Marchman Act in Pensacola

Helping Pensacola Families Through Addiction Crises

Addiction wears down marriages, worries children, and leaves parents searching for answers. Our Pensacola Marchman Act attorneys help families take legal action when a loved one cannot recognize the danger of their substance use. Florida created the Marchman Act in 1993 to give families a real path: a court process for assessment, stabilization, and treatment when someone refuses help on their own.

The Marchman Act and Escambia County

The Marchman Act in Escambia County

The Panhandle carries a heavy burden in Florida’s overdose crisis. In 2023, Escambia County had the highest drug overdose death rate of any county in the state, roughly 62 deaths per 100,000 residents, more than four times the rate in Miami-Dade. For Pensacola families, that statistic is a daily reality.

A strong military presence and the stresses that can come with service life add another layer, and alcohol use can take hold quietly alongside drugs. Many families do not know where to turn. Robinson and Casey helps Escambia County families understand the Marchman Act and use it to get a loved one into care through the First Judicial Circuit Court in and for Escambia County.

Understanding the Law

What the Marchman Act Does

The Marchman Act lets families ask a court to order help for a person who has lost control of their substance use. It is built for people who:

  • Have lost control over how much they use
  • Cannot make sound choices because of chemical dependence
  • Are a danger to themselves or to others

After a petition is accepted, the person is evaluated, and a judge decides the next step.

Substances the Law Covers

The Marchman Act covers a broad list of substances. In the Pensacola area, alcohol and opioids are among the most common concerns, but the law also reaches:

  • Alcohol

  • Benzodiazepines

  • Cocaine

  • Crack

  • Heroin

  • Inhalants

  • Pharmaceuticals

  • Opioids

  • Over-the-counter medication

  • Methamphetamine

Acting early, with experienced legal help, gives your loved one the best chance to recover.

Legal Criteria

When a Court Can Order Treatment

The court orders treatment only when the case meets a clear standard:

  • Clear proof the person may harm themselves or others
  • Good reason to believe they cannot recognize their own need for help

Repeated DUI incidents, for example, can show a court real danger. Families usually turn to the Marchman Act only after other efforts have failed.

Eligibility

Who Can File a Petition

You need a close connection to the person: a spouse, legal guardian, or relative. A group of three adults with direct knowledge of the addiction can also file. When the person has no close contacts, an employer, doctor, teacher, or law enforcement officer can file an emergency petition. Our attorneys can also explain how the Marchman Act process works from filing to treatment.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Alcohol is a covered substance, and it is one of the most common reasons Pensacola families file. If a loved one’s drinking has become dangerous and they refuse help, the Marchman Act may be an option.

The process is the same for service members and civilians. That said, military benefits and base resources can interact with treatment options, so it helps to have an attorney who can walk you through the details.

Petitions are filed in the First Judicial Circuit Court in and for Escambia County, where your loved one is located. We handle the filing for you.

An emergency, ex parte petition can prompt a quick court order when someone is in immediate danger. Emergency cases are treated as urgent in the First Circuit.

No. The Marchman Act is a civil process focused on treatment and safety, not punishment. It does not create a criminal record.

Urgent Situations

Free Emergency Consultation

In a crisis, every hour matters. Trust our experience and our commitment to help you protect your family.