Neely was a subway performer who had dozens of prior arrests. His family has said he struggled with depression and schizophrenia and getting help.program that mandates treatment instead of jail.
The court was created in 2002 to provide treatment, instead of jail time, for people with serious mental illness who committed nonviolent crimes. Then, the district attorney and the defense attorney work out a plea deal that includes a potential prison term if the defendant fails the program.In order to begin the treatment plan, the defendant has to first plead guilty to the charges. "The case manager is responsible for making those referrals and scheduling the appointments," said O'Sullivan.
The judge says all of the treatment programs are voluntary and he can issue a bench warrant if participants don't comply. Criminal defense attorney Jonathan Fink says clients are typically in the program for at least one year.
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