Colorado legal term

Competency hearing in Colorado Criminal Law

Current through 2026 Colorado legislative session

In Colorado criminal law, “Competency hearing” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the Colorado criminal code.

What does “Competency hearing” mean in Colorado criminal law?

"Competency hearing" means a hearing to determine whether a defendant is competent to proceed. (C.R.S. § 16-8.5-101)

Statutes defining or using this term

C.R.S. § 16-8.5-101
C.R.S. § 19-2.5-701.5

Related terms in the same statutes

Order
Services
Information
Juvenile
Department
Defendant
Treatment
Assist
Prosecuting attorney
Detention facility
Incompetent to proceed
Competency evaluation

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.