La. Code Crim. Proc. art. 643

This is the official text of La. Code Crim. Proc. art. 643, part of Louisiana’s Code of Criminal Procedure — sets the procedural rules for criminal cases in Louisiana.

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Order for mental examination

Official statutory text

The court shall order a mental examination of the defendant when it has reasonable ground to doubt the defendant's mental capacity to proceed. Prior to the ordering of any such mental examination, the court shall appoint counsel to represent the defendant if he has not already retained counsel.

Amended by Acts 1975, No. 325, ยง1.

Status: in_force · Read it on the official government site

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