CONDADO DE VENTURA

OFICINA DEL DEFENSOR PUBLICO

DUANE A. DAMMEYER

 

 

  My Arrested Family Member Has A Mental Illness What Do I Do?

 

To Contact Us:

 

 

HALL OF JUSTICE

800 S. VICTORIA AVE. RM. # 207

VENTURA, CA 93009

(805) 654-2201

 

OPEN MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY

8:00 a.m.  -  5:00 p.m.

 

Driving Directions

A step-by-step guide to help families cope with the criminal justice system in Ventura County when a family member who suffers from mental illness is arrested.

 

STEP ONE: SUPPORT YOUR RELATIVE

 

· If your family member/friend calls you and says that they have been arrested, help them stay calm and let them know you are there to help.

· Remind them that they have a right to have an attorney present if being questioned by police officers or detectives.

· Tell them that they can expect to be interviewed by Jail medical and mental health staff.  Let them know that it is OK for them to discuss their physical and mental condition, diagnosis, medications, etc. It is important that they feel safe to speak openly on these topics.

 

STEP TWO: CONTACT THE JAIL

 

· Call the County Main Jail at: 805-654-3335 and ask for the court arraignment date and address, the booking number, the location of your family member, and the dates and times when visits are permitted. IMPORTANT NOTE: if you know or suspect that your family member had recent suicide attempts or thoughts or he/she is currently considering it, call the County Jail where your family member is retained and ask to speak with the Watch Commander.  Give the Watch Commander all the information you have.