1367-1376
PENAL CODE
SECTION 1367-1376
1367. (a) A person cannot be tried or adjudged to punishment while
that person is mentally incompetent. A defendant is mentally
incompetent for purposes of this chapter if, as a result of mental
disorder or developmental disability, the defendant is unable to
understand the nature of the criminal proceedings or to assist
counsel in the conduct of a defense in a rational manner.
(b) Section 1370 shall apply to a person who is charged with a
felony and is incompetent as a result of a mental disorder. Sections
1367.1 and 1370.01 shall apply to a person who is charged with a
misdemeanor or misdemeanors only, and the judge finds reason to
believe that the defendant is mentally disordered, and may, as a
result of the mental disorder, be incompetent to stand trial. Section
1370.1 shall apply to a person who is incompetent as a result of a
developmental disability and shall apply to a person who is
incompetent as a result of a mental disorder, but is also
developmentally disabled.
1367.1. (a) During the pendency of an action and prior to judgment
in a case when the defendant has been charged with a misdemeanor or
misdemeanors only, if the defendant's behavior or other evidence
leads the judge to conclude that there is reason to believe that the
defendant is mentally disordered and as a result may be incompetent
to stand trial, the judge shall state this conclusion and his or her
reasons in the record. The judge shall inquire of the attorney for
the defendant whether, in the opinion of the attorney, the defendant
is mentally disordered. If the defendant is not represented by
counsel, the court shall appoint counsel. At the request of the
defendant or his or her counsel or upon its own motion, the court
shall recess the proceedings for as long as may be reasonably
necessary to permit counsel to confer with the defendant and to form
an opinion as to whether the defendant is mentally disordered at that
time.
(b) If counsel informs the court that he or she believes the
defendant is or may be mentally disordered, the court shall order
that the defendant be referred for evaluation and treatment in
accordance with Section 4011.6. If counsel informs the court that he
or she believes the defendant is not mentally disordered, the court
may nevertheless order that the defendant be referred for evaluation
and treatment in accordance with Section 4011.6. The judge may order
the facility providing evaluation and treatment to provide the court
a copy of the discharge summary at the conclusion of evaluation and
treatment.
(c) Except as provided in Section 1368.1, when an order for
evaluation and treatment in accordance with Section 4011.6 has been
issued, all proceedings in the criminal prosecution shall be
suspended until the evaluation and treatment has been concluded.
If a jury has been impaneled and sworn to try the defendant, the
jury may be discharged if it appears to the court that undue hardship
to the jurors would result if the jury is retained on call.
(d) When evaluation and treatment ordered pursuant to this section
has concluded, the defendant shall be returned to court. If it
appears to the judge that the defendant is competent to stand trial,
the criminal process shall resume, the trial on the offense or
offenses charged shall proceed, and judgment may be pronounced. If
the judge has reason to believe that the defendant may be incompetent
to stand trial despite the treatment ordered pursuant to this
section, the judge may order that the question of the defendant's
mental competence to stand trial is to be determined in a hearing
held pursuant to Sections 1368.1 and 1369. If the defendant is found
mentally incompetent, then the provision of Section 1370.01 shall
apply.
1368. (a) If, during the pendency of an action and prior to
judgment, a doubt arises in the mind of the judge as to the mental
competence of the defendant, he or she shall state that doubt in the
record and inquire of the attorney for the defendant whether, in the
opinion of the attorney, the defendant is mentally competent. If the
defendant is not represented by counsel, the court shall appoint
counsel. At the request of the defendant or his or her counsel or
upon its own motion, the court shall recess the proceedings for as
long as may be reasonably necessary to permit counsel to confer with
the defendant and to form an opinion as to the mental competence of
the defendant at that point in time.
(b) If counsel informs the court that he or she believes the
defendant is or may be mentally incompetent, the court shall order
that the question of the defendant's mental competence is to be
determined in a hearing which is held pursuant to Sections 1368.1 and
1369. If counsel informs the court that he or she believes the
defendant is mentally competent, the court may nevertheless order a
hearing. Any hearing shall be held in the superior court.
(c) Except as provided in Section 1368.1, when an order for a
hearing into the present mental competence of the defendant has been
issued, all proceedings in the criminal prosecution shall be
suspended until the question of the present mental competence of the
defendant has been determined.
If a jury has been impaneled and sworn to try the defendant, the
jury shall be discharged only if it appears to the court that undue
hardship to the jurors would result if the jury is retained on call.
If the defendant is declared mentally incompetent, the jury shall
be discharged.
1368.1. (a) If the action is on a complaint charging a felony,
proceedings to determine mental competence shall be held prior to the
filing of an information unless the counsel for the defendant
requests a preliminary examination under the provisions of Section
859b. At such preliminary examination, counsel for the defendant may
(1) demur, (2) move to dismiss the complaint on the ground that there
is not reasonable cause to believe that a felony has been committed
and that the defendant is guilty thereof, or (3) make a motion under
Section 1538.5.
(b) If the action is on a complaint charging a misdemeanor,
counsel for the defendant may (1) demur, (2) move to dismiss the
complaint on the ground that there is not reasonable cause to believe
that a public offense has been committed and that the defendant is
guilty thereof, or (3) make a motion under Section 1538.5.
(c) In ruling upon any demurrer or motion described in subdivision
(a) or (b), the court may hear any matter which is capable of fair
determination without the personal participation of the defendant.
(d) A demurrer or motion described in subdivision (a) or (b) shall
be made in the court having jurisdiction over the complaint. The
defendant shall not be certified until the demurrer or motion has
been decided.
1369. A trial by court or jury of the question of mental competence
shall proceed in the following order:
(a) The court shall appoint a psychiatrist or licensed
psychologist, and any other expert the court may deem appropriate, to
examine the defendant. In any case where the defendant or the
defendant's counsel informs the court that the defendant is not
seeking a finding of mental incompetence, the court shall appoint two
psychiatrists, licensed psychologists, or a combination thereof. One
of the psychiatrists or licensed psychologists may be named by the
defense and one may be named by the prosecution. The examining
psychiatrists or licensed psychologists shall evaluate the nature of
the defendant's mental disorder, if any, the defendant's ability or
inability to understand the nature of the criminal proceedings or
assist counsel in the conduct of a defense in a rational manner as a
result of a mental disorder and, if within the scope of their
licenses and appropriate to their opinions, whether or not treatment
with antipsychotic medication is medically appropriate for the
defendant and whether antipsychotic medication is likely to restore
the defendant to mental competence. If an examining psychologist is
of the opinion that antipsychotic medication may be medically
appropriate for the defendant and that the defendant should be
evaluated by a psychiatrist to determine if antipsychotic medication
is medically appropriate, the psychologist shall inform the court of
this opinion and his or her recommendation as to whether a
psychiatrist should examine the defendant. The examining
psychiatrists or licensed psychologists shall also address the issues
of whether the defendant has capacity to make decisions regarding
antipsychotic medication and whether the defendant is a danger to
self or others. If the defendant is examined by a psychiatrist and
the psychiatrist forms an opinion as to whether or not treatment with
antipsychotic medication is medically appropriate, the psychiatrist
shall inform the court of his or her opinions as to the likely or
potential side effects of the medication, the expected efficacy of
the medication, possible alternative treatments, and whether it is
medically appropriate to administer antipsychotic medication in the
county jail. If it is suspected the defendant is developmentally
disabled, the court shall appoint the director of the regional center
for the developmentally disabled established under Division 4.5
(commencing with Section 4500) of the Welfare and Institutions Code,
or the designee of the director, to examine the defendant. The court
may order the developmentally disabled defendant to be confined for
examination in a residential facility or state hospital.
The regional center director shall recommend to the court a
suitable residential facility or state hospital. Prior to issuing an
order pursuant to this section, the court shall consider the
recommendation of the regional center director. While the person is
confined pursuant to order of the court under this section, he or she
shall be provided with necessary care and treatment.
(b) (1) The counsel for the defendant shall offer evidence in
support of the allegation of mental incompetence.
(2) If the defense declines to offer any evidence in support of
the allegation of mental incompetence, the prosecution may do so.
(c) The prosecution shall present its case regarding the issue of
the defendant's present mental competence.
(d) Each party may offer rebutting testimony, unless the court,
for good reason in furtherance of justice, also permits other
evidence in support of the original contention.
(e) When the evidence is concluded, unless the case is submitted
without final argument, the prosecution shall make its final argument
and the defense shall conclude with its final argument to the court
or jury.
(f) In a jury trial, the court shall charge the jury, instructing
them on all matters of law necessary for the rendering of a verdict.
It shall be presumed that the defendant is mentally competent unless
it is proved by a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant is
mentally incompetent. The verdict of the jury shall be unanimous.
1369.1. (a) As used in this chapter, for the sole purpose of
administering antipsychotic medication pursuant to a court order,
"treatment facility" includes a county jail. Upon the concurrence of
the county board of supervisors, the county mental health director,
and the county sheriff, the jail may be designated to provide
medically approved medication to defendants found to be mentally
incompetent and unable to provide informed consent due to a mental
disorder, pursuant to this chapter. In the case of Madera, Napa, and
Santa Clara Counties, the concurrence shall be with the board of
supervisors, the county mental health director, and the county
sheriff or the chief of corrections. The provisions of Sections 1370
and 1370.01 shall apply to antipsychotic medications provided in a
county jail, provided, however, that the maximum period of time a
defendant may be treated in a treatment facility pursuant to this
section shall not exceed six months.
(b) The State Department of Mental Health shall report to the
Legislature on or before January 1, 2009, on all of the following:
(1) The number of defendants in the state who are incompetent to
stand trial.
(2) The resources available at state hospitals and local mental
health facilities, other than jails, for returning these defendants
to competence.
(3) Additional resources that are necessary to reasonably treat,
in a reasonable period of time, at the state and local levels,
excluding jails, defendants who are incompetent to stand trial.
(4) What, if any, statewide standards and organizations exist
concerning local treatment facilities that could treat defendants who
are incompetent to stand trial.
(5) Address the concerns regarding defendants who are incompetent
to stand trial who are currently being held in jail awaiting
treatment.
(c) This section does not abrogate or limit any provision of law
enacted to ensure the due process rights set forth in Sell v. United
States (2003) 539 U.S. 166.
(d) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1,
2015, and as of that date is repealed, unless a later enacted
statute, that is enacted before January 1, 2015, deletes or extends
that date.
1370. (a) (1) (A) If the defendant is found mentally competent, the
criminal process shall resume, the trial on the offense charged
shall proceed, and judgment may be pronounced.
(B) If the defendant is found mentally incompetent, the trial or
judgment shall be suspended until the person becomes mentally
competent.
(i) In the meantime, the court shall order that the mentally
incompetent defendant be delivered by the sheriff to a state hospital
for the care and treatment of the mentally disordered, or to any
other available public or private treatment facility approved by the
community program director that will promote the defendant's speedy
restoration to mental competence, or placed on outpatient status as
specified in Section 1600.
(ii) However, if the action against the defendant who has been
found mentally incompetent is on a complaint charging a felony
offense specified in Section 290, the prosecutor shall determine
whether the defendant previously has been found mentally incompetent
to stand trial pursuant to this chapter on a charge of a Section 290
offense, or whether the defendant is currently the subject of a
pending Section 1368 proceeding arising out of a charge of a Section
290 offense. If either determination is made, the prosecutor shall so
notify the court and defendant in writing. After this notification,
and opportunity for hearing, the court shall order that the defendant
be delivered by the sheriff to a state hospital or other secure
treatment facility for the care and treatment of the mentally
disordered unless the court makes specific findings on the record
that an alternative placement would provide more appropriate
treatment for the defendant and would not pose a danger to the health
and safety of others.
(iii) If the action against the defendant who has been found
mentally incompetent is on a complaint charging a felony offense
specified in Section 290 and the defendant has been denied bail
pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 12 of Article I of the
California Constitution because the court has found, based upon clear
and convincing evidence, a substantial likelihood that the person's
release would result in great bodily harm to others, the court shall
order that the defendant be delivered by the sheriff to a state
hospital for the care and treatment of the mentally disordered unless
the court makes specific findings on the record that an alternative
placement would provide more appropriate treatment for the defendant
and would not pose a danger to the health and safety of others.
(iv) The clerk of the court shall notify the Department of Justice
in writing of any finding of mental incompetence with respect to a
defendant who is subject to clause (ii) or (iii) for inclusion in his
or her state summary criminal history information.
(C) Upon the filing of a certificate of restoration to competence,
the court shall order that the defendant be returned to court in
accordance with Section 1372. The court shall transmit a copy of its
order to the community program director or a designee.
(D) A defendant charged with a violent felony may not be delivered
to a state hospital or treatment facility pursuant to this
subdivision unless the state hospital or treatment facility has a
secured perimeter or a locked and controlled treatment facility, and
the judge determines that the public safety will be protected.
(E) For purposes of this paragraph, "violent felony" means an
offense specified in subdivision (c) of Section 667.5.
(F) A defendant charged with a violent felony may be placed on
outpatient status, as specified in Section 1600, only if the court
finds that the placement will not pose a danger to the health or
safety of others. If the court places a defendant charged with a
violent felony on outpatient status, as specified in Section 1600,
the court must serve copies of the placement order on defense
counsel, the sheriff in the county where the defendant will be placed
and the district attorney for the county in which the violent felony
charges are pending against the defendant.
(2) Prior to making the order directing that the defendant be
confined in a state hospital or other treatment facility or placed on
outpatient status, the court shall proceed as follows:
(A) The court shall order the community program director or a
designee to evaluate the defendant and to submit to the court within
15 judicial days of the order a written recommendation as to whether
the defendant should be required to undergo outpatient treatment, or
committed to a state hospital or to any other treatment facility. No
person shall be admitted to a state hospital or other treatment
facility or placed on outpatient status under this section without
having been evaluated by the community program director or a
designee.
(B) The court shall hear and determine whether the defendant, with
advice of his or her counsel, consents to the administration of
antipsychotic medication, and shall proceed as follows:
(i) If the defendant, with advice of his or her counsel, consents,
the court order of commitment shall include confirmation that
antipsychotic medication may be given to the defendant as prescribed
by a treating psychiatrist pursuant to the defendant's consent. The
commitment order shall also indicate that, if the defendant withdraws
consent for antipsychotic medication, after the treating
psychiatrist complies with the provisions of subparagraph (C), the
defendant shall be returned to court for a hearing in accordance with
this subdivision regarding whether antipsychotic medication shall be
administered involuntarily.
(ii) If the defendant does not consent to the administration of
medication, the court shall hear and determine whether any of the
following is true:
(I) The defendant lacks capacity to make decisions regarding
antipsychotic medication, the defendant's mental disorder requires
medical treatment with antipsychotic medication, and, if the
defendant's mental disorder is not treated with antipsychotic
medication, it is probable that serious harm to the physical or
mental health of the patient will result. Probability of serious harm
to the physical or mental health of the defendant requires evidence
that the defendant is presently suffering adverse effects to his or
her physical or mental health, or the defendant has previously
suffered these effects as a result of a mental disorder and his or
her condition is substantially deteriorating. The fact that a
defendant has a diagnosis of a mental disorder does not alone
establish probability of serious harm to the physical or mental
health of the defendant.
(II) The defendant is a danger to others, in that the defendant
has inflicted, attempted to inflict, or made a serious threat of
inflicting substantial physical harm on another while in custody, or
the defendant had inflicted, attempted to inflict, or made a serious
threat of inflicting substantial physical harm on another that
resulted in his or her being taken into custody, and the defendant
presents, as a result of mental disorder or mental defect, a
demonstrated danger of inflicting substantial physical harm on
others. Demonstrated danger may be based on an assessment of the
defendant's present mental condition, including a consideration of
past behavior of the defendant within six years prior to the time the
defendant last attempted to inflict, inflicted, or threatened to
inflict substantial physical harm on another, and other relevant
evidence.
(III) The people have charged the defendant with a serious crime
against the person or property; involuntary administration of
antipsychotic medication is substantially likely to render the
defendant competent to stand trial; the medication is unlikely to
have side effects that interfere with the defendant's ability to
understand the nature of the criminal proceedings or to assist
counsel in the conduct of a defense in a reasonable manner; less
intrusive treatments are unlikely to have substantially the same
results; and antipsychotic medication is in the patient's best
medical interest in light of his or her medical condition.
(iii) If the court finds any of the conditions described in clause
(ii) to be true, the court shall issue an order authorizing the
treatment facility to involuntarily administer antipsychotic
medication to the defendant when and as prescribed by the defendant's
treating psychiatrist. The court shall not order involuntary
administration of psychotropic medication under subclause (III) of
clause (ii) unless the court has first found that the defendant does
not meet the criteria for involuntary administration of psychotropic
medication under subclause (I) of clause (ii) and does not meet the
criteria under subclause (II) of clause (ii).
(iv) In all cases, the treating hospital, facility or program may
administer medically appropriate antipsychotic medication prescribed
by a psychiatrist in an emergency as described in subdivision (m) of
Section 5008 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.
(v) Any report made pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (b)
shall include a description of any antipsychotic medication
administered to the defendant and its effects and side effects,
including effects on the defendant's appearance or behavior that
would affect the defendant's ability to understand the nature of the
criminal proceedings or to assist counsel in the conduct of a defense
in a reasonable manner. During the time the defendant is confined in
a state hospital or other treatment facility or placed on outpatient
status, either the defendant or the people may request that the
court review any order made pursuant to this subdivision. The
defendant, to the same extent enjoyed by other patients in the state
hospital or other treatment facility, shall have the right to contact
the Patients' Rights Advocate regarding his or her rights under this
section.
(C) If the defendant consented to antipsychotic medication as
described in clause (i) of subparagraph (B), but subsequently
withdraws his or her consent, or, if involuntary antipsychotic
medication was not ordered pursuant to clause (ii) of subparagraph
(B), and the treating psychiatrist determines that antipsychotic
medication has become medically necessary and appropriate, the
treating psychiatrist shall make efforts to obtain informed consent
from the defendant for antipsychotic medication. If informed consent
is not obtained from the defendant, and the treating psychiatrist is
of the opinion that the defendant lacks capacity to make decisions
regarding antipsychotic medication as specified in subclause (I) of
clause (ii) of subparagraph (B), or that the defendant is a danger to
others as specified in subclause (II) of clause (ii) of subparagraph
(B), the committing court shall be notified of this, including an
assessment of the current mental status of the defendant and the
opinion of the treating psychiatrist that involuntary antipsychotic
medication has become medically necessary and appropriate. The court
shall provide notice to the prosecuting attorney and to the attorney
representing the defendant and shall set a hearing to determine
whether involuntary antipsychotic medication should be ordered in the
manner described in subparagraph (B).
(3) When the court orders that the defendant be confined in a
state hospital or other public or private treatment facility, the
court shall provide copies of the following documents which shall be
taken with the defendant to the state hospital or other treatment
facility where the defendant is to be confined:
(A) The commitment order, including a specification of the
charges.
(B) A computation or statement setting forth the maximum term of
commitment in accordance with subdivision (c).
(C) A computation or statement setting forth the amount of credit
for time served, if any, to be deducted from the maximum term of
commitment.
(D) State summary criminal history information.
(E) Any arrest reports prepared by the police department or other
law enforcement agency.
(F) Any court-ordered psychiatric examination or evaluation
reports.
(G) The community program director's placement recommendation
report.
(H) Records of any finding of mental incompetence pursuant to this
chapter arising out of a complaint charging a felony offense
specified in Section 290 or any pending Section 1368 proceeding
arising out of a charge of a Section 290 offense.
(4) When the defendant is committed to a treatment facility
pursuant to clause (i) of subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) or the
court makes the findings specified in clause (ii) or (iii) of
subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) to assign the defendant to a
treatment facility other than a state hospital or other secure
treatment facility, the court shall order that notice be given to the
appropriate law enforcement agency or agencies having local
jurisdiction at the site of the placement facility of any finding of
mental incompetence pursuant to this chapter arising out of a charge
of a Section 290 offense.
(5) When directing that the defendant be confined in a state
hospital pursuant to this subdivision, the court shall select the
hospital in accordance with the policies established by the State
Department of Mental Health.
(6) (A) If the defendant is committed or transferred to a state
hospital pursuant to this section, the court may, upon receiving the
written recommendation of the medical director of the state hospital
and the community program director that the defendant be transferred
to a public or private treatment facility approved by the community
program director, order the defendant transferred to that facility.
If the defendant is committed or transferred to a public or private
treatment facility approved by the community program director, the
court may, upon receiving the written recommendation of the community
program director, transfer the defendant to a state hospital or to
another public or private treatment facility approved by the
community program director. In the event of dismissal of the criminal
charges before the defendant recovers competence, the person shall
be subject to the applicable provisions of the Lanterman-Petris-Short
Act (Part 1 (commencing with Section 5000) of Division 5 of the
Welfare and Institutions Code). Where either the defendant or the
prosecutor chooses to contest either kind of order of transfer, a
petition may be filed in the court for a hearing, which shall be held
if the court determines that sufficient grounds exist. At the
hearing, the prosecuting attorney or the defendant may present
evidence bearing on the order of transfer. The court shall use the
same standards as are used in conducting probation revocation
hearings pursuant to Section 1203.2.
Prior to making an order for transfer under this section, the
court shall notify the defendant, the attorney of record for the
defendant, the prosecuting attorney, and the community program
director or a designee.
(B) If the defendant is initially committed to a state hospital or
secure treatment facility pursuant to clause (ii) or (iii) of
subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) and is subsequently transferred to
any other facility, copies of the documents specified in paragraph
(3) shall be taken with the defendant to each subsequent facility to
which the defendant is transferred. The transferring facility shall
also notify the appropriate law enforcement agency or agencies having
local jurisdiction at the site of the new facility that the
defendant is a person subject to clause (ii) or (iii) of subparagraph
(B) of paragraph (1).
(b) (1) Within 90 days of a commitment made pursuant to
subdivision (a), the medical director of the state hospital or other
treatment facility to which the defendant is confined shall make a
written report to the court and the community program director for
the county or region of commitment, or a designee, concerning the
defendant's progress toward recovery of mental competence. Where the
defendant is on outpatient status, the outpatient treatment staff
shall make a written report to the community program director
concerning the defendant's progress toward recovery of mental
competence. Within 90 days of placement on outpatient status, the
community program director shall report to the court on this matter.
If the defendant has not recovered mental competence, but the report
discloses a substantial likelihood that the defendant will regain
mental competence in the foreseeable future, the defendant shall
remain in the state hospital or other treatment facility or on
outpatient status. Thereafter, at six-month intervals or until the
defendant becomes mentally competent, where the defendant is confined
in a treatment facility, the medical director of the hospital or
person in charge of the facility shall report in writing to the court
and the community program director or a designee regarding the
defendant's progress toward recovery of mental competence. Where the
defendant is on outpatient status, after the initial 90-day report,
the outpatient treatment staff shall report to the community program
director on the defendant's progress toward recovery, and the
community program director shall report to the court on this matter
at six-month intervals. A copy of these reports shall be provided to
the prosecutor and defense counsel by the court. If the report
indicates that there is no substantial likelihood that the defendant
will regain mental competence in the foreseeable future, the
committing court shall order the defendant to be returned to the
court for proceedings pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (c).
The court shall transmit a copy of its order to the community program
director or a designee.
(2) Any defendant who has been committed or has been on outpatient
status for 18 months and is still hospitalized or on outpatient
status shall be returned to the committing court where a hearing
shall be held pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 1369.
The court shall transmit a copy of its order to the community program
director or a designee.
(3) If it is determined by the court that no treatment for the
defendant's mental impairment is being conducted, the defendant shall
be returned to the committing court. The court shall transmit a copy
of its order to the community program director or a designee.
(4) At each review by the court specified in this subdivision, the
court shall determine if the security level of housing and treatment
is appropriate and may make an order in accordance with its
determination.
(c) (1) At the end of three years from the date of commitment or a
period of commitment equal to the maximum term of imprisonment
provided by law for the most serious offense charged in the
information, indictment, or misdemeanor complaint, whichever is
shorter, a defendant who has not recovered mental competence shall be
returned to the committing court. The court shall notify the
community program director or a designee of the return and of any
resulting court orders.
(2) Whenever any defendant is returned to the court pursuant to
paragraph (1) or (2) of subdivision (b) or paragraph (1) of this
subdivision and it appears to the court that the defendant is gravely
disabled, as defined in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) of
subdivision (h) of Section 5008 of the Welfare and Institutions Code,
the court shall order the conservatorship investigator of the county
of commitment of the defendant to initiate conservatorship
proceedings for the defendant pursuant to Chapter 3 (commencing with
Section 5350) of Part 1 of Division 5 of the Welfare and Institutions
Code. Any hearings required in the conservatorship proceedings shall
be held in the superior court in the county that ordered the
commitment. The court shall transmit a copy of the order directing
initiation of conservatorship proceedings to the community program
director or a designee, the sheriff and the district attorney of the
county in which criminal charges are pending, and the defendant's
counsel of record. The court shall notify the community program
director or a designee, the sheriff and district attorney of the
county in which criminal charges are pending, and the defendant's
counsel of record of the outcome of the conservatorship proceedings.
(3) If a change in placement is proposed for a defendant who is
committed pursuant to subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) of
subdivision (h) of Section 5008 of the Welfare and Institutions Code,
the court shall provide notice and an opportunity to be heard with
respect to the proposed placement of the defendant to the sheriff and
the district attorney of the county in which criminal charges are
pending.
(4) Where the defendant is confined in a treatment facility, a
copy of any report to the committing court regarding the defendant's
progress toward recovery of mental competence shall be provided by
the committing court to the prosecutor and to the defense counsel.
(d) The criminal action remains subject to dismissal pursuant to
Section 1385. If the criminal action is dismissed, the court shall
transmit a copy of the order of dismissal to the community program
director or a designee.
(e) If the criminal charge against the defendant is dismissed, the
defendant shall be released from any commitment ordered under this
section, but without prejudice to the initiation of any proceedings
that may be appropriate under the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act, Part 1
(commencing with Section 5000) of Division 5 of the Welfare and
Institutions Code.
(f) As used in this chapter, "community program director" means
the person, agency, or entity designated by the State Department of
Mental Health pursuant to Section 1605 of this code and Section 4360
of the Welfare and Institutions Code.
(g) For the purpose of this section, "secure treatment facility"
shall not include, except for state mental hospitals, state
developmental centers, and correctional treatment facilities, any
facility licensed pursuant to Chapter 2 (commencing with Section
1250) of, Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 1500) of, or Chapter 3.2
(commencing with Section 1569) of, Division 2 of the Health and
Safety Code, or any community board and care facility.
1370.01. (a) (1) If the defendant is found mentally competent, the
criminal process shall resume, the trial on the offense charged shall
proceed, and judgment may be pronounced. If the defendant is found
mentally incompetent, the trial or judgment shall be suspended until
the person becomes mentally competent, and the court shall order that
(A) in the meantime, the defendant be delivered by the sheriff to an
available public or private treatment facility approved by the
county mental health director that will promote the defendant's
speedy restoration to mental competence, or placed on outpatient
status as specified in this section, and (B) upon the filing of a
certificate of restoration to competence, the defendant be returned
to court in accordance with Section 1372. The court shall transmit a
copy of its order to the county mental health director or his or her
designee.
(2) Prior to making the order directing that the defendant be
confined in a treatment facility or placed on outpatient status, the
court shall proceed as follows:
(A) The court shall order the county mental health director or his
or her designee to evaluate the defendant and to submit to the court
within 15 judicial days of the order a written recommendation as to
whether the defendant should be required to undergo outpatient
treatment, or committed to a treatment facility. No person shall be
admitted to a treatment facility or placed on outpatient status under
this section without having been evaluated by the county mental
health director or his or her designee. No person shall be admitted
to a state hospital under this section unless the county mental
health director finds that there is no less restrictive appropriate
placement available and the county mental health director has a
contract with the State Department of Mental Health for these
placements.
(B) The court shall hear and determine whether the defendant, with
advice of his or her counsel, consents to the administration of
antipsychotic medication, and shall proceed as follows:
(i) If the defendant, with advice of his or her counsel, consents,
the court order of commitment shall include confirmation that
antipsychotic medication may be given to the defendant as prescribed
by a treating psychiatrist pursuant to the defendant's consent. The
commitment order shall also indicate that, if the defendant withdraws
consent for antipsychotic medication, after the treating
psychiatrist complies with the provisions of subparagraph (C), the
defendant shall be returned to court for a hearing in accordance with
this subdivision regarding whether antipsychotic medication shall be
administered involuntarily.
(ii) If the defendant does not consent to the administration of
medication, the court shall hear and determine whether any of the
following is true:
(I) The defendant lacks capacity to make decisions regarding
antipsychotic medication, the defendant's mental disorder requires
medical treatment with antipsychotic medication, and, if the
defendant's mental disorder is not treated with antipsychotic
medication, it is probable that serious harm to the physical or
mental health of the patient will result. Probability of serious harm
to the physical or mental health of the defendant requires evidence
that the defendant is presently suffering adverse effects to his or
her physical or mental health, or the defendant has previously
suffered these effects as a result of a mental disorder and his or
her condition is substantially deteriorating. The fact that a
defendant has a diagnosis of a mental disorder does not alone
establish probability of serious harm to the physical or mental
health of the defendant.
(II) The defendant is a danger to others, in that the defendant
has inflicted, attempted to inflict, or made a serious threat of
inflicting substantial physical harm on another while in custody, or
the defendant had inflicted, attempted to inflict, or made a serious
threat of inflicting substantial physical harm on another that
resulted in his or her being taken into custody, and the defendant
presents, as a result of mental disorder or mental defect, a
demonstrated danger of inflicting substantial physical harm on
others. Demonstrated danger may be based on an assessment of the
defendant's present mental condition, including a consideration of
past behavior of the defendant within six years prior to the time the
defendant last attempted to inflict, inflicted, or threatened to
inflict substantial physical harm on another, and other relevant
evidence.
(III) The people have charged the defendant with a serious crime
against the person or property; involuntary administration of
antipsychotic medication is substantially likely to render the
defendant competent to stand trial; the medication is unlikely to
have side effects that interfere with the defendant's ability to
understand the nature of the criminal proceedings or to assist
counsel in the conduct of a defense in a reasonable manner; less
intrusive treatments are unlikely to have substantially the same
results; and antipsychotic medication is in the patient's best
medical interest in light of his or her medical condition.
(iii) If the court finds any of the conditions described in clause
(ii) to be true, the court shall issue an order authorizing the
treatment facility to involuntarily administer antipsychotic
medication to the defendant when and as prescribed by the defendant's
treating psychiatrist. The court shall not order involuntary
administration of psychotropic medication under subclause (III) of
clause (ii) unless the court has first found that the defendant does
not meet the criteria for involuntary administration of psychotropic
medication under subclause (I) of clause (ii) and does not meet the
criteria under subclause (II) of clause (ii).
(iv) In all cases, the treating hospital, facility, or program may
administer medically appropriate antipsychotic medication prescribed
by a psychiatrist in an emergency as described in subdivision (m) of
Section 5008 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.
(v) Any report made pursuant to subdivision (b) shall include a
description of any antipsychotic medication administered to the
defendant and its effects and side effects, including effects on the
defendant's appearance or behavior that would affect the defendant's
ability to understand the nature of the criminal proceedings or to
assist counsel in the conduct of a defense in a reasonable manner.
During the time the defendant is confined in a state hospital or
other treatment facility or placed on outpatient status, either the
defendant or the people may request that the court review any order
made pursuant to this subdivision. The defendant, to the same extent
enjoyed by other patients in the state hospital or other treatment
facility, shall have the right to contact the Patients' Rights
Advocate regarding his or her rights under this section.
(C) If the defendant consented to antipsychotic medication as
described in clause (i) of subparagraph (B), but subsequently
withdraws his or her consent, or, if involuntary antipsychotic
medication was not ordered pursuant to clause (ii) of subparagraph
(B), and the treating psychiatrist determines that antipsychotic
medication has become medically necessary and appropriate, the
treating psychiatrist shall make efforts to obtain informed consent
from the defendant for antipsychotic medication. If informed consent
is not obtained from the defendant, and the treating psychiatrist is
of the opinion that the defendant lacks capacity to make decisions
regarding antipsychotic medication as specified in subclause (I) of
clause (ii) of subparagraph (B), or that the defendant is a danger to
others as specified in subclause (II) of clause (ii) of subparagraph
(B), the committing court shall be notified of this, including an
assessment of the current mental status of the defendant and the
opinion of the treating psychiatrist that involuntary antipsychotic
medication has become medically necessary and appropriate. The court
shall provide copies of the report to the prosecuting attorney and to
the attorney representing the defendant and shall set a hearing to
determine whether involuntary antipsychotic medication should be
ordered in the manner described in subparagraph (B).
(3) When the court, after considering the placement recommendation
of the county mental health director required in paragraph (2),
orders that the defendant be confined in a public or private
treatment facility, the court shall provide copies of the following
documents which shall be taken with the defendant to the treatment
facility where the defendant is to be confined:
(A) The commitment order, including a specification of the
charges.
(B) A computation or statement setting forth the maximum term of
commitment in accordance with subdivision (c).
(C) A computation or statement setting forth the amount of credit
for time served, if any, to be deducted from the maximum term of
commitment.
(D) State summary criminal history information.
(E) Any arrest reports prepared by the police department or other
law enforcement agency.
(F) Any court-ordered psychiatric examination or evaluation
reports.
(G) The county mental health director's placement recommendation
report.
(4) A person subject to commitment under this section may be
placed on outpatient status under the supervision of the county
mental health director or his or her designee by order of the court
in accordance with the procedures contained in Title 15 (commencing
with Section 1600) except that where the term "community program
director" appears the term "county mental health director" shall be
substituted.
(5) If the defendant is committed or transferred to a public or
private treatment facility approved by the county mental health
director, the court may, upon receiving the written recommendation of
the county mental health director, transfer the defendant to another
public or private treatment facility approved by the county mental
health director. In the event of dismissal of the criminal charges
before the defendant recovers competence, the person shall be subject
to the applicable provisions of Part 1 (commencing with Section
5000) of Division 5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. Where
either the defendant or the prosecutor chooses to contest the order
of transfer, a petition may be filed in the court for a hearing,
which shall be held if the court determines that sufficient grounds
exist. At the hearing, the prosecuting attorney or the defendant may
present evidence bearing on the order of transfer. The court shall
use the same standards as are used in conducting probation revocation
hearings pursuant to Section 1203.2.
Prior to making an order for transfer under this section, the
court shall notify the defendant, the attorney of record for the
defendant, the prosecuting attorney, and the county mental health
director or his or her designee.
(b) Within 90 days of a commitment made pursuant to subdivision
(a), the medical director of the treatment facility to which the
defendant is confined shall make a written report to the court and
the county mental health director or his or her designee, concerning
the defendant's progress toward recovery of mental competence. Where
the defendant is on outpatient status, the outpatient treatment staff
shall make a written report to the county mental health director
concerning the defendant's progress toward recovery of mental
competence. Within 90 days of placement on outpatient status, the
county mental health director shall report to the court on this
matter. If the defendant has not recovered mental competence, but the
report discloses a substantial likelihood that the defendant will
regain mental competence in the foreseeable future, the defendant
shall remain in the treatment facility or on outpatient status.
Thereafter, at six-month intervals or until the defendant becomes
mentally competent, where the defendant is confined in a treatment
facility, the medical director of the hospital or person in charge of
the facility shall report in writing to the court and the county
mental health director or a designee regarding the defendant's
progress toward recovery of mental competence. Where the defendant is
on outpatient status, after the initial 90-day report, the
outpatient treatment staff shall report to the county mental health
director on the defendant's progress toward recovery, and the county
mental health director shall report to the court on this matter at
six-month intervals. A copy of these reports shall be provided to the
prosecutor and defense counsel by the court. If the report indicates
that there is no substantial likelihood that the defendant will
regain mental competence in the foreseeable future, the committing
court shall order the defendant to be returned to the court for
proceedings pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (c). The court
shall transmit a copy of its order to the county mental health
director or his or her designee.
(c) (1) If, at the end of one year from the date of commitment or
a period of commitment equal to the maximum term of imprisonment
provided by law for the most serious offense charged in the
misdemeanor complaint, whichever is shorter, the defendant has not
recovered mental competence, the defendant shall be returned to the
committing court. The court shall notify the county mental health
director or his or her designee of the return and of any resulting
court orders.
(2) Whenever any defendant is returned to the court pursuant to
subdivision (b) or paragraph (1) of this subdivision and it appears
to the court that the defendant is gravely disabled, as defined in
subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (h) of Section 5008
of the Welfare and Institutions Code, the court shall order the
conservatorship investigator of the county of commitment of the
defendant to initiate conservatorship proceedings for the defendant
pursuant to Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 5350) of Part 1 of
Division 5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. Any hearings
required in the conservatorship proceedings shall be held in the
superior court in the county that ordered the commitment. The court
shall transmit a copy of the order directing initiation of
conservatorship proceedings to the county mental health director or
his or her designee and shall notify the county mental health
director or his or her designee of the outcome of the proceedings.
(d) The criminal action remains subject to dismissal pursuant to
Section 1385. If the criminal action is dismissed, the court shall
transmit a copy of the order of dismissal to the county mental health
director or his or her designee.
(e) If the criminal charge against the defendant is dismissed, the
defendant shall be released from any commitment ordered under this
section, but without prejudice to the initiation of any proceedings
which may be appropriate under Part 1 (commencing with Section 5000)
of Division 5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.
1370.1. (a) (1) (A) If the defendant is found mentally competent,
the criminal process shall resume, the trial on the offense charged
shall proceed, and judgment may be pronounced.
(B) If the defendant is found mentally incompetent and is
developmentally disabled, the trial or judgment shall be suspended
until the defendant becomes mentally competent.
(i) Except as provided in clause (ii) or (iii), the court shall
consider a recommendation for placement, which recommendation shall
be made to the court by the director of a regional center or
designee. In the meantime, the court shall order that the mentally
incompetent defendant be delivered by the sheriff or other person
designated by the court to a state hospital or developmental center
for the care and treatment of the developmentally disabled or any
other available residential facility approved by the director of a
regional center for the developmentally disabled established under
Division 4.5 (commencing with Section 4500) of the Welfare and
Institutions Code as will promote the defendant's speedy attainment
of mental competence, or be placed on outpatient status pursuant to
the provisions of Section 1370.4 and Title 15 (commencing with
Section 1600) of Part 2.
(ii) However, if the action against the defendant who has been
found mentally incompetent is on a complaint charging a felony
offense specified in Section 290, the prosecutor shall determine
whether the defendant previously has been found mentally incompetent
to stand trial pursuant to this chapter on a charge of a Section 290
offense, or whether the defendant is currently the subject of a
pending Section 1368 proceeding arising out of a charge of a Section
290 offense. If either determination is made, the prosecutor shall so
notify the court and defendant in writing. After this notification,
and opportunity for hearing, the court shall order that the defendant
be delivered by the sheriff to a state hospital or other secure
treatment facility for the care and treatment of the developmentally
disabled unless the court makes specific findings on the record that
an alternative placement would provide more appropriate treatment for
the defendant and would not pose a danger to the health and safety
of others.
(iii) If the action against the defendant who has been found
mentally incompetent is on a complaint charging a felony offense
specified in Section 290 and the defendant has been denied bail
pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 12 of Article I of the
California Constitution because the court has found, based upon clear
and convincing evidence, a substantial likelihood that the person's
release would result in great bodily harm to others, the court shall
order that the defendant be delivered by the sheriff to a state
hospital for the care and treatment of the developmentally disabled
unless the court makes specific findings on the record that an
alternative placement would provide more appropriate treatment for
the defendant and would not pose a danger to the health and safety of
others.
(iv) The clerk of the court shall notify the Department of Justice
in writing of any finding of mental incompetence with respect to a
defendant who is subject to clause (ii) or (iii) for inclusion in his
or her state summary criminal history information.
(C) Upon becoming competent, the court shall order that the
defendant be returned to the committing court pursuant to the
procedures set forth in paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section
1372 or by another person designated by the court. The court shall
further determine conditions under which the person may be absent
from the placement for medical treatment, social visits, and other
similar activities. Required levels of supervision and security for
these activities shall be specified.
(D) The court shall transmit a copy of its order to the regional
center director or designee and to the Director of Developmental
Services.
(E) A defendant charged with a violent felony may not be placed in
a facility or delivered to a state hospital, developmental center,
or residential facility pursuant to this subdivision unless the
facility, state hospital, developmental center, or residential
facility has a secured perimeter or a locked and controlled treatment
facility, and the judge determines that the public safety will be
protected.
(F) For purposes of this paragraph, "violent felony" means an
offense specified in subdivision (c) of Section 667.5.
(G) A defendant charged with a violent felony may be placed on
outpatient status, as specified in Section 1370.4 or 1600, only if
the court finds that the placement will not pose a danger to the
health or safety of others.
(H) As used in this section, "developmental disability" means a
disability that originates before an individual attains age 18,
continues, or can be expected to continue, indefinitely and
constitutes a substantial handicap for the individual, and shall not
include other handicapping conditions that are solely physical in
nature. As defined by the Director of Developmental Services, in
consultation with the Superintendent of Public Instruction, this term
shall include mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and
autism. This term shall also include handicapping conditions found to
be closely related to mental retardation or to require treatment
similar to that required for mentally retarded individuals, but shall
not include other handicapping conditions that are solely physical
in nature.
(2) Prior to making the order directing the defendant be confined
in a state hospital, developmental center, or other residential
facility or be placed on outpatient status, the court shall order the
regional center director or designee to evaluate the defendant and
to submit to the court within 15 judicial days of the order a written
recommendation as to whether the defendant should be committed to a
state hospital or developmental center or to any other available
residential facility approved by the regional center director. No
person shall be admitted to a state hospital, developmental center,
or other residential facility or accepted for outpatient status under
Section 1370.4 without having been evaluated by the regional center
director or designee.
(3) When the court orders that the defendant be confined in a
state hospital or other secure treatment facility pursuant to clause
(ii) or (iii) of subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1), the court shall
provide copies of the following documents which shall be taken with
the defendant to the state hospital or other secure treatment
facility where the defendant is to be confined:
(A) State summary criminal history information.
(B) Any arrest reports prepared by the police department or other
law enforcement agency.
(C) Records of any finding of mental incompetence pursuant to this
chapter arising out of a complaint charging a felony offense
specified in Section 290 or any pending Section 1368 proceeding
arising out of a charge of a Section 290 offense.
(4) When the defendant is committed to a residential facility
pursuant to clause (i) of subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) or the
court makes the findings specified in clause (ii) or (iii) of
subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) to assign the defendant to a
facility other than a state hospital or other secure treatment
facility, the court shall order that notice be given to the
appropriate law enforcement agency or agencies having local
jurisdiction at the site of the placement facility of any finding of
mental incompetence pursuant to this chapter arising out of a charge
of a Section 290 offense.
(5) (A) If the defendant is committed or transferred to a state
hospital or developmental center pursuant to this section, the court
may, upon receiving the written recommendation of the executive
director of the state hospital or developmental center and the
regional center director that the defendant be transferred to a
residential facility approved by the regional center director, order
the defendant transferred to that facility. If the defendant is
committed or transferred to a residential facility approved by the
regional center director, the court may, upon receiving the written
recommendation of the regional center director, transfer the
defendant to a state hospital or developmental center or to another
residential facility approved by the regional center director.
In the event of dismissal of the criminal charges before the
defendant recovers competence, the person shall be subject to the
applicable provisions of the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act (Part 1
(commencing with Section 5000) of Division 5 of the Welfare and
Institutions Code) or to commitment or detention pursuant to a
petition filed pursuant to Section 6502 of the Welfare and
Institutions Code.
The defendant or prosecuting attorney may contest either kind of
order of transfer by filing a petition with the court for a hearing,
which shall be held if the court determines that sufficient grounds
exist. At the hearing the prosecuting attorney or the defendant may
present evidence bearing on the order of transfer. The court shall
use the same standards as used in conducting probation revocation
hearings pursuant to Section 1203.2.
Prior to making an order for transfer under this section, the
court shall notify the defendant, the attorney of record for the
defendant, the prosecuting attorney, and the regional center director
or designee.
(B) If the defendant is committed to a state hospital or secure
treatment facility pursuant to clause (ii) or (iii) of subparagraph
(B) of paragraph (1) and is subsequently transferred to any other
facility, copies of the documents specified in paragraph (3) shall be
taken with the defendant to the new facility. The transferring
facility shall also notify the appropriate law enforcement agency or
agencies having local jurisdiction at the site of the new facility
that the defendant is a person subject to clause (ii) or (iii) of
subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1).
(b) (1) Within 90 days of admission of a person committed pursuant
to subdivision (a), the executive director or designee of the state
hospital, developmental center, or other facility to which the
defendant is committed or the outpatient supervisor where the
defendant is placed on outpatient status shall make a written report
to the committing court and the regional center director or a
designee concerning the defendant's progress toward becoming mentally
competent. If the defendant has not become mentally competent, but
the report discloses a substantial likelihood the defendant will
become mentally competent within the next 90 days, the court may
order that the defendant shall remain in the state hospital,
developmental center, or other facility or on outpatient status for
that period of time. Within 150 days of an admission made pursuant to
subdivision (a) or if the defendant becomes mentally competent, the
executive director or designee of the hospital or developmental
center or person in charge of the facility or the outpatient
supervisor shall report to the court and the regional center director
or his or her designee regarding the defendant's progress toward
becoming mentally competent. The court shall provide to the
prosecutor and defense counsel copies of all reports under this
section. If the report indicates that there is no substantial
likelihood that the defendant has become mentally competent, the
committing court shall order the defendant to be returned to the
court for proceedings pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (c).
The court shall transmit a copy of its order to the regional center
director or designee and to the executive director of the
developmental center.
(2) Any defendant who has been committed or has been on outpatient
status for 18 months, and is still hospitalized or on outpatient
status shall be returned to the committing court where a hearing
shall be held pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 1369.
The court shall transmit a copy of its order to the regional center
director or designee and the executive director of the developmental
center.
(3) If it is determined by the court that no treatment for the
defendant's mental impairment is being conducted, the defendant shall
be returned to the committing court. A copy of this order shall be
sent to the regional center director or designee and to the executive
director of the developmental center.
(4) At each review by the court specified in this subdivision, the
court shall determine if the security level of housing and treatment
is appropriate and may make an order in accordance with its
determination.
(c) (1) (A) At the end of three years from the date of commitment
or a period of commitment equal to the maximum term of imprisonment
provided by law for the most serious offense charged in the
information, indictment, or misdemeanor complaint, whichever is
shorter, any defendant who has not become mentally competent shall be
returned to the committing court.
(B) The court shall notify the regional center director or
designee and the executive director of the developmental center of
that return and of any resulting court orders.
(2) In the event of dismissal of the criminal charges before the
defendant becomes mentally competent, the defendant shall be subject
to the applicable provisions of the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act (Part
1 (commencing with Section 5000) of Division 5 of the Welfare and
Institutions Code), or to commitment and detention pursuant to a
petition filed pursuant to Section 6502 of the Welfare and
Institutions Code. If it is found that the person is not subject to
commitment or detention pursuant to the applicable provision of the
Lanterman-Petris-Short Act (Part 1 (commencing with Section 5000) of
Division 5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code) or to commitment or
detention pursuant to a petition filed pursuant to Section 6502 of
the Welfare and Institutions Code, the individual shall not be
subject to further confinement pursuant to this article and the
criminal action remains subject to dismissal pursuant to Section
1385. The court shall notify the regional center director and the
executive director of the developmental center of any dismissal.
(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the
criminal action remains subject to dismissal pursuant to Section
138