Texas Health and Safety Code 462.067 – Hearing On Application for Court-Ordered Treatment
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(a) A hearing on court-ordered treatment must be before a jury unless the proposed patient and the proposed patient’s attorney waive the right to a jury. The waiver may be filed at any time after the proposed patient is served with the application and receives notice of the hearing. The waiver must be in writing, under oath, and signed and sworn to by the proposed patient and the proposed patient’s attorney.
(b) The proposed patient is entitled to a hearing and to be present at the hearing, but the proposed patient or the proposed patient’s attorney may waive either right.
Terms Used In Texas Health and Safety Code 462.067
- Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
- in writing: includes any representation of words, letters, or figures, whether by writing, printing, or other means. See Texas Government Code 312.011
- Signed: includes any symbol executed or adopted by a person with present intention to authenticate a writing. See Texas Government Code 311.005
- sworn: includes affirm or affirmed. See Texas Government Code 312.011
- Testify: Answer questions in court.
- Testimony: Evidence presented orally by witnesses during trials or before grand juries.
- Written: includes any representation of words, letters, symbols, or figures. See Texas Government Code 311.005
(c) A court hearing may be held at any suitable location in the county. On the request of the proposed patient or the proposed patient’s attorney, the hearing shall be held in the county courthouse.
(d) The Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and Texas Rules of Evidence apply to a hearing unless the rules are inconsistent with this chapter. The hearing is on the record, and the state must prove each issue by clear and convincing evidence.
(e) In addition to the rights prescribed by this chapter, the proposed patient is entitled to:
(1) present evidence on the proposed patient’s own behalf;
(2) cross-examine witnesses who testify on behalf of the applicant;
(3) view and copy all petitions and reports in the court file of the cause; and
(4) elect to have the hearing open or closed to the public.
(f) The proposed patient or the proposed patient’s attorney, by a written document filed with the court, may waive the right to cross-examine witnesses, and, if that right is waived, the court may admit as evidence the certificates of medical examination for chemical dependency. The certificates admitted under this subsection constitute competent medical or psychiatric testimony, and the court may make its findings solely from the certificates. If the proposed patient or the proposed patient’s attorney does not waive the right to cross-examine witnesses, the court shall hear testimony. The testimony must include competent medical or psychiatric testimony.