Competency Evaluations

Competency to Stand Trial Evaluations

To appropriately participate in one’s own legal proceedings and defense, federal and state laws require that a person be competent to stand trial. Competency is a legal term that outlines the requirements of a person to be able to meaningfully participate in their own defense (by communicating effectively with their attorneys) and make decisions during the judicial process. Specifically, California State law in criminal proceedings requires that a person be able to:

• Understand the nature of the criminal proceedings

• Be able to assist their counsel in a rational manner

When these two things become questionable, legal teams will call in a trained forensic psychologist to provide a Competency to Stand Trial Evaluation based on the standards set in PC 1367(a).

Legal teams requesting a competency to stand trial (CST) Evaluation:

Most often legal teams request the CST evaluation for clients. Our team of psychologists are well-acquainted with the detainment system in Los Angeles County and provide CST evaluations on-site when needed. Schedule a consultation with our lead forensic psychologist or reach out to our office here to schedule a Competency to Stand Trial Evaluation.

What’s involved in a competency evaluation?

Competency evaluations begin with a clinical interview and then validated psychological assessment measures are given. The information gathered in the interview and the performance on the measures are combined and written into a helpful psychological report with the psychologist’s opinion as to the current mental state of the client. This report is then submitted to the requesting attorney.