Mental Competency to Stand Trial Assessments

We specialize in providing comprehensive Competency to Stand Trial evaluations (in accordance with PC 1368/69 and WIC 709 in the State of California). Our goal is to provide comprehensive and legally sound evaluations to support the justice system in making fair and informed decisions about an individual’s trial competency.

Our comprehensive assessments cover a wide array of areas pertinent to trial competency including an understanding of legal concepts and court proceedings, effective communication skills with an attorney, and the capacity to maintain appropriate courtroom behavior. Central to our evaluation process is the application of the Dusky standard, established in the landmark case, Dusky v. United States. This standard mandates that an individual must have both “sufficient present ability to consult with their lawyer with a reasonable degree of rational understanding” and a “rational as well as factual understanding of the proceedings against them.”

Our team also takes into account other relevant legal and case law standards, such as the criteria set out in the case of Indiana v. Edwards. This case further nuanced the Dusky standard, recognizing that some defendants, despite being competent to stand trial, may not be competent to self-represent due to more complex mental health issues.

We adhere strictly to the standardized administrative and scoring best practices. Our dedicated forensic team utilizes the Mental Competency Evaluation Scale (MCES) and the Juvenile – Mental Competency Evaluation Scale (J-MCES), in addition to other competency assessments, to accurately assess an individual’s mental competency and ability to participate in their own defense.

Our goal is to provide an unparalleled level of service in competency to stand trial evaluations. We’re committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and expertise in our field.

In addition to providing competency to stand trial assessments, we also offer a competency training program (Mental Competency Assessment & Training Program- MCAT Program) for adults and juveniles involved in the criminal justice system to obtain competency. The program focuses on providing personalized training to ensure participants understand the legal process and can effectively participate in their defense. The program utilizes a structured, four-phase approach to ensure the comprehensive development of mental competency abilities is fully realized. To learn more about our mental competency restoration services under the MCAT Program, review our information or feel free to Contact Us.