Host Karen James speaks with KC Lewis, attorney with Disability Rights Oregon. A person accused of a crime has the right to a trial and to participate in their defense. If a person is unable to understand the charges, the court may rule that person is unable to “Aid and Assist” in their own defense and issue an order under ORS 161.370 to transfer the person to the Oregon State Hospital for mental health care. Currently, the OSH is overwhelmed with patients under court-ordered treatment. This has left many more individuals languishing in every County jail in Oregon awaiting mental health care. KC explains the “Aid and Assist” process and DRO’s lawsuit and advocacy to end the practice of keeping defendants in jail for months awaiting mental health care.
https://www.oregon.gov/oha/OSH/LEGAL/Pages/Aid-Assist-Orders.aspx
- KBOO