California · Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC
WIC §5171: (a) If the facility for 72-hour treatment and evaluation of individuals under the influence of alcohol admits the person, it may detain the individual for evaluation and detoxification treatment, and
Read the full statutory text
(a) If the facility for 72-hour treatment and evaluation of individuals under the influence of alcohol admits the person, it may detain the individual for evaluation and detoxification treatment, and such other treatment as may be indicated, for a period not to exceed 72 hours. Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays shall be included for the purpose of calculating the 72-hour period. However, an individual may voluntarily remain in the facility for more than 72 hours if the professional person in charge of the facility determines the individual is in need of and may benefit from further treatment and care, provided any individual who is taken or caused to be taken to the facility shall have priority for available treatment and care over an individual who has voluntarily remained in a facility for more than 72 hours. (b) If in the judgment of the professional person in charge of the facility providing evaluation and treatment, the person can be properly served without being detained, the individual shall be provided evaluation, detoxification treatment or other treatment, crisis intervention, or other inpatient or outpatient services on a voluntary basis.
Verify at the official source: California legislative text
Facing this? Know exactly what happens next.
MOFRD turns this code section into your situation: the deadlines that apply to you, the forms your county uses, and the resolution paths people in your position actually take. Free for 3 days — no card required.
This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.