2011 Oregon Revised Statutes
ORS Volume 4, Chapters 131 - 170
ORS Chapter 161
161.309 Notice and report prerequisite to defense; content.

(1) The defendant may not introduce evidence on the issue of insanity under ORS 161.295, unless the defendant:

(a) Gives notice of intent to do so in the manner provided in subsection (3) of this section; and

(b) Files with the court a report of a psychiatric or psychological evaluation, conducted by a certified evaluator, in the manner provided in subsection (4) of this section.

(2) The defendant may not introduce in the case in chief expert testimony regarding partial responsibility or diminished capacity under ORS 161.300 unless the defendant gives notice of intent to do so in the manner provided in subsection (3) of this section.

(3) A defendant who is required under subsection (1) or (2) of this section to give notice shall file a written notice of purpose at the time the defendant pleads not guilty. The defendant may file the notice at any time after the plea but before trial when just cause for failure to file the notice at the time of making the plea is shown. If the defendant fails to file notice, the defendant may not introduce evidence for the establishment of a defense under ORS 161.295 or 161.300 unless the court, in its discretion, permits the evidence to be introduced where just cause for failure to file the notice is shown.

(4) A defendant who is required under subsection (1) of this section to file a report of a psychiatric or psychological evaluation shall file the report before trial. The report must be based on an evaluation conducted after the date of the alleged offense and must address the issue of insanity under ORS 161.295 and the dispositional determination described in ORS 161.325. If the defendant fails to file a complete report before trial, the defendant may not introduce evidence for the establishment of a defense under ORS 161.295 unless:

(a) The court, in its discretion, permits the evidence to be introduced when just cause for failure to file the report is shown; and

(b) If the defendant is charged with a felony, the defendant is tried by a jury.

(5)(a) A court may not accept a plea of guilty except for insanity to a felony unless a report described in subsection (4) of this section is filed with the court. If the report has not been filed, the court may order that a psychiatric or psychological evaluation of the defendant be conducted by a certified evaluator and a report of the evaluation be filed with the court.

(b) When the court orders an evaluation of a financially eligible person under this subsection, the court shall order the public defense services executive director to pay a reasonable fee for the evaluation from funds available for that purpose.

(6) As used in this section, certified evaluator means a psychiatrist or psychologist who holds a valid certification under the provisions of ORS 161.392. [1971 c.743 39,40,41; 1983 c.800 3; 2003 c.127 2; 2011 c.724 1]