We consider interviews, relevant records, and testing when appropriate. Together, these sources help clarify current functioning and abilities related to understanding proceedings and assisting counsel.
When questions arise about a person’s ability to understand criminal proceedings or assist their attorney, a careful assessment can provide clarity. We evaluate current functioning and provide objective, clearly reasoned opinions to support the court’s competency determination.
A competency evaluation examines whether a person currently has the abilities needed to understand criminal proceedings and participate in their defense.
The focus is on present functioning. It does not assess the person’s mental state at the time of the alleged offense. The evaluator provides a clinical opinion, while the court makes the legal determination of competency.
UCPS provides competency to stand trial evaluations in Salt Lake City for individuals involved in criminal proceedings. These evaluations address concerns about a person’s current ability to understand the legal process and assist their attorney in their defense.
To clarify these questions, we use a structured, objective assessment of present functioning. We then explain the findings and their relevance to the referral. Our role is to provide clear, evidence-based opinions that support informed legal decisions.
Competency evaluations are typically requested when there are concerns about an individual’s ability to participate meaningfully in legal proceedings.
These evaluations may be ordered in situations such as:
A competency evaluation may be requested by the court, defense, or prosecution at any point when concerns arise.
A competency evaluation focuses on an individual’s current ability to function within the legal process.
This typically includes:
Competency is based on whether an individual can understand the proceedings and assist in their defense, not simply whether a mental health condition is present.
We discuss the referral concerns, relevant history, and current symptoms. This helps clarify the questions the competency evaluation needs to address.
We assess psychological and cognitive functioning through interviews and testing as appropriate. This helps identify factors that may affect participation in legal proceedings.
We review relevant records and speak with others when appropriate. Together, these sources provide context about the individual’s history and current functioning.
We examine the individual’s understanding of the proceedings and ability to assist their attorney. This includes applying legal information to their own situation.
We prepare a report explaining the findings, clinical opinion, and relevant limitations. The report addresses the referral questions to support the court’s competency determination.
Competency evaluations address questions about an individual’s present ability to participate in criminal proceedings. For this reason, we assess relevant abilities carefully and explain how the evidence supports our clinical opinions.
We consider interviews, relevant records, and testing when appropriate. Together, these sources help clarify current functioning and abilities related to understanding proceedings and assisting counsel.
We examine demonstrated abilities and difficulties rather than relying on a diagnosis alone. When information is incomplete or conflicting, we explain how it limits our conclusions.
We explain the connection between assessment findings and our competency opinion. As a result, the court can follow our reasoning when making the legal determination.
Professional resource: Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychology from the American Psychological Association.
Competency evaluations are private pay. Insurance does not cover the cost of these evaluations.
For additional payment information, visit our Fees & Insurance page.
Flat fee
Comprehensive assessment and written report.
Contact UCPS to discuss a competency to stand trial evaluation in Salt Lake City. We can review the referral questions, any court requirements, and your timeline, then clarify the next steps.
Schedule a competency evaluation or contact our office to learn more.
A competency evaluation examines a person’s current ability to understand criminal proceedings and assist their attorney in their defense. It considers how psychological symptoms or cognitive difficulties may affect those abilities.
No. A diagnosis alone does not establish incompetence. Instead, the evaluation examines how the person’s current symptoms and functioning affect their ability to understand the proceedings and participate in their defense.
No. Competency concerns a person’s present ability to participate in legal proceedings. Criminal responsibility concerns their mental state at the time of the alleged offense. These evaluations address different legal questions.
Competency evaluations usually take 2–4 weeks to complete. However, the timeline depends on the case’s complexity, the volume of records to review, and timely access to records and collateral sources. If you have a court deadline, please discuss it with us when making the referral.