(1) If the issue of competency to stand trial is raised by the court or a party under RCW 10.77.060, the prosecutor may continue with the competency process or dismiss the charges without prejudice and refer the defendant for assessment by a mental health professional, substance use disorder professional, co-occurring disorder specialist, or developmental disabilities professional to determine the appropriate service needs for the defendant.

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Terms Used In Washington Code 10.77.079

  • Conviction: A judgement of guilt against a criminal defendant.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Developmental disabilities professional: means a person who has specialized training and experience in directly treating or working with persons with developmental disabilities and is a psychiatrist or psychologist, or a social worker, and such other developmental disabilities professionals as may be defined by rules adopted by the secretary. See Washington Code 10.77.010
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
(2) This section does not apply to defendants with a current charge or prior conviction for a violent offense or sex offense as defined in RCW 9.94A.030, or a violation of RCW 9A.36.031(1) (d), (f), or (h).

NOTES:

Finding2015 1st sp.s. c 7: See note following RCW 10.77.075.
Effective dates2015 1st sp.s. c 7: See note following RCW 10.77.075.