In Charlotte County, a Marchman Act petition for involuntary substance abuse services is filed with Charlotte County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller, in Florida's Twentieth Judicial Circuit. The petition asks a judge to order assessment, stabilization and, if needed, treatment for someone who has lost control of their substance use.
Filing in Charlotte County
- Where to file: Charlotte County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller (official Marchman Act information)
- County seat: Punta Gorda
- Judicial circuit: Twentieth Judicial Circuit
- Publicly funded services: Central Florida Behavioral Health Network
The Charlotte County clerk publishes a fillable Marchman Act Petition and Affidavit for Involuntary Assessment and Stabilization, captioned for the Twentieth Judicial Circuit in and for Charlotte County.
The petition must be sworn, either before a notary or before a deputy clerk.
Charlotte County is part of Florida's Twentieth Judicial Circuit.
Sources
How the process works
- File the petition for involuntary treatment services with the clerk. Florida law bars a filing fee.
- The judge reviews it. In an emergency the court can issue an ex parte order for law enforcement to take the person to a licensed provider.
- Assessment within 72 hours for adults (longer if detox or medical care is needed).
- Hearing within 10 court working days. The person has a right to a lawyer.
- Treatment order of up to 90 days if the petition is granted, renewable for up to 90 more, with discharge planning at the end.
Details: how to file a Marchman Act · requirements · how long it lasts
Detox and treatment near Charlotte County
Courts order Marchman Act assessments and treatment at licensed providers. Voluntary admission is often faster and is worth trying first.
Port Charlotte Detox
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxValiant Recovery
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisCharlotte Behavioral Healthcare Inc
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisWhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab – Fort Myers
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisCeladon Recovery Center
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisA specialist can help you decide between voluntary treatment and a Marchman Act petition. Free and confidential, 24/7.
Call (866) 649-0814See the full Marchman Act guide, Marchman Act vs Baker Act and treatment in Charlotte County. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Neighboring counties
- Marchman Act in DeSoto County
- Marchman Act in Sarasota County
- Marchman Act in Lee County
- Marchman Act in Hardee County
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file a Marchman Act in Charlotte County?
Marchman Act petitions in Charlotte County are filed with Charlotte County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller in Punta Gorda. Check the clerk's official page for current forms and hours.
Who can file a Marchman Act petition?
For an adult, a spouse or legal guardian, any relative, a service provider, or an adult with direct personal knowledge of the person's substance abuse impairment and prior treatment history can file. For a minor, only a parent, legal guardian or service provider can file.
Does the person get a lawyer?
Yes. The person named in the petition has a right to a lawyer at every stage, and the court can appoint one through the office of criminal conflict and civil regional counsel. The person who files does not get a court-appointed lawyer.