53-21-116. Right to be present at hearing or trial — assignment of counsel. The person alleged to be suffering from a mental disorder and requiring commitment has the right to be present and the right to counsel at any hearing or trial. If the person is indigent or if in the court‘s discretion assignment of counsel is in the best interest of justice, the judge shall order the office of state public defender, provided for in 2-15-1029, to immediately assign counsel to represent the person at either the hearing or the trial, or both.

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Terms Used In Montana Code 53-21-116

  • Commitment: means an order by a court requiring an individual to receive treatment for a mental disorder. See Montana Code 53-21-102
  • Court: means any district court of the state of Montana. See Montana Code 53-21-102
  • Mental disorder: means any organic, mental, or emotional impairment that has substantial adverse effects on an individual's cognitive or volitional functions. See Montana Code 53-21-102
  • Person: includes a corporation or other entity as well as a natural person. See Montana Code 1-1-201
  • Public defender: Represent defendants who can't afford an attorney in criminal matters.
  • State: when applied to the different parts of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the territories. See Montana Code 1-1-201
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.