District Of Columbia § 24-531.05 - Competence treatment.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 24-531.05 — Competence treatment., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 24-531.05. Competence treatment.
24-531.05If the court makes a finding pursuant to , the court may order the defendant to participate in treatment for restoration of competence on an inpatient or outpatient basis. The court shall order treatment in the least restrictive setting consistent with the goal of restoration of competence.
The court may order inpatient treatment if it finds that:
Placement in an inpatient treatment facility setting is necessary in order to provide appropriate treatment; or
The defendant is unlikely to comply with an order for outpatient treatment.
If the court orders treatment on an outpatient basis, it shall direct DMH or DDS, or both, to designate an appropriate treatment provider. If the court orders treatment on an inpatient basis it shall commit the defendant to Saint Elizabeths Hospital or direct DMH or DDS, or both, to designate an appropriate inpatient treatment facility.
Except as provided in subsections (c) and (d) of this section, the court may order the defendant to undergo competence treatment on an inpatient basis for one or more periods of time, not to exceed 180 days in the aggregate.
Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, the court may order a defendant charged with a crime of violence, as defined in , to undergo competence treatment on an inpatient basis for one or more reasonable periods of time, not to exceed 180 days each, if the court finds:
There is a substantial probability that within the period of time to be ordered the defendant will attain competence or make substantial progress toward that goal; and
Inpatient treatment is the least restrictive setting based on the criteria set forth in subsection (a) of this section.
Excluding extended treatment pending the completion of civil commitment proceedings ordered pursuant to or , inpatient treatment may last no longer than the maximum possible sentence that the defendant could have received if convicted of the pending charges.
If, during inpatient treatment ordered to restore a defendant to competence, the maximum possible sentence the defendant could have received if convicted of the pending charges expires, the court shall either release the defendant or, where appropriate, enter an order for extended treatment pursuant to or .
The defendant shall be awarded credit against any term of imprisonment imposed after being found competent for any time during which he was committed to an inpatient treatment facility for either a competence examination or competence treatment.
The court may order the defendant to undergo competence treatment on an outpatient basis for one or more reasonable periods of time, not to exceed 180 days each, if the court finds there is substantial probability that within the period of time to be ordered the defendant will attain competence or make substantial progress toward that goal.
The Department of Mental Health or the treatment provider shall submit a written report to the court at any time it determines that the criteria for inpatient treatment set forth in subsection (a) of this section are met.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 24-531.05
What does D.C. Code § 24-531.05 cover?
Section 24-531.05 ("Competence treatment.") 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 § 24-531.05?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 24-531.05" (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 § 24-531.05 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.