County of Dodge v. Michael J.K.

Dodge County appeals from an order dismissing an involuntary commitment proceeding for Michael J.K., an alleged alcoholic.

The County argues that the trial court erred in concluding that the language of § 51.45(13)(e), Stats., which states, among other things, that the person sought to be committed "shall have access" to all psychiatric and other records and reports, requires the County to file treatment reports and records with the trial court before proceeding to a final commitment hearing. We conclude that the County correctly reads the statute and we therefore reverse the order.

The facts…