We provide competency to stand trial evaluations in Salt Lake City for individuals involved in criminal legal proceedings.
These evaluations are conducted when there are questions about whether an individual has the current ability to understand the legal process and assist in their own defense. Competency is a legal standard focused on a person’s present functioning, not their mental state at the time of the alleged offense. A competency evaluation is designed to help clarify these questions through a structured, objective assessment.
Our role is to provide a careful, evidence-based evaluation that supports informed legal decision-making.
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.
Detailed Clinical & Competency Interview
Review of Legal, Medical, and Mental Health Records, and Collateral Interviews
Standardized Psychological Testing (If Relevant)
Evaluation of legal understanding and decision-making capacity
Comprehensive Written Report
We approach competency evaluations with objectivity, depth, and clinical precision.
These evaluations are often used in high-stakes legal contexts, making it essential that the process is thorough, balanced, and clearly reasoned.
Our role is to provide an objective evaluation that can be relied upon by courts, attorneys, and other professionals.
Insurance does NOT cover the cost of competency evaluations.
Cost: $4,000
Please see our Fees & Insurance page for more information.
If you need to refer a defendant for a competency evaluation in Salt Lake City or need additional information, we are available to discuss your situation and next steps.
Schedule a competency evaluation or contact our office to learn more.
These evaluations are typically requested by courts, attorneys, or other legal parties when there are concerns about an individual’s ability to proceed.
No. Competency evaluations address a person’s current ability to participate in legal proceedings, not whether they committed an offense. Further, these are not the same of evaluations of the mental state at the time of the alleged offense.
Most evaluations involve multiple components and may take several hours, depending on the complexity of the case. Typically, these evaluations take 4 to 6 weeks.
If an individual is found not competent, the court may pause proceedings and consider options for treatment or restoration of competency.
