Right to counsel

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Legislation, Civil Commitment

For involuntary admissions to the "Life Resource Center", "When an application for involuntary admission is filed, the court shall appoint an attorney to represent the proposed client unless he retains counsel of his own choice. An attorney shall represent the proposed client at all hearings. The county shall compensate an appointed attorney in an amount fixed by the court as a reasonable fee."  Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 25-5-119(b)  (2008)

 

For involuntary hospitalizations, "Unless the proposed patient is represented by counsel, the court shall appoint an attorney to represent him."  Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 25-10-110(b).

 

For emergency detention, "When a law enforcement officer or examiner has reasonable cause to believe a person is mentally ill pursuant to W.S. 25-10-101, the person may be detained… At the time of emergency detention the person shall be informed … of his right to appointed counsel if he is indigent…When a person is detained in emergency detention and an application for involuntary hospitalization is filed, the court shall appoint an attorney to represent the detained person unless he has his own attorney[.]" Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 25-10-109(g)-(h).

Appointment of Counsel: categorical Qualified: no