voluntary treatment and declined it, or started treatment and stopped, that refusal can support a petition. This applies only if combined with evidence of substance abuse.<\/p>\n<p>You do not need all three grounds. Danger to self alone is sufficient for a Marchman Act petition.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"cta-dose-mid wp-block-group has-base-color has-accent-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--accent,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\">Not sure what your next step is?<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Talk it through with our team &#8212; the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+15618494700\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/contact\/\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>What Does NOT Qualify as Grounds<\/h2>\n<p>Understanding what does not qualify helps you avoid wasted effort. It clarifies the law&#8217;s limits.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Mere use or possession<\/strong> of a controlled substance without evidence of danger does not qualify. Possession of a small amount of drugs or occasional drinking, standing alone, is not grounds for involuntary commitment.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Social or legal consequences<\/strong> alone\u2014job loss, relationship breakdown, arrest, or financial problems\u2014do not constitute grounds. These are serious harms, but they are not the &#8220;substantial likelihood of serious bodily harm&#8221; the statute requires.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Disagreement with the person&#8217;s lifestyle or choices<\/strong> is not grounds. If you believe someone is making poor decisions but there is no evidence of imminent danger to self or others, the Marchman Act is not available.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Speculation about future risk without factual basis<\/strong> is insufficient. Courts require concrete evidence, not hypotheticals. Saying &#8220;I&#8217;m worried they might overdose someday&#8221; is not enough. You need evidence that overdose risk is substantial and imminent.<\/p>\n<h2>Building a Marchman Act Petition: What Evidence Matters<\/h2>\n<p>When you consult with a Marchman Act attorney, they will ask for specific, recent examples and documentation.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Specific, recent examples of substance use and its consequences<\/strong> form the backbone of your petition. Dates, amounts, types of substances, and observable effects matter. &#8220;He&#8217;s been drinking heavily for the past two weeks&#8221; is more useful than &#8220;He drinks a lot.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Medical records, emergency room visits, or prior treatment attempts<\/strong> provide objective evidence. Hospital discharge summaries, toxicology reports, and treatment records establish a documented pattern.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Statements from the petitioner and corroborating witnesses<\/strong> about observed behavior carry weight. Multiple family members or friends describing the same escalation or dangerous conduct strengthen your case.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Documentation of any prior overdoses, injuries, or self-harm<\/strong> is powerful evidence of danger. Naloxone administration records, ambulance calls, or hospital admissions for overdose or injury demonstrate that the danger is not theoretical.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Information about the person&#8217;s mental health<\/strong>, if relevant, adds context. A history of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or prior suicide attempts compounds the risk of substance abuse.<\/p>\n<p><strong>A timeline showing escalation or worsening use<\/strong> helps the court see that the danger is current and substantial, not a past problem that has stabilized.<\/p>\n<h2>The Role of a Marchman Act Attorney<\/h2>\n<p>An attorney who handles Marchman Act petitions helps you in several concrete ways.<\/p>\n<p>They <strong>assess whether your situation meets statutory grounds<\/strong> by asking detailed questions about the person&#8217;s behavior, substance use, and any incidents or hospitalizations. This evaluation prevents you from filing a petition that lacks legal merit.<\/p>\n<p>They <strong>prepare the petition with legally sufficient factual allegations<\/strong>, using the evidence you provide to draft a document that meets Florida&#8217;s procedural and substantive requirements.<\/p>\n<p>They <strong>gather and organize evidence<\/strong>\u2014medical records, witness statements, and other documentation\u2014to present a coherent, compelling case to the court.<\/p>\n<p>They <strong>represent you at the hearing<\/strong> and advocate for the court&#8217;s approval of the petition, answering the judge&#8217;s questions and addressing any defenses the respondent may raise.<\/p>\n<p>They <strong>explain your rights and the process<\/strong> at each stage. You understand what to expect and what happens next if the petition is granted.<\/p>\n<h2>Understanding the Marchman Act Petition Process<\/h2>\n<p>The Marchman Act petition process begins with filing a petition in circuit court. Your attorney will guide you through each step. For situations requiring immediate intervention, emergency temporary guardianship may also be available depending on your circumstances.<\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;re considering involuntary commitment for substance abuse, understanding involuntary commitment for substance abuse and how it differs from other options is important. A Marchman Act attorney consultation can help you determine the best path forward.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"cta-dose-mid wp-block-group has-base-color has-accent-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--accent,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\">Have questions about what happened?<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ask our team directly. The first conversation is free, confidential, and there is no obligation to continue.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+15618494700\">Talk to our team<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/contact\/\">Talk to our team<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Next Steps: Consulting About Your Situation<\/h2>\n<p>If you believe a family member&#8217;s addiction and behavior meet the grounds described here\u2014particularly if you&#8217;ve observed escalating substance use, overdose risk, self-harm, or reckless conduct\u2014a consultation can clarify whether a Marchman Act petition is appropriate.<\/p>\n<p>Robinson &amp; Casey handles Marchman Act petitions and can evaluate the specific facts of your situation. We determine whether the statutory grounds are present. If you&#8217;re facing this decision and aren&#8217;t sure where to start, reach out to discuss what your case might look like and what options are available.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Call (561) 849-4149 or <a href=\"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/contact\/\">schedule a consultation<\/a> today.<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/wooden-gavel-on-round-surface-with-folders-on-courtroom-tabl-photo-45.jpg\" alt=\"Wooden gavel on round surface with folders on courtroom table, overhead view.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Does someone have to have been addicted for years to qualify for a Marchman Act petition?<\/summary><p>No. Recent escalation or intensive substance use can meet the statutory criteria if accompanied by evidence of danger to self or others.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can I file a Marchman Act petition if the person has never tried treatment?<\/summary><p>Yes. The Marchman Act does not require prior treatment attempts; it focuses on present danger, not treatment history.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What if the person denies they have a substance abuse problem?<\/summary><p>Denial is common and does not prevent you from filing a petition. The court&#8217;s focus is on objective evidence of substance abuse and danger, not the person&#8217;s acknowledgment of it.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How quickly can a Marchman Act petition be filed?<\/summary><p>Emergency temporary commitment can be initiated immediately if the criteria are met. Your attorney can advise on the timeline for your specific situation.\n<\/p><\/details><\/article>\n<footer class=\"disclaimer\"><em>The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Results in prior cases do not guarantee similar outcomes in future matters. Please consult a licensed Florida attorney for advice specific to your situation.<\/em><\/footer>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-color has-accent-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--accent,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\">Timing Matters<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Danger to self or others can escalate rapidly. If you believe someone needs immediate intervention, contact Robinson &amp; Casey to discuss emergency temporary guardianship or Marchman Act filing options right away.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+15618494149\">Call (561) 849-4149<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/contact\/\">Call (561) 849-4149<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-surface-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-583d630a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Key Grounds Under Florida Law<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Substance Use &amp; Danger to Self<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Marchman Act permits involuntary commitment when a person&#x27;s substance use creates a substantial likelihood of serious harm to their physical health or safety\u2014including overdose risk, unsafe behavior, or self-neglect.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">No Prior Treatment Required<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Recent or intensive substance use can meet statutory criteria even if the person has never sought treatment. The focus is on current danger, not history.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Escalation &amp; Pattern Evidence<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rapid increase in use, failed attempts to stop, or a pattern of risky behavior while intoxicated can establish grounds\u2014you do not need years of addiction history.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Danger to Others<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Substance use that creates a substantial likelihood of serious harm to another person&#x27;s physical health or safety also supports a Marchman Act petition.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-583d630a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">How Robinson &amp; Casey Helps<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--document\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Petition Preparation<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We prepare and file Marchman Act petitions that clearly document the grounds for involuntary commitment, including evidence of danger to self or others.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--clock\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Emergency Temporary Guardianship<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When immediate action is necessary, we can seek emergency temporary guardianship to protect someone from imminent harm while a full Marchman Act petition is processed.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--shield\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Guardianship Options<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beyond the Marchman Act, we handle plenary, limited, and mental health guardianship matters for families seeking legal authority to make treatment and care decisions.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--phone\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Direct Legal Guidance<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We answer your questions about whether Marchman Act grounds apply to your situation and guide you through the next steps.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-base-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4d466591 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--primary,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-base-color has-text-color\">Ready to Explore Your Options?<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-0aa01211 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+15618494149\">Call (561) 849-4149 to schedule a consultation with Robinson &amp; Casey<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/contact\/\">Call (561) 849-4149 to schedule a consultation with Robinson &amp; Casey<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related practice areas<\/h2><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Marchman Act Petition Costs &amp; Legal Fees in Florida<\/li><\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Florida&#8217;s Marchman Act allows involuntary commitment for substance abuse when addiction creates danger to self. Learn the legal grounds and whether your situation qualifies.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":14,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"chg_review":"","chg_sendback":"","chg_canonical":"","chg_lang":"","chg_hreflang":"[{\"hreflang\": \"en\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/marchman-act-attorney\/marchman-act-addiction-danger-criteria\/\"}, {\"hreflang\": \"es\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/es\/abogado-ley-marchman\/ley-marchman-criterios-peligro-adiccion\/\"}, {\"hreflang\": \"x-default\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/marchman-act-attorney\/marchman-act-addiction-danger-criteria\/\"}]","chg_jsonld":"[{\"author\": {\"@type\": \"Person\", \"name\": \"Richard J. Casey III, Esq.\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/about-us\/#awb-oc__3614\", \"jobTitle\": \"Attorney\", \"sameAs\": [\"https:\/\/www.floridabar.org\/about\/section\/profile\/?num=1012146\", \"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/robinsoncaseypllc\", \"https:\/\/youtube.com\/@robinsoncasey\", \"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/robinson_caseypllc\", \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/robinsoncasey\"]}, \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"headline\": \"Marchman Act Grounds: Addiction, Substance Abuse & Danger to Self in Florida\", \"isPartOf\": {\"name\": \"Robinson & Casey\", \"@type\": \"WebSite\"}, \"speakable\": {\"@type\": \"SpeakableSpecification\", \"cssSelector\": [\"article > p:first-of-type\", \".wp-block-details p\", \"article > h1\"]}, \"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Does someone have to have been addicted for years to qualify for a Marchman Act petition?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"No. Recent escalation or intensive substance use can meet the statutory criteria if accompanied by evidence of danger to self or others.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Can I file a Marchman Act petition if the person has never tried treatment?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Yes. The Marchman Act does not require prior treatment attempts; it focuses on present danger, not treatment history.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What if the person denies they have a substance abuse problem?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Denial is common and does not prevent you from filing a petition. The court's focus is on objective evidence of substance abuse and danger, not the person's acknowledgment of it.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How quickly can a Marchman Act petition be filed?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Emergency temporary commitment can be initiated immediately if the criteria are met. Your attorney can advise on the timeline for your specific situation. ```\"}}], \"articleBody\": \"Florida's Marchman Act (Fla. Stat. \u00a7 397.675) permits involuntary commitment for substance abuse under specific statutory conditions focused on present danger and substance abuse patterns rather than prior diagnosis or treatment history.\", \"description\": \"Florida's Marchman Act allows involuntary commitment for substance abuse when addiction creates danger to self. 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