Involuntary Commitment

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WI Court of Appeals – District III

Case Name: St. Croix County v. B. T. C.

Case No.: 2023AP002085-FT

Officials: Hruz, J.

Focus: Involuntary Commitment

Bob appealed his involuntary commitment and medication orders under Wisconsin law. The court initially found probable cause for Bob’s mental illness and danger to himself or others, citing his statement about bringing a police chief to justice. However, the court of appeals reversed these orders, agreeing with Bob that the statement lacked sufficient context to prove dangerousness. Bob’s threatening statement was too vague to support a finding of dangerousness. The court required context to evaluate Bob’s statement, which was missing, thus failing to establish that Bob posed a substantial probability of harm to others.

The appeals court concluded that without clear evidence or proper admission of supporting documents, Bob’s statement did not meet the statutory standard for dangerousness. Therefore, the orders for his commitment and involuntary medication were reversed.

Reversed.

Decided 06/11/24

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