Arizona § 13-4507 - Examination of competency to stand trial

Full text of Arizona Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-4507 — Examination of competency to stand trial, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 13-4507. Examination of competency to stand trial

A. The court shall set and may change the conditions under which the examination is conducted.

B. The defense attorney shall be available to the mental health expert conducting the examination.

C. A proceeding to determine if a defendant is competent to stand trial shall not delay a judicial determination of the defendant's eligibility for pretrial release. A defendant who is otherwise entitled to pretrial release shall not be involuntarily confined or taken into custody solely because the issue of the defendant's competence to stand trial is raised and an examination is ordered unless the court determines that the defendant's confinement is necessary for the evaluation process.

D. If a defendant is released from custody under any pretrial release provision, the court may order the defendant to appear at a designated time and place for an outpatient examination. The court may make the appearance a condition of the defendant's pretrial release.

E. The court may order that the defendant be involuntarily confined until the examination is completed if the court determines that any of the following applies:

1. The defendant will not submit to an outpatient examination as a condition of pretrial release.

2. The defendant refuses to appear for an examination.

3. An adequate examination is impossible without the confinement of the defendant.

4. The defendant is a threat to public safety.

F. If a defendant is committed for an inpatient examination, the length of the commitment shall not exceed the period of time that is necessary for the examination. The commitment for examination shall not exceed thirty days, except that the commitment may be extended by fifteen days if the court finds that extraordinary circumstances exist. The county shall pay the costs of any inpatient examination ordered by the court, except that the city shall pay the costs of any inpatient examination that is ordered by a municipal court judge.

Source: official Arizona text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona § 13-4507

What does Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-4507 cover?

Section 13-4507 ("Examination of competency to stand trial") is part of the Arizona Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Arizona. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Arizona § 13-4507?

A common citation format is "Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-4507" (Arizona). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Arizona law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Arizona official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Arizona attorney.

How does Arizona § 13-4507 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Arizona can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Arizona.