Hospital Patient: State Forcing Her To Take Medication

Summary

Ivon Arista, a woman shot by police during a confrontation in April last year, has been in a state mental hospital since then, charged with terroristic threatening and found unfit for trial. She testified to prevent the state from forcing her to take antipsychotic medication, citing fear for her safety due to another patient. The judge sided with her, questioning why the state hadn't moved her if she was a threat. Without medication, Arista may never be considered fit for trial, leaving her in limbo at the hospital.

Takeaways

• 🔫 A woman named Ivan Arista was shot by police a year and a half ago during a confrontation.
• 🏥 Arista has been in the state mental hospital since the incident, deemed unfit for trial.
• 💉 The state wanted to force Arista to take antipsychotic medication, but she opposed it.
• 😟 Arista expressed fear for her safety, stating she doesn't trust a fellow patient.
• 🗡 The fellow patient had a violent past, having killed two people before being committed.
• 🗨 Arista admitted she was angry at the patient for stalking her but denied any intent to harm him.
• ⚖️ Arista's attorney argued that separating her from the patient was a better solution than forced medication.
• 🧑‍⚖️ The judge sided with the attorney, questioning why the state didn’t simply move Arista to a different wing.
• 🚫 The state did not provide enough evidence to prove that Arista was a threat.
• ⏳ Without medication, Arista remains in legal limbo, possibly delaying her trial indefinitely.

Q & A

Who is the woman mentioned in the transcript?

The woman mentioned is Ivon Arista, who was shot by police a year and a half ago and has been in the state mental hospital since then.

Why was Ivon Arista shot by the police?

Ivon Arista was shot by police with a taser and a bullet during a confrontation in April of last year, when she was found holding a barbecue skewer while defending her right to sleep near a King Street building.

What charges were filed against Ivon Arista?

Ivon Arista was charged with terroristic threatening following the confrontation with police.

Why is Ivon Arista currently in the state mental hospital?

She is in the state mental hospital because she was found unfit for trial after the incident and has been there for most of the time since she was shot.

What issue is Ivon Arista currently facing in the state hospital?

Ivon Arista is refusing to take antipsychotic medication despite officials claiming her condition has become dangerous.

What did Ivon Arista say to a male patient that raised concerns?

She made a threatening comment to a male patient, saying 'he needs to stop, I will kill him,' which raised concerns that she might act upon her statement.

What was Ivon Arista's explanation for her behavior towards the male patient?

Ivon Arista explained that she was afraid of the other patient and did not trust him, which she felt was logical given the situation.

What did Ivon Arista's attorney argue regarding her treatment?

Her attorney argued that instead of forcing medication, the hospital should try separating her from the patient she was afraid of.

What was the judge's decision on the matter of Ivon Arista's forced medication?

The judge agreed with Ivon Arista's attorney, questioning why the state had not moved her to another wing if she was truly considered a threat. The judge decided that the state had not provided enough evidence to justify forcing medication.

What are the implications of the judge's decision for Ivon Arista's case?

The judge's decision means that Ivon Arista remains in limbo. Without taking medication, she may never be deemed fit for trial, which could leave her in the hospital for an extended period.