Court System Injustice
In Ohio, courts have broad power to order treatment as a condition of bond, probation, or Intervention in Lieu of Conviction (IILC) — but here’s what most people aren’t told:
You have the right to choose your provider.
The court cannot make a ruling on a level of care that you do not meet criteria for.
You have the right to ask questions about your care.
What the Law Says
Ohio Revised Code § 2951.041 allows treatment in place of conviction — but participation must be voluntary and clinically appropriate, not based on private referral deals.
OAC 5122-29 requires informed consent and individualized care — not one-size-fits-all mandates.
Where It Goes Wrong
Coercive referrals to one specific provider
No access to secular or evidence-based treatment
Jail used as punishment for relapse
Lack of informed consent or treatment choice
Important: You have the right to understand your treatment options, but you do not have the right to argue with or challenge a judge in court. Any concerns about provider choice or treatment conditions should be handled through your attorney or public defender, not during court proceedings. Disrupting the court can lead to serious legal consequences.
Know Your Rights
You can request a different provider
You can decline religious-based treatment
You must give informed consent
You can report unethical behavior
Report It
If you’ve been forced into a specific program, denied treatment options, or experienced coercion:
Report Medicaid fraud or misuse
Contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit:
P: 1-800-282-0515 Ohio Department of Medicaid – Report Fraud
Report behavioral health provider misconduct
File a Complaint with OhioMHASReport judicial misconduct or conflict of interest
Supreme Court of Ohio – Office of Disciplinary Counsel
How Recovery Justice Network Helps
We support people navigating the court-treatment pipeline by
Exposing unethical referral networks
Educating individuals and legal advocates on treatment rights
Connecting people to ethical, evidence-based care
Pushing for policy that protects treatment autonomy
Recovery begins with dignity — not coercion.
Disclaimer: Recovery Justice Network Initiative (RJNI) is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or representation. We provide education, advocacy, and support to empower individuals to understand and assert their rights. If you need legal advice, please contact a licensed attorney or your local public defender’s office.
