Colorado § 18-1.3-908 - Psychiatric examination and report.

Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-1.3-908 — Psychiatric examination and report., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 18-1.3-908. Psychiatric examination and report.

(1) (a) After advising the defendant of his or her rights, the court shall forthwith commit the defendant to the Colorado mental health institute at Pueblo, the university of Colorado psychiatric hospital, or the county jail.

(b) If committed to the Colorado mental health institute at Pueblo or the university of Colorado psychiatric hospital, the defendant shall be examined by two psychiatrists of the receiving institution.

(c) If committed to the county jail, the defendant shall be examined by two psychiatrists appointed by the court.

(2) (a) The examining psychiatrists shall make independent written reports to the court which shall contain the opinion of the psychiatrist as to whether the defendant, if at large, constitutes a threat of bodily harm to members of the public.

(b) The written reports shall also contain opinions concerning:

(I) Whether the defendant is mentally deficient;

(II) Whether the defendant could benefit from psychiatric treatment; and

(III) Whether the defendant could be adequately supervised on probation.

(3) The examinations shall be made and the reports filed with the court and the probation department within sixty-three days after the commencement of proceedings, and this time may not be enlarged by the court.

Source: L. 2002: Entire article added with relocations, p. 1432, § 2, effective October 1. L. 2012: (3) amended, (SB 12-175), ch. 208, p. 867, § 115, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 16-13-207 as it existed prior to 2002.

ANNOTATION

Annotator's note. Since § 18-1.3-908 is similar to § 16-13-207 as it existed prior to the 2002 relocation of certain criminal sentencing provisions, relevant cases construing those provisions have been included in the annotations to this section.

The requirements of this section are: (1) That there should be a complete psychiatric examination; (2) that there should be a complete written report containing all facts and findings, together with recommendations as to whether the person was treatable under the provisions of the article; (3) and that the report contain a psychiatrist's opinion as to whether the person could be adequately supervised on probation. Ray v. People, 160 Colo. 173, 415 P.2d 328 (1966) (decided under repealed § 39-19-2, C.R.S. 1963).

Order for removal of a defendant to another state for psychiatric examination in connection with proceedings held solely in Colorado issued without statutory authority. People v. District Court, 195 Colo. 14, 575 P.2d 7 (1978).

Where trial court failed to meet certain deadlines contained in the statutes, the trial court could not, on its own motion, sentence the defendant under the Sex Offender's Act of 1968. People v. Wortham, 928 P.2d 771 (Colo. App. 1996).

Applied in People v. White, 656 P.2d 690 (Colo. 1983).

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 18-1.3-908

What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-1.3-908 cover?

Section 18-1.3-908 ("Psychiatric examination and report.") is part of the Colorado Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Colorado. 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 Colorado § 18-1.3-908?

A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-1.3-908" (Colorado). 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 Colorado law?

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

How does Colorado § 18-1.3-908 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Colorado 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 Colorado.