Michigan § 712A.18n - Competency of juvenile; presumption; order to determine competency during proceeding; record.

Full text of Michigan Michigan Compiled Laws § 712A.18n — Competency of juvenile; presumption; order to determine competency during proceeding; record., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 712A.18n. Competency of juvenile; presumption; order to determine competency during proceeding; record.

Sec. 18n.

(1) A juvenile 10 years of age or older is presumed competent to proceed unless the issue of competency is raised by a party. A juvenile less than 10 years of age is presumed incompetent to proceed.

(2) The court may order on its own motion, or at the request of the juvenile, the juvenile's attorney, or the prosecuting attorney, a competency evaluation to determine whether the juvenile is incompetent to proceed if the juvenile is the subject of a delinquency petition in the court or if the juvenile is under the court's jurisdiction under section 2(a)(2) to (4) of this chapter. The issue of the juvenile's competency may be raised by the court before which the proceedings are pending or being held, or by motion of a party, at any time during the proceeding.

(3) At the time an issue of the juvenile's competency is raised, the delinquency proceeding shall temporarily cease until determination is made on the competence of the juvenile according to this act.

(4) The court shall maintain a record of how many competency evaluations are requested under this section.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan § 712A.18n

What does Michigan Compiled Laws § 712A.18n cover?

Section 712A.18n ("Competency of juvenile; presumption; order to determine competency during proceeding; record.") is part of the Michigan Compiled Laws, the codified statutory law of Michigan. 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 Michigan § 712A.18n?

A common citation format is "Michigan Compiled Laws § 712A.18n" (Michigan). 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 Michigan law?

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

How does Michigan § 712A.18n apply to my situation?

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