Mental Health Court

12th District Court Mental Health Court Program

Honorable Robert K. Gaecke Jr., Mental Health Court Judge

Sonia Wicker, Mental Health Court Coordinator

Mission Statement 

It is the mission of the Jackson County Mental Health Court Program to improve public safety, efficiently use the resources of the Court’s criminal justice system & the mental health treatment system, and to improve the lives of defendants with a serious mental illness. 

 Overview

The Mental Health Court accepts misdemeanor and felony offenses. Judge Gaecke serves as both a District and Circuit Court Judge. This means Judge Gaecke is able to preside over felony cases that are accepted into the Mental Health Court. 

 Other requirements for the Mental Health Court include, but are not limited to, the following:

  1. Must be a county resident.
  2. Mental illness must be a component of the crime for which the individual is charged.
  3. An individual must have a preexisting mental illness diagnosis.

 Admittance

Defendants seek admittance through an application process. Anyone may complete an application on the defendant’s behalf (family members, arresting officer, jail personnel). Regardless of who completes the application, the defendant must agree to participate in the process. If the defendant doesn't agree, he/she is not considered for the program.

 Mental Health Assessment

If the individual meets the above requirements and is willing to participate, a formal mental health assessment is conducted. An assessment report is generated and reviewed by a "Treatment Team." The Treatment Team is comprised of the judge, a prosecuting attorney, a defense attorney, a representative of Lifeways (Jackson Co. CMHA), District and Circuit Court probation officers, and the program coordinator. Other potential team members may include representatives of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson City Police Department, or Henry Ford Allegiance Behavioral Health. The Treatment Team meets biweekly to discuss new applications and current participants.


Sentencing & Probation

Once sentenced, the participant is placed on a term of probation with specific requirements related to the Mental Health Court Program. Requirements may include, but are not limited to:

  1. Following treatment plans
  2. Taking medication as prescribed
  3. Refraining from the use of drugs and alcohol
  4. Attending biweekly review hearings

 For further information regarding the 12th District Court’s Mental Health Program or to make a referral, please reach out to the Mental Health Court Coordinator at swicker@mijackson.org.