Ohio Code 5924.501 – Competency of accused; hearing
(A) In an action under this code, the military judge, trial counsel, defense counsel, or civilian counsel may raise the issue of the accused’s competence to stand trial. If the issue is raised before the trial has commenced, the court shall hold a hearing on the issue as provided in this section. If the issue is raised after the trial has commenced, the court shall hold a hearing on the issue only for good cause shown or on the court’s own motion.
Terms Used In Ohio Code 5924.501
- Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
- Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
(B) The court shall conduct the hearing required or authorized under division (A) of this section within thirty days after the issue is raised unless the accused has been referred for evaluation in which case the court shall conduct the hearing within ten days after the filing of the report of the evaluation. A hearing may be continued for good cause.
(C) The accused shall be represented by counsel at the hearing conducted under division (B) of this section.
(D) The trial counsel and defense counsel may submit evidence on the issue of the accused’s competence to stand trial. A written report of the evaluation of the accused may be admitted into evidence at the hearing by stipulation, but, if either the government or defense objects to its admission, the report may be admitted under seal of court in camera to the military judge.
(E) The court shall not find an accused incompetent to stand trial solely because the accused is receiving or has received treatment as a voluntary or involuntary mentally ill patient under Chapter 5122 of the Revised Code or because the accused is receiving or has received psychotropic drugs or other medication, even if the accused might become incompetent to stand trial without the drugs or medication.
(F) An accused is presumed to be competent to stand trial. If, after a hearing, the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that, because of the accused’s present mental condition, the accused is incapable of understanding the nature and objective of the proceedings against the accused or of assisting in the accused’s defense, the court shall find the accused incompetent to stand trial and shall enter an order authorized by section 5924.503 of the Revised Code.