(b) Except as provided by Subsection (c), the court shall hold a trial under Subchapter C before determining whether the defendant is incompetent to stand trial on the merits.
(c) A trial under this chapter is not required if:
(1) neither party's counsel requests a trial on the issue of incompetency;
(2) neither party's counsel opposes a finding of incompetency; and
(3) the court does not, on its own motion, determine that a trial is necessary to determine incompetency.
(d) If the issue of the defendant's incompetency to stand trial is raised after the trial on the merits begins, the court may determine the issue at any time before the sentence is pronounced. If the determination is delayed until after the return of a verdict, the court shall make the determination as soon as reasonably possible after the return. If a verdict of not guilty is returned, the court may not determine the issue of incompetency.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 35, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 2004.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 324 (S.B. 679), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2005.
Structure Texas Statutes
Title 1 - Code of Criminal Procedure
Chapter 46B - Incompetency to Stand Trial
Subchapter . A. General Provisions
Article 46B.002. Applicability
Article 46B.0021. Facility Designation
Article 46B.003. Incompetency; Presumptions
Article 46B.004. Raising Issue of Incompetency to Stand Trial
Article 46B.005. Determining Incompetency to Stand Trial
Article 46B.006. Appointment of and Representation by Counsel
Article 46B.007. Admissibility of Statements and Certain Other Evidence
Article 46B.008. Rules of Evidence
Article 46B.010. Mandatory Dismissal of Misdemeanor Charges
Article 46B.012. Compliance With Chapter
Article 46B.013. Use of Electronic Broadcast System in Certain Proceedings Under This Chapter