Competency to Stand Trial: A Guidebook for Defendants

The correctional system has become the largest provider of mental health care in our society. Due to the prevalence of mental disabilities in the criminal justice system, many defendants are found Incompetent to Stand Trial. However, defendants do not usually understand what it means to be incompetent, let alone what to do about it. The purpose of this guidebook is to help defendants better understand why they were found incompetent, what they can do about it, and how to get the best possible outcomes. In addition to giving a general overview, materials are provided to assist in the restoration of competency. This guidebook should be used in conjunction with professional forensic services.