Today, Erik Neal kept interrupting his attorney court, twitching and he kept saying, "Sorry my bad" over and over. He seemed fine while communicating with the court bailiffs and his attorney.
I was there at the last court hearing for Neal,. For that hearing, he was out of custody. At that hearing Deputy District Attorney Tobias Hasler raised many of the same concerns that were raised at today's hearing. At the last hearing, Deputy Conflict Counsel Jennie Stepanian told Judge Dale Reinholtsen that her client needed a mental health evaluation.
Between that hearing and today's hearing, Neal has been back in custody.
Probation said Neal does not meet the criteria for involuntary psychiatric treatment.
Deputy District Attorney Joel Buckingham mentioned his violations of probations, arrests for assault and battery (PC 240/242).
"I understand our options are limited."
Judge Reinholtsen ordered that Neal be released tomorrow at 9 a.m. and that he receive outpatient treatment from DHHS mental health. Judge Reinholtsen said if someone from Probation could meet Neal to take him over to the Community Corrections Center, it would be helpful.
To most of you, Neal is just another name frequently arrested in Humboldt. To those who are his victims, his release on the street is a nightmare.
Is Neal's behavior the result of mental illness, drug or alcohol addiction?
What are the chances Neal will voluntarily comply and go to Mental Health? We will find out tomorrow after 9 a.m. if he choses to take advantage of the help offered.
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