Vermont Statutes
Chapter 157 - Insanity as a Defense
§ 4820. Hearing regarding commitment

§ 4820. Hearing regarding commitment
(a) When a person charged on information, complaint, or indictment with a criminal offense:
(1) Is reported by the examining psychiatrist following examination pursuant to sections 4814-4816 of this title to have been insane at the time of the alleged offense.
(2) Is found upon hearing pursuant to section 4817 of this title to be incompetent to stand trial due to a mental disease or mental defect.
(3) Is not indicted upon hearing by grand jury by reason of insanity at the time of the alleged offense, duly certified to the court.
(4) Upon trial by court or jury is acquitted by reason of insanity at the time of the alleged offense; the court before which such person is tried or is to be tried for such offense, shall hold a hearing for the purpose of determining whether such person should be committed to the custody of the Commissioner of Mental Health. Such person may be confined in jail or some other suitable place by order of the court pending hearing for a period not exceeding 15 days.
(b) When a person is found to be incompetent to stand trial, has not been indicted by reason of insanity for the alleged offense, or has been acquitted by reason of insanity at the time of the alleged offense, the person shall be entitled to have counsel appointed from Vermont Legal Aid to represent the person. The Department of Mental Health and, if applicable, the Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living shall be entitled to appear and call witnesses at the proceeding. (Added 1969, No. 20, § 7; amended 1987, No. 248 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; 1989, No. 187 (Adj. Sess.), § 5; 1995, No. 174 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; 2005, No. 174 (Adj. Sess.), § 21; 2007, No. 15, § 22; 2021, No. 57, § 2.)

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