§ 20-64-815 — Petition for involuntary commitment

(a) Any person having any reason to believe that a person is homicidal, suicidal, or gravely disabled may file a petition with the clerk of the circuit court of the county in which the person alleged to be addicted to alcohol or other drugs resides or is detained and be represented by the prosecuting attorney or by any other licensed attorney within the State of Arkansas. (b) The petition for involuntary commitment shall: (1) State whether the person is believed to be homicidal, suicidal, or gravely disabled; (2) Describe the conduct, signs, and symptoms upon which the petition is based. The descriptions shall be limited to facts within the petitioner's personal knowledge; (3) Contain the names and addresses of any witnesses having knowledge relevant to the allegations contained in the petition; and (4) Contain a specific prayer for commitment of the person to an appropriate designated receiving facility or program, including residential inpatient or outpatient treatment for his or her addiction to alcohol or other drugs. (c) Personal service of the petition shall be made in accordance with the Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure and shall include: (1) A notice of the date, time, and place of hearing; and (2) A notice that if the person shall fail to appear, the court shall issue an order directing a law enforcement officer to place the person in custody for the purpose of a hearing unless the court finds that the person is unable to appear by reason of physical infirmity or that the appearance would be detrimental to his or her health, well-being, or treatment.

Legislative History

Acts 1989 (3rd Ex. Sess.), No. 10, § 6; 1995, No. 1268, § 6; 1997, No. 1246, § 2.