Drummond comments on agreement reached in Briggs class-action lawsuit

OKLAHOMA CITY (Nov. 14, 2024) – Attorney General Gentner Drummond and plaintiffs’ attorneys have reached an agreement to settle a class-action federal lawsuit that will deliver justice for crime victims, save the state many millions of dollars, and ensure critical improvements for state mental health services provided through the criminal justice system.

Drummond lauded the agreement, which has now been endorsed by Gov. Stitt and the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS).

“This settlement is a significant win for Oklahoma,” he said. “Victims and their families no longer will have to endure unnecessary delays for justice to be served, our criminal justice system will be rid of problems that have plagued it for years and Oklahomans will save tens of millions in taxpayer dollars by avoiding the costs and risks of ongoing litigation.”

Filed in March 2023, Briggs v. Slatton-Hodges alleges ODMHSAS violated due process rights of some pretrial defendants by failing to provide timely court-ordered competency restoration services. Some inmates deemed incompetent to stand trial have escaped accountability in county jails for more than a year, resulting in delayed justice for crime victims.

The proposed consent decree outlines a strategic plan for justice to be administered in a timely fashion by improving ODMHSAS’ restoration services.

The four-member Contingency Review Board, which Gov. Stitt chairs, is expected to consider the agreement in January.