§ 16.1-343. Involuntary commitment; duties of attorney for the minor
As far as possible in advance of any action taken pursuant to the filing of a petition under § 16.1-339, a hearing conducted under § 16.1-344, or an appeal from such a hearing, the minor's attorney shall interview the minor; the minor's parent, if available; the petitioner; and the qualified evaluator. He shall interview all other material witnesses, and examine all relevant diagnostic and other reports.
Any state or local agency, department, authority or institution and any school, hospital, physician or other health or mental health care provider shall permit the attorney appointed pursuant to this article to inspect and copy, without the consent of the minor or his parents, any records relating to the minor whom the attorney represents.
The obligation of the minor's attorney during the hearing or appeal is to interview witnesses, obtain independent experts when possible, cross-examine adverse witnesses, present witnesses on behalf of the minor, articulate the wishes of the minor, and otherwise fully represent the minor in the proceeding. Counsel appointed by the court shall be compensated in an amount not to exceed $100.
(1990, c. 975; 1993, c. 344; 2004, cc. 66, 1014; 2008, c. 807.)
Sections: Previous 16.1-336 16.1-337 16.1-338 16.1-339 16.1-340 16.1-341 16.1-342 16.1-343 16.1-344 16.1-345 16.1-345.1 16.1-346 16.1-346.1 16.1-347 16.1-348 NextLast modified: April 16, 2009