EFFECTIVE MARCH 15, 2021, ALL NEW CRIMINAL COMPETENCY MATTERS WILL BE ASSIGNED TO MENTAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS OF THE PROBATE DIVISION
Pending Criminal Competency Proceedings Remain Assigned to Felony Trial Depts.
Pursuant to Los Angeles County Court Rules, rule 8.2(b), all Criminal competency proceedings under Penal Code section 1368 initiated on or after March 15, 2021 will be assigned by Order of Judge Sergio C. Tapia II, Supervising Judge of the Criminal Division, to the Mental Health Departments of the Probate Division.
All Criminal competency proceedings pending in the felony trial courts prior to March 15, 2021 shall remain assigned to those felony trial courts until their conclusion.
Under amended and approved local rules 2.10 and 2.13 that take effect July 1, 2021, all Criminal competency matters, except those pending prior to March 15, 2021, will be assigned to Mental Health Departments.
Under current local rules 2.10 and 2.13, competency proceedings under Penal Code section 1368 in misdemeanor cases and pre-preliminary hearing cases are held in the Mental Health Departments of the Probate Division, while competency proceedings under Penal Code section 1368 in post-preliminary hearing felony cases are held in the assigned felony trial courts.
Presiding Judge Eric C. Taylor directed and approved the change to streamline the assignment process and better utilize the expertise for competency proceedings within the Mental Health Departments of the Probate Division.
View the full notice here.
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