Addiction Recovery Legal Services

Addiction Recovery Legal Services, LLC 
888 S. Andrews Avenue Suite 203 
Fort Lauderdale, FL. 33316 - 
posts this information on their website: 
http://www.arlshelp.com/service-areas/central-west/pinellas-county/

Marchman Act in Pinellas County, FL for Obtaining Court Ordered Addiction Recovery

The Marchman Act Process in Pinellas County:

In Pinellas County the Marchman Act process is started by filing a Request for Assessment and Stabilization (Detox) Petition and/or Treatment. Once the court has reviewed this petition, either through an Ex Parte process (no hearing required) or an actual hearing before the court, a court order may be entered. The determination of whether there will be an initial hearing or an Ex Parte review by the court is a strategic decision made between The Client and ARLS. The Respondent may be court ordered to immediately go to a Pinellas County government funded facility that has been pre-determined for completion of the assessment/stabilization/detox or be picked up by the law enforcement and delivered by them to the nearest Pinellas County government funded facility as ordered by the court for assessment / stabilization / detox. Following assessment/stabilization/detox, the Pinellas County facility will render their assessment and make a recommendation for treatment to the court. Generally court officials cannot dictate the level of care and have no influence on the level of treatment or type of treatment the Respondent will receive. The trained professionals base their treatment recommendation and the level of care based on the Respondent’s needs. Typically, treatment is Outpatient, Day-treatment, Intensive Outpatient Treatment and/or Residential.
The next step in the Marchman Act process is the filing a Treatment Petition (if one has not previously been filed and is warranted). The Pinellas County circuit court judge will review this petition and the treatment recommendation by the clinician, to decide whether to order the Respondent to comply with this recommendation. If the Pinellas County circuit court orders treatment, the order will be in place for a period of sixty (60) days. If the Respondent voluntarily enters treatment prior to the treatment petition being granted ARLS will request to schedule a status of the case for the Respondent to appear before the Court within 2-4 weeks. Should the Respondent still be compliant with treatment at that time – another status can be requested by ARLS. In essence, even though a treatment order has not been granted, the Respondent will recognize the possibility of said order being entered in the future for any failure to remain in treatment. If a treatment order has been entered and the Respondent is non-compliant in any way, ARLS will file a Rule to Show Cause with the court and bring the Respondent before the Judge for violating the court order and seek sanctions. Generally, the judge will have a hearing, and if proven, give the Respondent one more opportunity to return to treatment and comply with the court order to avoid incarceration. Should the respondent yet again fail to comply with the court order they will be found in civil contempt and possibly incarcerated until they are ready to return to treatment. It is important to note, serving time for contempt does not invalidate the existence or duration of the original order for treatment. The Respondent must continue treatment pursuant to the original order subsequent to being released from custody.
Although the Respondent is recommended at one particular level of care during the assessment the clinicians may increase or decrease the level of care at any time. Often, a Respondent, based on their participation (or, lack thereof) may start at one level of care, but subsequently need a higher or lower level of care based upon their participation in the treatment process – this is not uncommon and should be expected. ARLS will monitor the Respondent and bring the Respondent before the Pinellas County circuit court Judge as many times as necessary to force the Respondent to comply with the treatment recommendations during the sixty (60) day period. Prior to the end of the 60 day treatment period, should the Respondent still meet Marchman Act criteria, based on a medical professionals recommendation, an extension can be filed for up to an additional ninety (90) days. Although ARLS and the court cannot dictate the level of care, they are able to enforce the court order so that the Respondent receives the treatment they need during the court ordered period.

Medical Confidentiality in Pinellas County:

Federal HIPAA Law and the rules of confidentiality are very strict and can be frustrating for The Client when the Respondent refuses to sign a release and of information. The Client will undoubtedly be frustrated when a Pinellas County treatment facility is unable to answer questions regarding the respondent’s treatment due to a consent not being signed. To ensure continued enforcement, ARLS will request the court order the treatment provider to testify in support of any necessary motions or petitions pending before the court.
Note: Although the Pinellas County treatment facility cannot disclose information without a release of information or court order, this does not stop ARLS from returning to court if The Client observes that the Respondent is failing to comply with treatment, or, has relapsed.

Confidentiality of Court Proceedings in Pinellas County:

In many counties throughout the State of Florida, Marchman Act proceedings are deemed confidential by local administrative order. However, in some counties various legal pleadings must be filed to request that the court protect and make confidential these proceedings. Regardless, in Pinellas County ARLS will file all necessary legal pleadings to request that the information contained in the Marchman Act litigation is deemed confidential.

Ex-Parte Petitions in Pinellas County:

An Ex-Parte Petition requests the court to enter an order having the Respondent involuntarily placed into assessment/stabilization/detox without a hearing based solely on the information in the petition. If granted, a judge will order the Respondent to be picked up and delivered to the pre-determined Pinellas County government facility for assessment, stabilization and/or detox. The pick-up order will be execute by law enforcement. Typically within, twenty-four (24) to forty-eight (48) hours after filing, the Respondent will be picked up and taken to the detox facility, unless the Respondent flees or evades law enforcement. It is very important the Respondent have no knowledge of the proceedings to maximize success.

Non-compliant Respondents and Contempt of Court in Pinellas County:

The reason you are seeking assistance through the Marchman Act is because you have someone in your life that refuses to enter treatment or repeatedly leaves treatment against medical advice and continues to abuse substances without any consequence. The Marchman Act does not provide any articulated consequence for failure to comply with a Pinellas County court order. However the Marchman Act is a civil court preceding that allows the attorneys at ARLS to utilized and implement the Court’s contempt powers. Should a Respondent not comply with the Pinellas County court order, ARLS will file the necessary pleadings and hold additional court hearings to utilize the court’s contempt powers as a consequence for the Respondent’s failure to comply. ARLS creates consequences for abusing substances where none has existed before.

Service of Process in Pinellas County:

The Marchman Act is a civil procedure (not criminal). Accordingly, a Respondent has the right to be noticed of any court proceeding and a right to appear. The Respondent has the right to know the time, date, allegations and specific location of a hearing. The Respondent can choose not to attend the hearing, but must be noticed properly regardless. A hearing in Pinellas County court house may take place without the Respondent being present, if proper service has been met and is demonstrated to the court. There are two manners of service: (1) service by a law enforcement officer of Pinellas County, or, (2) by private process server. ARLS recommends that The Client pays to have private service of process arranged through ARLS to best coordinate the time and place for the Respondent to be served. A law enforcement officer from Pinellas County will serve the Respondent at their discretion and outside the control of ARLS. If the officer arrives, and the Respondent not present, service will not be effectuated. This will ultimately result in delaying all legal proceedings. ARLS, through the use of private process service, will coordinate and ensure proper service resulting in no delay.

How long will it take to get a Marchman Act hearing in Pinellas County?

The law provides time frames that the court system needs to adhere to upon filing. Within ten (10) days of filing of the petition a hearing must be held or a decision be made ex-parte. ARLS will do everything in our power to expedite all hearings in Pinellas County. It is important for The Client to understand that ARLS has no control over the clerk or court system. ARLS will work diligently with the Pinellas County court system to ensure that the law is followed in its entirety.

Does the Respondent need an attorney in Pinellas County?

The Respondent, by statute, has the right to an attorney at every stage of the proceedings. A court appointed attorney will be available to the Respondent in Pinellas County, if they are unable to obtain counsel due to financial reasons. The Respondent does have the right to hire a private attorney.

Can the Marchman act be filed again in Pinellas County once exhausted?

Yes.The Marchman Act can be filed as many times as is necessary in Pinellas County. However, ARLS is required by law to begin a new process for each filing. Fees and services would be incurred for any new proceeding in the future if warranted.

Communication with ARLS from Pinellas County:

ARLS operates throughout the State of Florida and has your best interests in mind. Our office works as a team to make sure the process runs smoothly for everyone. Your calls are extremely important. We do appreciate your understanding when we are not able to take your call immediately. Your call will be returned as soon as possible.

Who does ARLS Represent in Pinellas County?

The attorneys at ARLS have lectured at many hospitals, to doctors, substance abuse professionals and treatment providers. ARLS has no formal financial relationship with any substance abuse providers or Pinellas County government facility. We represent you – The Client.

Private Treatment Programs vs. Indigent Treatment Programs in Pinellas County:

Substance abuse treatment is either paid for privately (cash) or through pre-existing, personal insurance plans. If neither the Respondent nor the Client has the ability to pay for treatment, the only treatment alternative is typically the use of a Pinellas County government funded indigent program. The Client must recognize that the use of any treatment program that is not paid for privately or through insurance typically results in a delay of the Marchman Act process. Pinellas County government funded treatment programs typically have limited bed availability and treatment capacity, which may result in the Respondent being placed on a waiting list for a bed for detox or residential treatment. ARLS will enforce compliance by the Respondent of the rules and regulations of the Pinellas County government run program, while waiting for an available bed. However, The Client must recognize that any delay in providing immediate treatment influences the chances for immediate success. Should The Client have the ability to pay for treatment privately (cash) or utilize insurance, ARLS will present this alternative treatment option to the Respondent as an alternative to the potential delays of an indigent based treatment program.

Wuppertal Suspension Railway

https://youtu.be/4_8u7t5q3m4

Designed by Eugen Langen to sell to the city of Berlin, the installation with elevated stations was built in Barmen, Elberfeld and Vohwinkel between 1897 and 1903; the first track opened in 1901. The Schwebebahn is still in use today as a normal means of local public transport, moving 25 million passengers annually (2008).

Southwest Florida Eagle Cam

Caution: live audio streams with video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGTIK_8ydoI

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southwest_Florida_Eagle_Cam

The Southwest Florida Eagle Cam is a website featuring live streaming webcams trained on a bald eagle nest, which sits 60 feet above the ground, in a Slash Pine tree in North Fort Myers, Florida. The live streaming website shows the parent eagles and their family as they build and restore the nest, mate, lay eggs, and challenge the natural elements and predators in the area. The site launched with one camera in September 2012.

The live webcam was set up by the landowner's company, Dick Pritchett Real Estate, to observe the eagles in their natural habitat in hopes of providing an educational and learning experience.

Robbin Thompson shared the spotlight

"Sweet Virginia Breeze", written by Steve Bassett and Robbin Thompson,  was designated as the official popular state song Feb. 2015. The official traditional song is now "Our Great Virginia" lyrics by Mike Greenly and arranged by Jim Papoulis. Two state songs:
 http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?151+sum+SB1362

When young Robbin Thompson first arrived in Richmond in the fall of 1969, it was ostensibly to bone up on book learning as a student at Virginia Commonwealth University. However, it was plain to anyone who talked to Thompson about what he'd done just before he got there that he was there for an entirely different kind of education.

"I had been in bands all through high school, I'd already had a few singles that I'd written out when I was 17, and I'd just come from Woodstock right before I got to VCU," he says. "So I wanted to be in a band."

Given his songwriting acumen, plus the fact that he owned his own PA system, it took mere weeks for Thompson to find a spot in progressive rock group Mercy Flight. At around the same time, he caught a show at a VCU-area club called the Center by a band he has never forgotten.

"They were called Child, they did their own stuff, and they had this great frontman and guitar player," he says. "He was animated, and he had a look about him, this intangible magnetism, and an honesty about what he did." 

Steel Mill hangs out at the Green Mermaid in Asbury Park, New Jersey in 1971. Springsteen is on the far left, Thompson is second from the right, and future E Street Band guitarist Steve Van Zandt is on the far right.

That was Thompson's first impression of 19-year-old, long-haired Bruce Springsteen. Over the next year, the bespectacled Floridian and the wiry New Jerseyan became well acquainted as Child changed its name to Steel Mill, and practically made Richmond its second home, frequently sharing the bill with Mercy Child for concerts around the VCU and University of Richmond campuses.

"We became good friends pretty quickly," says Thompson of Springsteen. "They were the same age as us, and he would always crash at my apartment. I'd do the same when we played up there, so we got to know each other for that whole year."

The culmination of all those gigs in tiny clubs like Hullabaloo and the String Factory came on August 14, 1970, when Steel Mill and Mercy Child teamed for a show that still looms large in Richmond lore.

"We rented all the spaces on the top level of the Marshall Street parking garage and put on a concert for free," says Thompson. "Several thousand people showed up for it."

After seeing the response Thompson got from such a large audience, Springsteen approached him with a proposition.

"He told me they were thinking of adding another person, and asked if I'd like to come to New Jersey with him for a weekend, and see how it went with me singing with Steel Mill," he recalls. "My first thought was 'why?' but I didn't dare ask that out loud. So I went up, and the next thing I know, I'm in the band."

So, putting his studies on hold, Thompson moved to the small Jersey Shore town of Wanamassa and took up residence with Springsteen, bassist Steve Van Zandt, keyboard player Danny Federici, and drummer Vini Lopez in the Challenger Eastern Surfboard factory. 

"Being from Florida, I was a surfer, so this was exciting for me, because I thought I might get a free board out of the deal," says Thompson. "Bruce surfed, too, but most people in New Jersey sucked at surfing, and he wasn't very good."

That wasn't the only cultural difference Thompson noticed between himself and Springsteen.

"I had lived for the day I could go get my driver's license when I was a teenager," says Thompson, "but Bruce still hadn't gotten his. I couldn't believe it. He was like, 'Yeah, maybe I'll go get it next week.' So we took him out for a few practice runs. He wasn't bad, and he finally got his license when he was 21."

After just a couple weeks' rehearsal, the new Steel Mill lineup was ready to make its debut at Clearwater Swim Club in nearby Atlantic Highlands. But it turned out, not everyone at the show was a fan of their brand of rock 'n roll.

"There were police lined up behind the stage ready to cut the power at whatever time the curfew was," says Thompson, "but when they did, our manager unscrewed a light bulb and jerry rigged it so the power came back on and we could keep playing. Then the police decided they'd get up onstage and try to stop the music that way, but one of the cops tried to use one of our amplifiers for leverage to climb up, and it fell on another one. That started a riot. The band got out unscathed, but people out there were getting billy clubbed. It was like a film clip out of the '60s."

Thompson and company managed to avoid such melees in future gigs, crisscrossing the East Coast, both headlining and opening for the likes of Roy Orbison, Black Sabbath, and the Ike & Tina Turner Revue at a homecoming show at Richmond's Mosque (now the Landmark Theater). While Springsteen is known as a larger-than-life frontman now, Thompson says the man who would be Boss was happy to share the spotlight with him.

"There wasn't really any structure of who would do what," Thompson says. "Bruce was the leader of the band without question, but if I had written a song I thought was good, he'd let me sing it, and sometimes he'd write a song and ask me to sing it because he thought I'd sound better on it."

But as Thompson had suspected when he first saw him in Richmond, Springsteen would not be sharing the spotlight with anyone for long. In December 1970, Springsteen disbanded Steel Mill. 

"I always knew that if anyone was going to get signed, it wasn't going to be Steel Mill, it was going to be Bruce Springsteen," says Thompson. "For me, nothing but good came out of that moment. It gave me the confidence to know I could write and sing with the best."

Fellow Steel Millers Van Zandt, Federici, and Lopez went on to form the core of the Bruce Springsteen Band, soon to be known the world over as the E Street Band. Thompson did not achieve the same heights, but has been a successful singer-songwriter in his own right, earning a Billboard Top 100 hit with "Brite Eyes," and endearing himself to Virginians everywhere with what has become the unofficial state anthem, "Sweet Virginia Breeze."

Through it all, Springsteen and Thompson have remained friends, and when the Boss had a date at the Richmond Coliseum on March 6, 2003, he made sure his former bandmate was backstage for the show. But as Thompson soon discovered, it wasn't just to reminisce.

"One of his people came up to me and said, 'If you hear 'Thunder Road,' head below the stage,'" he recalls. "So after the song he walks beneath the stage, Bruce Hornsby's there with his accordion, and he says we're all going to do the Hank Ballard song 'Let's Go, Let's Go, Let's Go,' in A."

There was just one problem.

Thompson says, "I had never even heard of the song."

Still, he figured he was still safe from embarrassment in front of thousands of fans as long as he strummed along to the right chords. 

"Then Bruce comes up to me during the song and says, 'I'm going to take a verse, then Hornsby, then you.'"

Not having a clue about the words, Thompson proceeded to do as Springsteen had taught him to do in the days of Steel Mill– improvise.

"I made up some words that rhymed and made sure to include something about Richmond," he says. "Everyone went crazy, and I looked over, and there was Bruce laughing his ass off."

Thompson says that while he will be in attendance for the show at John Paul Jones Arena, he hasn't a clue if he'll be asked to do an encore.

"If Bruce asks me," says Thompson, "I guess I'll just have to be ready to figure it out as I go."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robbin_Thompson

 Links:

http://www.robbinthompson.com/

http://stevebassettmusic.com/  

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjHubfF-tN8TzdxLRHxJyRA

http://www.lobe.com/

Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries

Nick Offerman

Offerman starred in the music video for "Cocaine" by Californian garage punk band FIDLAR. Offerman also directed the music video for "Low Key" from Tweedy's debut album, Sukierae. Offerman was also in the music video for The Decemberists' song, "Make you better", playing a faux German music show host.

And there is this: http://offermanwoodshop.com/