In San Luis Obispo County, the posted section 11395 referral process uses a Probation information sheet and a separate release form, followed by a case-specific intake appointment. The release is voluntary: Form 815 says declining to sign does not affect treatment, enrollment, or benefits eligibility. Completing referral or intake does not guarantee treatment placement or dismissal. SLO Form 815 release
The referral handoff
The court’s information sheet is completed with information for the substance-use or mental-health and benefits evaluations. Its instructions direct defense counsel to send it with County Form 815 to the assigned Probation team, electronically or through the listed hard-copy routes. Probation then forwards the material to Social Services and Drug and Alcohol Services. Use the current court posting and counsel’s case-specific instructions for routing. SLO section 11395 information sheet · Current Department 10 postings
Form 815 is an information release, not a treatment application or court order. It allows the signer to initial agency-specific permissions, set limits on information sharing, and revoke the release as described in the form. Read the agencies and information covered before signing; do not send sensitive health or identifying information through an unapproved channel. The form expressly states that treatment, enrollment, or benefits eligibility will not be affected if the person does not sign. SLO Form 815 release
Find the appointment and keep the legal steps separate
The program intake sheet has a place for the person’s actual appointment date and directs the person to a later assessment appointment. Follow the date given for the case rather than relying on a blank form’s printed example. If the appointment or referral has not arrived, ask defense counsel to confirm receipt with the assigned Probation team. SLO program intake sheet
The statutory process is separate from this administrative handoff. Health and Safety Code section 11395 sets charge and prior-conviction conditions and addresses the plea, evaluation, treatment, and possible deferred judgment or dismissal. A referral, signed release, or completed intake alone does not satisfy those steps or promise dismissal. Health and Safety Code section 11395
For case-specific California criminal-defense help, contact the Law Offices of David S. Chesley at (800) 755-5174.