To register for this program, email wda@defensenet.org with “Dismissal” in the subject line. 1.0 Law and Legal credit has been requested from the WSBA for this program.
Competency in Courts...
Competency in Courts of Limited Jurisdiction: Fighting for Dismissal
Presented by attorney Kari Reardon, this webinar will cover competency proceedings in district and municipal courts. Statutes create a presumption that courts of limited jurisdiction will dismiss charges against people who are not competent to stand trial, but many courts are ordering competency restoration instead of dismissal. This presentation will discuss arguments for dismissal over prosecutors’ objections, including arguments about which crimes are serious offenses under RCW 10.77.092, what constitutes a compelling state interest to order restoration and whether a client is restorable. Other topics will include fighting delayed competency proceedings, getting expert funding, using a defense expert and showing a client remains incompetent following attempted restoration. Attendees will gain a working knowledge of statutes and case law governing competency and restoration in courts of limited jurisdiction and learn how to use that law effectively for their clients.