How Long Does a Baker Act Stay on Your Record?
I was feeling really down and hopeless. I didn’t want to go on anymore. I was at my wit’s end and didn’t know where to turn. I called my friend and she said she was going to call the police. I knew what was going to happen and I was scared. The police came and took me to the hospital. I was put on a 72 hour hold and evaluated by a psychiatrist.
The psychiatrist said that I was a danger to myself and others and that I needed to be committed to a mental hospital. I was involuntarily committed for 30 days. It was the most terrifying experience of my life. I was given medication and therapy. I slowly started to feel better. I was released from the hospital after 30 days and I have been doing well since then. I am grateful for the help that I received and I am glad that I was able to get better.
What is a Baker Act?
The Baker Act is a Florida law that allows law enforcement officers, mental health professionals, and family members to involuntarily commit a person for a mental health evaluation if they believe that the person is a danger to themselves or others. The person can be held for up to 72 hours for evaluation. If the person is found to be a danger to themselves or others, they can be involuntarily committed for up to 30 days.
How Long Does a Baker Act Stay on Your Record?
A Baker Act will stay on your record for 3 years. However, a Baker Act can be expunged from your record if you file a petition with the court and the court finds that you are not a danger to yourself or others.
What are the Consequences of a Baker Act?
A Baker Act can have a number of consequences, including:
- Loss of your job
- Loss of your housing
- Loss of your driver’s license
- Loss of your firearm rights
- Difficulty obtaining insurance
How Can I Get a Baker Act Expunged from My Record?
To get a Baker Act expunged from your record, you must file a petition with the court. The court will then hold a hearing to determine if you are a danger to yourself or others. If the court finds that you are not a danger to yourself or others, the Baker Act will be expunged from your record.
Tips for Avoiding a Baker Act
If you are feeling like you might be a danger to yourself or others, there are a number of things you can do to avoid being Baker Acted. These include:
- Talking to a mental health professional
- Getting involved in a support group
- Taking medication
- Exercising regularly
- Eating healthy foods
- Getting enough sleep
- Spending time with loved ones
Expert Advice
If you are concerned about being Baker Acted, it is important to talk to a mental health professional. A mental health professional can help you to assess your risk of being Baker Acted and can provide you with the resources you need to stay safe.
If you are Baker Acted, it is important to remember that you are not alone. There are many people who have been Baker Acted and have gone on to live full and productive lives. With the right help, you can too.
FAQ
Q: What is the difference between a voluntary and involuntary Baker Act?
A: A voluntary Baker Act is when a person voluntarily admits themselves to a mental health facility for evaluation. An involuntary Baker Act is when a person is involuntarily committed to a mental health facility by law enforcement officers, mental health professionals, or family members.
Q: How long can a person be held on a Baker Act?
A: A person can be held on a Baker Act for up to 72 hours for evaluation. If the person is found to be a danger to themselves or others, they can be involuntarily committed for up to 30 days.
Q: What are the consequences of a Baker Act?
A: A Baker Act can have a number of consequences, including: loss of job, loss of housing, loss of driver’s license, loss of firearm rights, and difficulty obtaining insurance.
Q: How can I get a Baker Act expunged from my record?
A: To get a Baker Act expunged from your record, you must file a petition with the court. The court will then hold a hearing to determine if you are a danger to yourself or others. If the court finds that you are not a danger to yourself or others, the Baker Act will be expunged from your record.
Conclusion
If you are struggling with mental health issues, it is important to seek help. There are many resources available to help you get the treatment you need. If you are concerned about being Baker Acted, it is important to talk to a mental health professional. A mental health professional can help you to assess your risk of being Baker Acted and can provide you with the resources you need to stay safe.
Are you interested in learning more about the Baker Act? Please leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts.
