Understanding Competency to Stand Trial in Criminal Proceedings
Explore the process of determining if a defendant is competent to stand trial, including raising the issue of incompetency, court-ordered evaluations, factors considered by experts, and competency disposition options. The procedures and considerations involved in assessing a defendant's ability to understand legal proceedings are outlined in detail.
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Presentation Transcript
INCOMPETENCY TO STAND TRIAL ART. 46B.003 Lacks rational and factual understanding of the proceedings Cannot consult with counsel Presumed competent Burden of Proof by a preponderance
Raising the Issue of Incompetency Art. 46B.004 Incompetency may be raised by: state defense the court any credible source Stay of all other proceedings
Informal Inquiry Art. 46B.004(c) What Is An Informal Inquiry? An informal inquiry is a hearing at which the moving party tries to convince the court that there is enough evidence of the defendant s incompetence to require a competency evaluation. The Rules of Evidence do not apply at an informal inquiry.
Court Ordered Evaluation of the Defendant If the court finds there is some evidence to indicate that the defendant is incompetent to stand trial, the court is required to order an examination of the defendant by one or more qualified experts to determine whether the defendant is incompetent to stand trial. Art. 46B.021(b).
Factors Experts Must Consider in Evaluating Defendants Art. 46B.02 The capacity of the defendant during criminal proceedings to: Rationally understand the charges against him Rationally understand the potential consequences of the pending criminal proceedings Disclose to counsel pertinent facts, events and states of mind Engage in a reasoned choice of legal strategies and options Understand the adversarial nature of the criminal proceedings Exhibit appropriate courtroom behavior; and testify
The Experts Report The report must state the expert s opinion on competency or incompetency and other factors set out in Art. 46B.025 Due in 30 days after Court s Order Copies to Court, State and Defense
Competency Disposition Options Agreed Competency Agreed Incompetency Trial Before the Court Trial Before a Jury
ISSUES AT THE COMPETENCY TRIAL and The New Ballgame Under 46B.071(b) 1. Competency 2. Likelihood of restoration 3. Mental Illness/Mental Retardation 4. Meeting Criteria
Found Incompetent and Likely To Be Restored Within the Foreseeable Future If it is found that an incompetent defendant is likely to be restored to competency within the foreseeable future, the court determines duration and place of commitment pursuant to Arts. 46B.072 or 46B.073 C.C.P.
THE COMMITMENT DETERMINATION The trial court determines place of commitment The court s options range from outpatient to maximum security.
DURATION OF INITIAL COMMITMENTS Felonies Inpatients and Outpatients 120 days Misdemeanors Inpatients 60 days Outpatients 120 days Art. 46B.072 and Art. 46B.073
Procedures on Credible Evidence of Immediate Restoration Art. 46B.0755
REDETERMINATION OF COMPETENCY ARTS. 46B.108-117
Notice of Defendants Return to Court Art. 46B.079 The outpatient provider or facility head is required to notify the court: When the treatment team believes defendant has attained competency When the treatment team believes defendant will not attain competency within the foreseeable future or Of impending expiration of defendant s commitment order at least 15 days before the commitment order is due to expire 1. 2. 3.
Procedures Upon Defendants Return to Court Civil Commitment Hearings Defendant s With Mental Retardation Defendants With Mental Illness Civil Commitment Issues Competency Mental Illness Inpatient criteria Expected 90 day duration of illness Been an inpatient for 60 consecutive days in preceding 12 months Duration of Commitment 12 months Civil Commitment Issues Competency Mental Retardation Criteria for Long Term Commitment Duration of Commitment Long Term
Maximum Period of Restoration and Time Credits Arts Art. 46B.009 Time Credits Art. 46B.0095 Maximum Period of Commitment or Outpatient Treatment Program Participation Determined by Maximum Term for Offense Art. 46B.010 Mandatory Dismissal of Misdemeanor Charges
Court Ordered Medication of Incompetent Defendants 46B.086 C.C.P. 574.106 Health and Safety Code Danger to Self or Others Lacks capacity to decide Defendant s best interest Filed by treating M.D. Applicable to defendants In custody awaiting trial In jail 72 hrs. awaiting transfer Under inpatient court order Failed 574.106 hearing Outpatients Restored Defendants MR Commitments In custody awaiting transfer to MH or MR facility Defendants in inpatient facilities Continuity of care plan requirement Testimony of 2 physicians required
