Page:2021 North Dakota Session Laws.pdf/399

Rh proceeding must be resumed. If prosecution of the defendant has not resumed prior to the expiration of the maximum period for which the defendant could be sentenced, or it is determined by the court, after a hearing if a hearing is requested, that the defendant will not regain fitness to proceed or to effectively communicate with counselwithin the allotted time, the charges against the defendant must be dismissed. The court may at any time make a referral for other appropriate services, treatment, or civil commitment.

2. If the court determines based upon a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant currently lacks fitness to proceed and that the defendant will not attain fitness to proceed in the foreseeable future, the proceedings must be dismissed. The court may at any time make a referral for other appropriate services, treatment, or civil commitment.

3. Other appropriate services or treatment include:

a. Determination of incapacity, by a district court with appropriate jurisdiction following petition by the state's attorney, for the appointment of a guardian or conservator pursuant to chapter 30.1-28 or 30.1-29; or

b. Civil commitment of the person pursuant to chapter 25-03.1; or

c. Treatment of the person by a human service center or other appropriate public or private provider.

3. If the court determines the defendant currently lacks fitness to proceed and the defendant may attain fitness to proceed under subsection 1, the court may enter an order for a course of treatment considering the least restrictive form of treatment therapeutically appropriate.

a. Unless excused by the court, in a proceeding to determine therapy in an attempt to attain fitness, the defendant shall be represented by trial counsel.

b. If the court finds the individual is not able to retain the services of a tier 1a mental health professional and that those services are not otherwise available, the court shall authorize reasonable expenditures from public funds to examine the individual.

c. In a motion hearing to resume prosecution, the state or prosecuting authority must show by a preponderance of the evidence the defendant has attained fitness to proceed.

4. If the court orders the defendant committed to a treatment facility in an attempt to attain fitness to proceed under subsection 1, the court shall provide the special custody and commitment terms in the order. The special terms of commitment must include an order for the defendant to accept all nonexperimental, generally accepted medical, psychiatric, or psychological treatment recommended by the treatment facility, including the use of involuntary treatment with prescribed medication without the need for a separate commitment under chapter 25-03.1.

a. If the order does not indicate the terms of commitment, the director or superintendent of the treatment facility may determine the nature of the