DENVER — People charged with crimes in Colorado who face questions about their mental competency are often forced to wait in jail for months until they can be evaluated at a state hospital — but one court in Larimer County has pioneered a new approach that’s aimed at stabilizing defendants faster and outside of jail.
The Eighth Judicial District, which includes Larimer and Jackson counties, created a special “competency court” — a central place where defendants facing mid-level felony charges are supported by a team of mental health professionals who work together with the judge, defense attorneys and prosecutors to reduce delays and restore defendants to competency.
The court does not accept misdemeanor cases unless the defendant is also facing felony charges, and does not accept the most serious felony cases, like homicide.
