Prisoner – Involuntary Commitment and Medication

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WI Court of Appeals – District III

Case Name: Eau Claire County v. J.M.P.

Case No.: 2020AP2014-FT

Officials: STARK, P.J.

Focus: Prisoner – Involuntary Commitment and Medication

Jordan appeals an order extending his involuntary commitment under WIS. STAT. ch. 51 and an order for involuntary medication and treatment. Jordan contends reversal is warranted because the circuit court failed to “make specific factual findings with reference to the subdivision paragraph of WIS. STAT. § 51.20(1)(a)2. on which the recommitment [was] based,” as required by Langlade County v. D.J.W., 2020 WI 41, ¶3, 391 Wis. 2d 231, 942 N.W.2d 277. Jordan also argues Eau Claire County failed to meet its burden to prove that he is dangerous.

We agree with Jordan that the circuit court failed to make specific factual findings with respect to the subdivision paragraph of WIS. STAT. § 51.20(1)(a)2. on which his recommitment was based, as required by D.J.W. We therefore reverse the order extending Jordan’s commitment and the associated order for involuntary medication and treatment.

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Derek A Hawkins is Corporate Counsel, at Salesforce.