David Everette v. Florida Dept. of Children & Families

SC05-1996

Mr. Everette, who has moderate mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy and schizoaffective disorder, has lived in the state's care since he was 16. He once faced criminal charges stemming from a fight in his group home but he was found not competent to stand trial. The charges were later dismissed and the trial court ordered that he be committed to a secure facility. In this appeal, he challenges his classification by the Third District Court of Appeal as a "forensic client," arguing he was committed under the state's civil mental health statute.

Miami-Dade County