Illinois General Assembly - Illinois Compiled Statutes

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405 ILCS 5/3-805

(405 ILCS 5/3-805) (from Ch. 91 1/2, par. 3-805)
Sec. 3-805.

Every respondent alleged to be subject to involuntary
admission on an inpatient or outpatient basis shall be represented by counsel.  If the respondent is indigent
or an appearance has not been entered on his behalf at the time the matter
is set for hearing, the court shall appoint counsel for him.  A hearing
shall not proceed when a respondent is not represented by counsel unless,
after conferring with counsel, the respondent requests to represent himself
and the court is satisfied that the respondent has the capacity to make
an informed waiver of his right to counsel.  Counsel shall be allowed time
for adequate preparation and shall not be prevented from conferring with
the respondent at reasonable times nor from making an investigation of the
matters in issue and presenting such relevant evidence as he believes is necessary.

1.  If the court determines that the respondent is unable to obtain counsel,
the court shall appoint as counsel an attorney employed by or under contract
with the Guardianship and Mental Health Advocacy Commission, if available.

2. If an attorney from the Guardianship and Mental Health Advocacy Commission
is not available, the court shall appoint as counsel the public defender
or, only if no public defender is available, an attorney licensed to practice
law in this State.

3. Upon filing with the court of a verified statement of legal services
rendered by the private attorney appointed pursuant to paragraph (2) of
this Section, the court shall determine a reasonable fee for such services.
If the respondent is unable to pay the fee, the court shall enter an order
upon the county to pay the entire fee or such amount as the respondent is unable to pay.

(Source: P.A. 96-1399, eff. 7-29-10; 96-1453, eff. 8-20-10.)