Ohio Revised Code
Chapter 2152 | Delinquent Children; Juvenile Traffic Offenders
Section 2152.51 | Definitions Regarding Child Competency Proceedings.

Effective: October 12, 2016
Latest Legislation: House Bill 158 - 131st General Assembly
(A) As used in sections 2152.51 to 2152.59 of the Revised Code:
(1) "Competent" and "competency" refer to a child's ability to understand the nature and objectives of a proceeding against the child and to assist in the child's defense. A child is incompetent if, due to mental illness, due to developmental disability, or otherwise due to a lack of mental capacity, the child is presently incapable of understanding the nature and objective of proceedings against the child or of assisting in the child's defense.
(2) "Delinquent child proceeding" means any proceeding under this chapter.
(3) "Developmental disability," "intellectual disability," and "moderate level of intellectual disability" have the same meanings as in section 5123.01 of the Revised Code.
(B) Each juvenile court shall adopt rules to expedite proceedings under sections 2152.51 to 2152.59 of the Revised Code. The rules shall include provisions for giving notice of any hearings held under those sections and for staying any proceedings on the underlying complaint pending the determinations under those sections.
(C) At a competency-related hearing held under section 2152.53 or 2152.58 of the Revised Code, the child shall be represented by an attorney. If the child is indigent and cannot obtain counsel, the court shall appoint an attorney under Chapter 120. of the Revised Code or the Rules of Juvenile Procedure.

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