Section 2152.51 | Definitions regarding child competency proceedings.
(A) As used in sections 2152.51 to 2152.59 of the Revised Code:
(1) "Competent" and "competency" refer to a child's ability to understand the nature and objectives of a proceeding against the child and to assist in the child's defense. A child is incompetent if, due to mental illness, intellectual disability, or developmental disability, or otherwise due to a lack of mental capacity, the child is presently incapable of understanding the nature and objective of proceedings against the child or of assisting in the child's defense.
(2) "Delinquent child proceeding" means any proceeding under this chapter.
(3) "A person who is at least moderately intellectually disabled" means "a person who is at least moderately mentally retarded," as defined in section 5123.01 of the Revised Code.
(4) "Person with intellectual disability" has the same meaning as in section 2951.041 of the Revised Code.
(B) Each juvenile court shall adopt rules to expedite proceedings under sections 2152.51 to 2152.59 of the Revised Code. The rules shall include provisions for giving notice of any hearings held under those sections and for staying any proceedings on the underlying complaint pending the determinations under those sections.
(C) At a competency-related hearing held under section 2152.53 or 2152.58 of the Revised Code, the child shall be represented by an attorney. If the child is indigent and cannot obtain counsel, the court shall appoint an attorney under Chapter 120. of the Revised Code or the Rules of Juvenile Procedure.
Available Versions of this Section
- September 30, 2011 – House Bill 86 - 129th General Assembly [ View September 30, 2011 Version ]
- October 12, 2016 – House Bill 158 - 131st General Assembly [ View October 12, 2016 Version ]