The Supreme Court of Ohio has announced the release of the Competency to Stand Trial and Dispositions Bench Card, a comprehensive resource designed to assist judges, attorneys, and the public in navigating the complexities of competency evaluations and dispositions in Ohio courts. This new tool provides a clear and concise summary of statutes, court rules, and case law related to competency proceedings, ensuring consistency and clarity in judicial processes across the state.
The bench card is the result of collaboration with legal and behavioral health experts. It serves as a practical guide for addressing competency issues in both misdemeanor and felony cases, offering detailed information on evaluation procedures, restoration timelines, and disposition pathways. The resource emphasizes the importance of individualized assessments, least restrictive alternatives, and procedural safeguards to protect the rights of defendants while ensuring public safety.
Key Features of the Bench Card Include:
Competency Evaluation Timelines: Clear guidelines on when hearings and evaluations must occur, ensuring timely and efficient case management.
Restoration Treatment Options: Detailed pathways for restoration treatment in the least restrictive environment, tailored to the severity of the offense and the defendant’s needs.
Disposition Pathways: Comprehensive instructions for handling cases where defendants are found incompetent to stand trial, including options for dismissal, civil commitment, or continued treatment.
Simplified Flowcharts: Visual guides that break down the complex procedures into easy-to-follow steps for judges, attorneys, and the public.
Procedural Safeguards: Emphasis on defendants’ rights, including the right to hearings, confidentiality of evaluations, and protections against indefinite confinement.
Civil Commitment Procedures: Step-by-step guidance for initiating civil commitment when restoration is not possible.
The bench card was developed with input from a committee including judges, forensic experts, and behavioral health professionals, including the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health, previously the Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services.