Opinion
No. 2011AP2099.
2012-02-1
In the matter of the MENTAL COMMITMENT OF NATHAN W. Winnebago County, Petitioner–Respondent, v. Nathan W., Respondent–Appellant.
Appeal from an order of the circuit court for Winnebago County: Karen L. Seifert, Judge. Affirmed.
¶ 1REILLY, J.
This appeal is decided by one judge pursuant to Wis. Stat. 752.31(2)(d) (2009–10). All references to the Wisconsin Statutes are to the 2009–10 version unless otherwise noted.
Nathan W. appeals from an order extending his civil commitment for mental health treatment. Nathan argues that Winnebago County failed to make the requisite showing of dangerousness, which in recommitment proceedings may be satisfied by showing that the individual would be a proper subject for commitment if treatment were withdrawn. Wis. Stat. § 51.20(1)(am). Because the evidence presented at Nathan's commitment hearing and all the reasonable inferences therefrom support the commitment, we affirm.
¶ 2 Wisconsin Stat. § 51.20(1) governs involuntary commitment for treatment. To commit a person, the County must show that the person is mentally ill and dangerous. Sec. § 51.20(1)(a) 1 and 2. However, under paragraph (am), if the person has been the subject of prior inpatient treatment due to an involuntary commitment, then the showing of dangerousness may be satisfied by showing “there is a substantial likelihood, based on the subject individual's treatment record, that the individual would be a proper subject for commitment if treatment were withdrawn.” Finally, regarding our standard of review, the factual findings of the circuit court will be overturned only if they are clearly erroneous and unsupported by the record. See Gerth v. Gerth, 159 Wis.2d 678, 682, 465 N.W.2d 507 (Ct.App.1990).
¶ 3 Here, Dr. Zerrien's testimony at the commitment hearing supported the circuit court's commitment order. Dr. Zerrien was Nathan's treating psychiatrist. Dr. Zerrien testified based on his treatment of Nathan and his review of Nathan's medical records. Dr. Zerrien testified that Nathan has bipolar disorder and that this mood disorder grossly impairs him when he is not under treatment, severely affecting his judgment and behavior. Dr. Zerrien testified that the appropriate level of treatment for Nathan would be on an outpatient basis, but that if treatment were withdrawn, Nathan would become a proper subject for commitment. The evidence was sufficient to support the circuit court's commitment order.
Order affirmed.
This opinion will not be published. SeeWis. Stat. RuleE 809.23(1)(b)4.