Meghan Miller appointed chief of Collin County's mental health counsel department

Jim Skinner Sheriff at Collin County | Official website

Collin County has announced the appointment of Meghan Miller as the new Chief of the Mental Health Managed Counsel (MHMC) Department. The Chief MHMC Attorney oversees operations for the Collin County Court Appointed Indigent Representation Department and the Mental Health Managed Counsel for District Courts and County Courts at Law.

In her new role, Miller will lead efforts to develop systematic solutions aimed at preventing defendants with mental illness from entering the criminal justice system. The MHMC office focuses on promptly identifying individuals diagnosed with mental illnesses and appointing specially trained attorneys to assist them in their criminal cases. The program also facilitates immediate intervention by connecting defendants with essential community resources such as mental health services, transportation, and housing.

Miller brings extensive experience to this position. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Law & Society from Purdue University and a Juris Doctor from Texas Wesleyan University School of Law. Her career began as an Assistant District Attorney in Dallas County, specializing in family violence cases. In private practice, she focused on representing clients in Collin County’s criminal and juvenile courts, emphasizing mental health cases.

“The increase in defendants with mental illness in our jails underscores the need for a dedicated approach to addressing their unique challenges,” said Miller. “I am honored to lead the MHMC Department and to work towards creating pathways that connect defendants not only with legal representation but also with the vital services they need to thrive outside of the criminal justice system.”

The Collin County MHMC Department addresses the growing number of individuals with mental illnesses who become involved in the criminal justice system by providing specialized legal representation and connecting defendants with critical community resources for a holistic approach to their care.