Opinion ID: 889899
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Security Hearing

Text: ¶ 21 T.J.F.'s counsel did not object to the security hearing. To preserve an objection for appeal, a party must state grounds for the objection that are sufficiently specific. In re B.I. & N.G., 2009 MT 350, ¶ 16, 353 Mont. 183, 218 P.3d 1235 ( citing State v. Benson, 1999 MT 324, ¶ 19, 297 Mont. 321, 992 P.2d 831.). Because T.J.F.'s trial counsel did not object to holding the security hearing without T.J.F. present, T.J.F. did not properly preserve this issue for appeal. ¶ 22 However, we note that any person involuntarily detained or against whom a petition for involuntary commitment has been filed has the right to be present at any hearing or trial. Sections 53-21-115(2), -116, MCA; In re Mental Health of L.K., 2009 MT 366, ¶ 12, 353 Mont. 246, 219 P.3d 1263. T.J.F. was not present for the security hearing held by the District Court and he argues this violates his right to be present at any hearing. At the security hearing, nothing about the underlying petition was decided. The security hearing was simply an administrative proceeding held to ensure the orderly conduct of the hearing on the State's petition. See § 3-1-111(3), MCA (every court has the power to provide for the orderly conduct of proceedings before it). The District Court made no ruling whatsoever on the State's petition, but ruled only on the issue of restraints. Once that issue was decided T.J.F. was promptly brought into the courtroom and was present for the entire commitment hearing.