{"id":6776,"date":"2026-10-17T01:32:01","date_gmt":"2026-10-17T01:32:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/cocaine-addiction-involuntary-treatment-attorney-florida\/"},"modified":"2026-10-20T15:58:12","modified_gmt":"2026-10-20T15:58:12","slug":"cocaine-addiction-involuntary-treatment-attorney-florida","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/cocaine-addiction-involuntary-treatment-attorney-florida\/","title":{"rendered":"Involuntary Treatment Cocaine Addiction Attorney Florida"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Marchman Act Petitions | Florida<\/p>

Seeking Court-Ordered Treatment for Cocaine Addiction in Florida?<\/h1>

Robinson Casey limits its practice to Marchman Act petitions and guardianship matters. Schedule a free, confidential first consultation with no obligation to continue, or call (561) 849-4149.<\/p>

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What Robinson Casey Focuses On<\/h2>\n

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Free First Consultation<\/h3>

Your initial consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation to continue.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n

By Richard J. Casey III, Esq. \u00b7 Published October 16, 2026<\/p>\n\n

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A Florida court can order an adult into involuntary treatment for substance abuse impairment, but only when the statute’s criteria are met and the court decides the petition should move forward. Cocaine use may be part of the facts a court reviews under Florida’s Marchman Act.<\/p>\n

Robinson & Casey limits its practice to Marchman Act petitions and guardianship matters. This page explains how an involuntary treatment cocaine addiction attorney in Florida approaches these petitions, step by step, so you can understand the process before you decide what to do next.<\/p>\n

Can a Florida court order an adult into treatment for cocaine use?<\/h2>\n

A Florida court can order involuntary treatment for an adult, but only after the petition and evidence meet the statute’s criteria. The court decides each case on its own facts.<\/p>\n

The courts have jurisdiction over these petitions under \u00a7 397.681<\/a>. The statute also gives an adult respondent the right to counsel at every stage.<\/p>\n

The criteria appear in \u00a7 397.675<\/a>. A person may meet them if there is good faith reason to believe the person is substance abuse impaired. The person must also have lost the power of self-control with respect to substance use. Other requirements may apply, and the court decides.<\/p>\n

Mental and substance use disorders can occur together, according to MedlinePlus<\/a>. A petition may describe both concerns when the facts support them.<\/p>\n\n

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If a loved one's cocaine use has put them in danger, you may be weighing whether a Marchman Act petition fits your family, and our team can help you think it through. Talk it through with our team — the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p>

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How do I get someone involuntarily committed in Florida?<\/h2>\n

You start by filing a petition with the clerk of the court in the county where the person is located. \u00a7 397.681<\/a> requires filing there and says the clerk may not charge a filing fee for it.<\/p>\n

For an adult, \u00a7 397.68112<\/a> lists who may file. That includes a spouse or legal guardian, any relative, a service provider, or an adult with direct personal knowledge of the person’s impairment and prior treatment. Other requirements may apply, and the court decides whether the petition proceeds.<\/p>\n

\u00a7 397.68141<\/a> says the petition must name the respondent and the petitioner. It must state their relationship and the respondent’s attorney if known. It must also give the facts behind the belief that the person is impaired and has lost self-control.<\/p>\n

Location matters.<\/p>\n

What does court-ordered treatment for cocaine involve?<\/h2>\n

Court-ordered treatment is set by the court’s order and the licensed provider. No single program applies to every case.<\/p>\n

Under \u00a7 397.697<\/a>, when the court finds the conditions proved by clear and convincing evidence, it may order involuntary treatment for a period not to exceed 90 days. The provider may be publicly funded, or privately funded if the respondent can pay.<\/p>\n

Before treatment, the court may order an assessment. \u00a7 397.6957<\/a> describes assessment orders that are valid for 90 days.<\/p>\n

A renewal is possible. \u00a7 397.6975<\/a> allows the court to order an additional period not to exceed 90 days if a renewal petition is granted. Early release is also possible under \u00a7 397.6971<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What to expect: the Marchman Act process step by step<\/h2>\n

The process moves from a petition to a hearing, and then to any order the court may issue.<\/p>\n

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  1. Consultation.<\/strong> The firm offers a free first consultation that is confidential and carries no obligation to continue. We review the facts and any documents you have.<\/li>\n
  2. Filing.<\/strong> The petition goes to the clerk of the court where the person is located. Under \u00a7 397.68151<\/a>, the court must immediately decide whether the person has an attorney or whether appointing one is appropriate.<\/li>\n
  3. Possible emergency order.<\/strong> Under \u00a7 397.6818<\/a>, when emergency circumstances exist, the court may enter an order based on the petition. The statute says a provider may not hold a person longer than 72 hours of observation, unless a listed exception applies.<\/li>\n
  4. Hearing.<\/strong> Actual timing depends on the court’s calendar.<\/li>\n
  5. Order.<\/strong> The court hears evidence under oath. It may order treatment if the statute’s conditions are proved, and it decides the outcome.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    What the Robinson Casey service covers<\/h2>\n

    Robinson Casey limits its practice to Marchman Act petitions and guardianship matters. The work covers the court process tied to a petition, from review through hearings the court schedules.<\/p>\n