Commencement of commitment proceedings; filing of written petition

Proceedings for the commitment of an individual pursuant to subchapter III of this chapter shall be commenced by the filing of a written petition with the Court in the manner and form prescribed by the Court. The petition may be filed by a parent or guardian with respect to an individual who is or is believed to have an intellectual disability. If filed by the parent or guardian, a copy of the petition shall be served on the respondent and on his or her counsel, retained or appointed pursuant to § 7-1304.02. The petition may be filed by the District in the case of an individual with an intellectual disability found incompetent in a criminal case. If filed by the District, a copy of the petition shall be served on the individual, the individual’s counsel, the individual’s parent or guardian, and the individual’s advocate for a person with an intellectual disability.