South Dakota § 23A-10A-3 - Hearing on mental condition--Mental examination and report.
Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 23A-10A-3 — Hearing on mental condition--Mental examination and report., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 23A-10A-3. Hearing on mental condition--Mental examination and report.
At any time after the commencement of a prosecution for an offense and prior to the sentencing of the defendant, the defendant or the prosecuting attorney may file a motion for a hearing to determine the mental competency of the defendant. The court shall grant the motion, or shall order such a hearing on its own motion, if there is reasonable cause to believe that the defendant may presently be suffering from a mental disease or developmental disability, or other conditions set forth in § 23A-10A-1, rendering the defendant mentally incompetent to the extent that the defendant is unable to understand the nature and consequences of the proceeding against the defendant or to assist properly in the defendant's defense. Prior to the date of hearing, the court may order that a psychiatric or psychological examination of the defendant be conducted, and that a psychiatric or psychological report be filed with the court, pursuant to the provisions of §§ 23A-46-1 and 23A-46-2. The examination shall be completed within twenty-one days of the court order, unless for good cause the court grants a continuance. The hearing shall be conducted pursuant to the provisions of § 23A-46-3.
Source: SL 1978, ch 175, § 4; SDCL Supp, § 23-38-2.1; SL 1985, ch 192, § 38; SL 1991, ch 199, § 4; SL 2017, ch 109, § 16.
Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 23A-10A-3
What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 23A-10A-3 cover?
Section 23A-10A-3 ("Hearing on mental condition--Mental examination and report.") is part of the South Dakota Codified Laws, the codified statutory law of South Dakota. 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 South Dakota § 23A-10A-3?
A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 23A-10A-3" (South Dakota). 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 South Dakota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Dakota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Dakota attorney.
How does South Dakota § 23A-10A-3 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Dakota 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 South Dakota.