Q: I have a theoretical question for my graduate class about autism spectrum disorder and the CJS that I was hoping to ask.
I have to come up with a theoretical scenario about a suspect and discuss competency, capacity, and mitigating factors. If someone went into someone's home without permission and stole a bike, would this be a crime that could be brought to court in front of a jury? I know you don't have all the information about the case since this isn't real and is just theoretical, but theoretically speaking, would this be a situation that the owner of the house could press criminal charges for? If the defendant were autistic and it was considered petty larceny, would the person still go to court and would their competency and capacity to commit the crime be considered? I just want to know if this would be a good example of a scenario that I could use to discuss competency, capacity, and any mitigating factors or not. Thank you
A:
Dear Questioner,
Thank you for your question.
The answer is yes. A jury trial could eventually occur if the person is found competent to stand trial. However, there are a number of situations that could occur before a jury trial takes place.
First, an attorney would have their client evaluated by a mental health professional. If that professional determines that the person is not competent, then the case will not go any further. Competency is evaluated by a defendant’s ability to understand the proceedings against them and assist in their own defense. If they are incapable, for whatever reason, of understanding and assisting, they are legally incompetent. The government cannot prosecute a person who is not competent to stand trial.
However, take for example a person who is determined to be competent but has mental limitations. Note that these mental limitations could factor into the proceedings against the defendant as well.
Police officers have discretion when it comes to whether or not they will charge a person with a crime. If they do, the person charged may receive a clerk magistrate’s hearing, to try resolve the case. A lawyer can explore pre-trial diversion as well. If all of these options are unsuccessful, then the person would be arraigned in criminal court.
Once in criminal court, there are still other ways to stop a charge from going forward. This could include negotiating pre-trial probation conditions with the district attorney or making a plea deal. Ultimately, if a credible defense is available, the case could proceed to trial. Typically, criminal defense lawyers will try to explore other options before moving to a trial, but a trial always remains an option.
I hope this has helped answer your question.
Best,
Bill Barabino
Tim Akpinar agrees with this answer
1 user found this answer helpful
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
