Arkansas § 5-2-310 - Lack of fitness to proceed — Procedures subsequent to finding.

§ 5-2-310. Lack of fitness to proceed — Procedures subsequent to finding.

If the court determines that a defendant lacks fitness to proceed, the proceeding against him or her shall be suspended and the court may commit the defendant to the custody of the Department of Human Services for detention, care, and treatment until restoration of fitness to proceed. However, if the court is satisfied that the defendant may be released without danger to himself or herself or to the person or property of another, the court may order the defendant's release and the release shall continue at the discretion of the court on conditions the court determines necessary. A copy of the report filed under § 5-2-327 shall be attached to the order of commitment or order of conditional release. Within a reasonable period of time, but in any case within ten (10) months of a commitment pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, the department shall file with the committing court a written report indicating whether the defendant is fit to proceed, or if not, whether: The defendant's mental disease or defect is of a nature precluding restoration of fitness to proceed; and The defendant presents a danger to himself or herself or to the person or property of another. The court shall make a determination within one (1) year of a commitment pursuant to subsection (a) of this section. Pursuant to the report of the department or as a result of a hearing on the report, if the court determines that the defendant is fit to proceed, prosecution in ordinary course may commence. If the defendant lacks fitness to proceed but does not present a danger to himself or herself or to the person or property of another, the court may release the defendant on conditions the court determines to be proper. If the defendant lacks fitness to proceed and presents a danger to himself or herself or the person or property of another, the court shall order the department to petition for an involuntary admission. Upon filing of an order finding that the defendant lacks fitness to proceed issued under subdivision (b)(2)(A) of this section with a circuit clerk or a probate clerk, the circuit clerk or the probate clerk shall submit a copy of the order to the Arkansas Crime Information Center. On the court's own motion or upon application of the department, the prosecuting attorney, or the defendant, and after a hearing if a hearing is requested, if the court determines that the defendant has regained fitness to proceed, the criminal proceeding shall be resumed. However, if the court is of the view that so much time has elapsed since the alleged commission of the offense in question that it would be unjust to resume the criminal proceeding, the court may dismiss the charge.