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Section 35 in the Courts

A Section 35 petition is a civil proceeding for people with an addiction. It allows someone who has an addiction to alcohol or legal or illegal drugs, or both, called a respondent, to be involuntarily committed to a treatment facility for up to 90 days.

Section 35 Video Guide

This video will walk you through the key steps and information you need to know about filing a Section 35 petition in the Boston Municipal Court, District Court, or Juvenile Court. This video was produced by the Boston Municipal Court Department.

Video: Guide to the Section 35 Process

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Section 35 petition and treatment

Filing a Section 35 petition

Find out what a Section 35 petition is, who can request one, and who is eligible for one.

Eligibility for Section 35 petitions  File a Section 35 petition  Mental health court forms 

Section 35 treatment

Find out where Section 35 treatment happens and learn what treatment is like.

Facilities and resources for Section 35 treatment  Treatment under Section 35 petitions 

Contact Information

Online

District Court locations
BMC locations
Juvenile Court locations

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