In the Matter of Lacquey, Unpublished Decision (3-25-2002)
In the Matter of Lacquey, Unpublished Decision (3-25-2002)
Opinion of the Court
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR
THE TRIAL COURT'S DECISION TO COMMIT THE APPELLANT WAS AGAINST THE MANIFEST EIGHT OF THE EVIDENCE.
The magistrate found by clear and convincing evidence appellant is a mentally ill person in need of treatment. Further, the magistrate found in-patient hospitalization is the least restrictive environment consistent with appellant's treatment needs. The trial court approved the magistrate's order.
The record indicates appellant was admitted to Appalachian Behavioral Health Center on October 30, 2001, by law enforcement officers. On October 31, 2001, the Probate Court issued a temporary order of detention. On November 2, 2001, the court conducted a hearing. At the hearing, Dr. Stewart Fern testified appellant was a mentally ill person subject to hospitalization by court order. Dr. Fern stated appellant was suffering from manic depressive psychosis which was in the manic stage at the time of her initial hospitalization. The county sheriff had removed her from her home because she was extremely agitated, expansive, and euphoric, to the extent of throwing clothing out of the windows and biting a police officer. Dr. Fern testified appellant was out of touch with reality and her judgment was severely impaired. Dr. Fern testified appellant's illness created a grave and imminent risk to the substantial rights of others or herself because of her difficulty in taking care of herself, and possibly, harassment of other persons. However, on cross, the doctor conceded at this particular point in time, appellant was not in any grave or imminent risk to other persons, and had not made any threats against herself.
Scotti Mesarchik, the social worker assigned to appellant's case, testified she had been unable to gather information from appellant. Appellant exhibited hostility, and on each occasion when she was interviewed, gave a different name or title, for example, "Whispering Wind." The social worker testified appellant had not given any relevant information, and was not cooperating in any manner with any treatment.
R. C.
Appellant argues the record does not contain clear and convincing evidence that, at the time of the hearing, she presented a substantial risk of physical harm to herself or others.
In C. E. Morris Company v. Foley Construction Company (1978),
We have reviewed the record, and, applying the evidence to the factors set forth in Burton, supra, we find there is sufficient, competent and credible evidence that supports the court's judgment. Although Dr. Fern testified at this particular time, appellant did not present a risk to herself or others, he testified she had not improved since her commitment and refused all medication. Dr. Fern testified that when she arrived at the hospital, she had been unable to care for herself physically and was out of touch with reality. The doctor further testified appellant believed she had been exploited by other persons, but this could be delusions of persecution other than actual events. From this, we infer appellant's mental illness is not in a state of remission, and she lacks sufficient insight into her condition to cooperate with her treatment. In addition, her psychiatrist testified she had made no real progress, permitting the inference that if appellant was released rather than committed to in-patient hospitalization, she would present a substantial risk of physical harm to herself.
The assignment of error is overruled.
For the foregoing reasons, the judgment of the Court of Common Pleas, Probate Division, of Guernsey County, Ohio, is affirmed.
By GWIN, P.J., EDWARDS, J., and BOGGINS, J., concur
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.