District Of Columbia § 24-531.01 - Definitions.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 24-531.01 — Definitions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 24-531.01. Definitions.
24-531.01For the purposes of this chapter, the term:
“Competence” means that a defendant has sufficient present ability to consult with his or her lawyer with a reasonable degree of rational understanding and has a rational, as well as a factual, understanding of the proceedings against him or her.
“Court” or “Superior Court” means the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
“DDS” means the Department on Disability Services.
“Defendant” means a defendant in a criminal case or a respondent in a transfer proceeding.
“DMH” means the Department of Mental Health.
“Incompetent” means that, as a result of a mental disease or defect, a defendant does not have sufficient present ability to consult with his or her lawyer with a reasonable degree of rational understanding or does not have a rational, as well as a factual, understanding of the proceedings against him or her.
“Inpatient treatment facility” means:
Saint Elizabeths Hospital;
Any other physically secure hospital for the examination or treatment of persons with mental illness; or
Any physically secure or staff-secure facility for the examination, treatment, or habilitation of persons with intellectual disabilities.
Repealed.
“Transfer proceeding” means a proceeding pursuant to to transfer a respondent who is alleged to be a delinquent in a juvenile case from the Family Court to the Criminal Division of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to face adult criminal charges.
“Treatment” means the services or supports provided to persons with mental illness or intellectual disabilities, including services or supports that are offered or ordered to restore a person to competence, to assist a person in becoming competent, or to ensure that a person will be competent.
“Treatment provider” means:
The Department of Mental Health;
The DDS;
An inpatient treatment facility as defined in paragraph (6) of this section; or
Any other entity or individual designated by the DMH or DDS to provide evaluation, examination, treatment, or habilitation pursuant to this chapter that:
Is duly licensed or certified under the laws of the District of Columbia to provide services or supports to persons with mental illness or intellectual disabilities, or both; and
Has entered into an agreement with the District to provide mental health services or mental health supports or to provide services or supports to persons with intellectual disabilities.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 24-531.01
What does D.C. Code § 24-531.01 cover?
Section 24-531.01 ("Definitions.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. 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 District Of Columbia § 24-531.01?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 24-531.01" (District Of Columbia). 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 District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 24-531.01 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia 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 District Of Columbia.