District Of Columbia § 24-531.09 - Involuntary medication.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 24-531.09 — Involuntary medication., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 24-531.09. Involuntary medication.
24-531.09Except as set forth in subsection (b) of this section, a defendant who is ordered to submit to a competence examination under , or a defendant who is determined after a hearing to be incompetent and is ordered by the court to undergo treatment pursuant to or , may not be administered medication involuntarily if the sole purpose for doing so would be to render the defendant competent. For any other purpose, the defendant may be administered medication without his or her consent consistent with , and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
The Court may order the involuntary administration of medication for the sole purpose of rendering the defendant competent only if:
It orders the defendant to participate in treatment for restoration of competence pursuant to ; and
The Court determines that the government’s interest in bringing the defendant to trial or proceeding with sentencing, probation revocation, or transfer outweighs the defendant’s interest in refusing medication to render him or her competent.
In making the determination required by paragraph 1(B) of this subsection, the court must find that:
The defendant has been charged with a dangerous crime or a crime of violence as those terms are defined in and (4), respectively;
The administration of medication is substantially likely to render the defendant competent;
The administration of medication is substantially unlikely to have side effects that will significantly interfere with the defendant’s ability to assist counsel in conducting a defense;
Involuntary medication is necessary to further the government’s interest because any less intrusive treatments alternatives are unlikely to render the defendant competent; and
The administration of medication is medically appropriate.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 24-531.09
What does D.C. Code § 24-531.09 cover?
Section 24-531.09 ("Involuntary medication.") 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 § 24-531.09?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 24-531.09" (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 § 24-531.09 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.