The Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court Behavioral Health Resource Connection (BHRC) is designed to change the response to crimes committed by people with a mental health diagnosis by focusing on community-based services rather than judicial system involvement.

Participation in this specialty court is voluntary and prioritizes behavioral health treatment and access to appropriate community support.

The Honorable Joshua J. Sánchez presides over Behavioral Health Court.

Many people with behavioral health challenges enter the justice system as a result of not addressing their behavioral health condition. These charges are often minor in nature and can likely be avoided in the future if proper treatment is available and accessed by the individual. The purpose of this court is to assess these individuals for their behavioral health needs and connect them to the appropriate providers and services. Individuals in this court will receive services and support based on their own unique needs and challenges. 

Appropriate cases for this court program would be those in which the individual’s behavioral health condition played a significant role in the charges for which they are accused. Cases can be considered for this court only if the prosecuting officer or the assistant district attorney are in agreement with the transfer, at which point the case will be transferred to Judge Joshua Sanchez. Once transferred to this specialty, diversion court, the participant will meet with the Behavioral Health Division’s case manager, who will conduct an initial meeting with the participant to determine what services the individual needs in order to address their behavioral health challenges. The case manager will then refer the individual to the appropriate treatment providers in the community and the participant will sign a Release of Information to ensure the Court can communicate directly with the treatment provider. 

The case manager will communicate directly with the provider to ensure the individual is connected to the behavioral health treatment provider. The case manager will connect with the participant and the provider at least once per month and will also assist with any other referrals or resources as needed. 

As we approach the period of 90 days, the case manager or program manager will request a clearance hearing before Judge Sanchez. The clearance hearing will be requested about 3 weeks prior to the 90-day program completion. If there are any issues of non-compliance the participant can have a hearing before Judge Sanchez and their case can be remanded back to the trial docket. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the Metropolitan Court Behavioral Health Division at 505-938-4272.

For more information, please find the program brochure.