Manhattan Mental Health Court

Overview

Part 59M (Justice Juan Merchan) has been designated, The Manhattan Mental Health Court (MMHC). This is a dedicated court part designed to provide a comprehensive system of oversight and treatment to eligible defendants with mental illness. Part 59M (Justice Juan Merchan) cases are heard on Fridays in room 1602.

Defendants charged with non-violent felony offenses are eligible for MMHC. That Court will not consider defendants charged with crimes involving sex offenses or firearms. A MMHC participant must be eighteen (18) years of age. Participation is voluntary and the defendant must agree to treatment before entering the program. Applicants to the MMHC will receive a psychiatric evaluation prior to acceptance into the court. To be eligible, a defendant must be diagnosed with a serious mental illness such as: bipolar disorder; major depression; or schizophrenia.

The duration of the program will generally be between twelve (12) to twenty-four (24) months. The disposition of each MMHC case will vary depending on the nature of the charges and the extent of the defendant's criminal history. If a defendant fails to complete the program or voluntarily withdraws, a sentence as set forth in the plea agreement will be imposed. Upon successful completion, the initial plea will be vacated and the defendant will re-plead to a reduced charge and be sentenced as set forth in the plea agreement.

Any questions regarding MMHC, please contact the 59M part clerk at 646-386-4059.