West Virginia Code § 49-4-734

Disposition alternatives for incompetent juveniles
Open in Lexace · Ask the AI about this section
(a) If the court determines that the juvenile has attained competency, the court shall proceed
with the delinquent juvenile's proceeding in accordance with this article.
(b) After a hearing pursuant to §49-4-732 of this code, if the court determines by the
preponderance of the evidence that the juvenile is incompetent to proceed and cannot attain
competency within the period of time set forth in §49-4-733(b)(3) of this code, the court may
dismiss the petition without prejudice, or may take the following actions or any combination
thereof the court determines to be in the juvenile's best interest and the interest of
protecting the public: u
(1) Refer the matter to the department and request a determination on whether a child
abuse or neglect petition, pursuant to §49-4-601 et seq. of this code, should be filed;
(2) Refer the juvenile to the department for services pursuant to §49-4-712 of this code.
Services may include, but are not limited to, referrlal of the juvenile and his or her parents,
guardians, or custodians and other family memsbers to services for psychiatric or other
medical care, or psychological, welfare, legal, education, or other social services, as
appropriate to the needs of the juvenile anid his or her family;
(3) Place the juvenile in the custody of his or her parents or other suitable person or private
or public institution or agency under terms and conditions as determined to be in the best
interests of the juvenile and the public, which conditions may include the provision of out-
patient services by any suitable public or private agency; or
(4) Upon motion by the prosecuting attorney, stay the proceeding for no more than 20 days
to allow the prosecut ing attorney to initiate proceedings for civil commitment pursuant to
§27-5-1 et seqV. of this code if the juvenile has attained majority.
(c) A circuit court may, sua sponte or upon a motion by any party direct that a dangerous
assessment be performed prior to directing the resolutions set forth in subsection (b) of this
section.

‹ Prev All West Virginia sections Next ›


Lexace provides legal information, not legal advice, and no attorney–client relationship is created. Statute text is provided for general information and may not reflect the most recent amendments; verify against the official state code.