Los Angeles County Superior Court (Van Nuys)
(Courtesy of Judge Shellie Samuels)
VAN NUYS — In the past three years, Judge Shellie L. Samuels, who handles preliminary hearings, has seen more requests for mental health diversions, including for substance abuse, come through her courtroom.
The mental health diversion program, tied to a relatively new law, started almost three years ago.
To qualify, a defendant must have a qualifying diagnosis which significantly contributed to a cri... (continued)