Legal Definitions - new court commitment

A new court commitment refers to a fresh legal order issued by a court that directs an individual to be placed in a specific institution. This institution could be a correctional facility, such as a prison or jail, or a mental health treatment center. This type of commitment typically arises from a new conviction, a finding of a probation or parole violation, or a judicial determination that the individual requires involuntary institutionalization for their own safety or the safety of others. It signifies a new, distinct directive from the court for institutional placement, rather than a continuation or modification of an existing order.

• Example 1 (Criminal Sentencing):

  After being found guilty of felony assault, Mr. Rodriguez is sentenced by the judge to serve five years in state prison. This sentencing constitutes a new court commitment.

  This illustrates the term because the court has issued a fresh, original order to send Mr. Rodriguez to a correctional facility (prison) as a direct result of his recent conviction, establishing a new period of institutionalization.

• Example 2 (Mental Health Involuntary Placement):

  Following a hearing where medical experts testified about Ms. Davies' severe mental health crisis and her inability to care for herself, a judge issues an order for her involuntary admission to a secure psychiatric hospital for treatment. This is a new court commitment.

  Here, the court has made a new determination and issued a fresh legal order to place Ms. Davies in a mental health facility, indicating a new period of involuntary institutional care based on her current condition.

• Example 3 (Probation Revocation):

  Sarah was serving a period of probation for a prior offense. After she failed multiple mandatory drug tests, the court held a hearing and determined she had violated the terms of her probation. The judge then revoked her probation and ordered her to serve 90 days in county jail. This order is a new court commitment.

  Even though Sarah had a previous legal status (probation), the court's decision to revoke it and send her to jail represents a fresh, new order for institutional placement. It's a new directive from the court for incarceration, distinct from her previous probationary status.