My client in a Hennepin County case was accused of three violations of a Domestic Violence Order for Protection (OFP).  All had happened in the space of 2 1/2 months, including the first incident when he was in the hospital for mental illness evaluation.  He had a good job as a diesel mechanic, held a CDL (commercial driver’s license) and drove a bus, and had no prior criminal convictions.  Unfortunately, he violated the OFP 3 times  because he was depressed and obsessed with his estranged wife who had obtained the OFP.  He also had chemical dependency issues involving alcohol & marijuana.  As a result of the third alleged violation, my client was arrested and held in custody for 8 days.  At the next court appearance, I was able to convince the judge, who originally wanted to sentence my client to 20 days, to give the young man time served of 8 days due to his mental illness and no prior criminal record, and the need to attend to a large number of medical appointments.  At the end of the day on September 28, 2009, my client was released from Jail to go to his medical app0intments and he and his parents were very happy.  (27-CR-09-40051)