Program
Fact Sheet

Project
Administration

Monitoring and Completion

Entry Process

     The Northern Panhandle Mental Health Court Diversion Program is an important step in enhancing public safety and realistically dealing with the repeat offender whose "major crime" is untreated mental illness.

      This program is envisioned as a diversion program with a significant jail reduction component in the short and long term.  The program follows other mental health court models with early intervention and stable release into the community with a minimum yearlong intensive court supervised treatment plan and frequent court appearances.  The program is based upon an innovative dual tribunal system in which Magistrates are diverted misdemeanor offense cases and a Circuit Judge is diverted all felony offense cases.

      The members of the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia are indebted to the hard work, dedication, and commitment made by its staff, the members of the Mental Health Court Diversion Program Planning and Review Committee, judges, magistrates, and the mental health practitioners who have contributed to this fine effort on behalf of the citizens of this great state of West Virginia.

     We all look forward to the new court's success and to assist those in need of appropriate treatment and direction.  Than you for your support of the new Mental Health  Court Diversion Program.  

Diversion Program Judges and Magistrates

Circuit Court Judges:

Hon. Martin J. Gaughan
Hon. James P. Mazzone, Alternate

Magistrates:

Hon. David M. Buzzard - Marshall County
Hon. William S. Hicks, - Hancock County
Hon. Deborah K. Lunsford - Brooke County
Hon. Charles W. Murphy - Ohio County