People v. Cathy M.

Respondent, Cathy M., appeals the order of the circuit court of Kane County which granted the State’s petition to involuntarily administer psychotropic medications to respondent. On appeal, respondent claims that the trial court’s order must be reversed because (1) respondent was denied her right to be represented by counsel of her choice and (2) the State failed to inform respondent about the medications’ risks and benefits and prove by clear and convincing evidence that respondent lacked the capacity to make a reasoned decision about taking the medications. We reverse.

On April 10, 2000, the…