People suffering from psychological issues finally have a place to turn to in the Las Vegas court system.
The court system was designed long ago to hand down justice but now a new mental court is helping those who need it most.
A judge in Las Vegas’ mental health court says, without other options, mentally ill people are often thrown in jail and bound to repeat their crimes again.
This courtroom has a much different feel.
“How are you? How are things?” Las Vegas Municipal Court Judge Heidi Almase asks a defendant, or client, as she prefers to call them.
The court only deals with misdemeanors committed by people with psychological issues.
“I have a problem with stress and taking things in, and when so much is on me, I just want to not care anymore,” said Christopher Brown, defendant
The specialty court team is comprised of the judge, defense attorney, city attorney, and community treatment providers. What you won’t see is a public defender or prosecutor arguing.
In this court, everyone works to find the best solution for the defendant who is monitored and supervised. They have counseling, drug testing and are required to check in.
“We’ll be that one door, and we’ll hook you up with everything you need to be able to function,” said Judge Almase.
The goal is treatment, not incarceration.
“I still got time. I can watch him grow up. I hope one day, I mean soon I think, I will be able to be a father,” Brown said.
When Judge Almase pointed out that Brown was already a father, Brown replied that he just didn’t know how to be one.
“I know, but we can work on that,” Judge Almase said.
She says compassion and care are often more effective than punishing the sick.
Clark County already has a mental health court for felonies, the city court is for less serious crimes.
Judge Almase says it took years to find funding for the court, but thanks to the Las Vegas City Council it finally happened.