2014 Arkansas Code
Title 5 - Criminal Offenses
Subtitle 1 - General Provisions
Chapter 2 - Principles of Criminal Liability
Subchapter 3 - Mental Disease or Defect
§ 5-2-314 - Acquittal -- Examination of defendant -- Hearing.

(a) When a defendant is acquitted on the ground of mental disease or defect, a circuit court is required to determine and to include the determination in the order of acquittal one (1) of the following:

(1) The offense involved bodily injury to another person or serious damage to the property of another person or involved a substantial risk of bodily injury to another person or serious damage to the property of another person, and that the defendant remains affected by mental disease or defect;

(2) The offense involved bodily injury to another person or serious damage to the property of another person or involved a substantial risk of bodily injury to another person or serious damage to the property of another person, and that the defendant is no longer affected by mental disease or defect;

(3) The offense did not involve bodily injury to another person or serious damage to the property of another person nor did it involve substantial risk of bodily injury to another person or serious damage to the property of another person, and that the defendant remains affected by mental disease or defect; or

(4) The offense did not involve bodily injury to another person or serious damage to the property of another person nor did it involve a substantial risk of bodily injury to another person or serious damage to the property of another person, and that the defendant is no longer affected by mental disease or defect.

(b) (1) If the circuit court enters a determination based on subdivision (a)(1) or (3) of this section, the circuit court shall order the defendant committed to the custody of the Department of Human Services for an examination by a psychiatrist or a licensed psychologist.

(2) Upon filing of an order of commitment under subdivision (b)(1) of this section with a circuit clerk, the circuit clerk shall submit a copy of the order to the Arkansas Crime Information Center.

(c) If the circuit court enters a determination based on subdivision (a)(2) or (4) of this section, the circuit court shall immediately discharge the defendant.

(d) (1) (A) The department shall file the psychiatric or psychological report with the probate clerk of the circuit court having venue within thirty (30) days following receipt of an order of acquittal.

(B) If before thirty (30) days the department makes application to the circuit court for an extension of time to file the psychiatric or psychological report and the circuit court finds there is good cause for the delay, the circuit court may order that additional time be allowed for the department to file the psychiatric or psychological report.

(C) A hearing shall be conducted by the circuit court and shall take place not later than ten (10) days following the filing of the psychiatric or psychological report with the circuit court.

(2) If the psychiatric or psychological report is not filed within thirty (30) days following the department's receipt of an order of acquittal or within such additional time as authorized by the circuit court, the circuit court may grant a petition for a writ of habeas corpus ordering the release of the defendant under terms and conditions that are reasonable and just for the defendant and societal concerns about the safety of persons and property of others.

(e) (1) A person found not guilty on the ground of mental disease or defect of an offense involving bodily injury to another person or serious damage to the property of another person or involving a substantial risk of bodily injury to another person or serious damage to the property of another person has the burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence that his or her release would not create a substantial risk of bodily injury to another person or serious damage to property of another person due to a present mental disease or defect.

(2) With respect to any other offense, the person has the burden of proof by a preponderance of the evidence.

(f) (1) A person acquitted whose mental condition is the subject of a hearing has a right to counsel.

(2) (A) If it appears to the circuit court that the person acquitted is in need of counsel, an attorney shall be appointed immediately upon filing of the original petition.

(B) (i) When an attorney is appointed by the circuit court, the circuit court shall determine the amount of the fee to be paid the attorney appointed by the circuit court and issue an order of payment.

(ii) The amount of the fee allowed shall be based upon the time and effort of the attorney in the investigation, preparation, and representation of the client at the court hearings.

(g) (1) The quorum court of each county shall appropriate funds for the purpose of payment of the attorney's fees provided for by subsection (f) of this section.

(2) Upon presentment of a claim accompanied by an order of the circuit court fixing the fee, the claim shall be approved by the county court and paid in the same manner as other claims against the county are paid.

(h) A hearing conducted pursuant to subsection (d) of this section may be held at the Arkansas State Hospital or a designated receiving facility or program where the person acquitted is detained.

(i) When conducting any hearing set out in this section, the circuit judge may conduct the hearing within any county of his or her judicial district.

(j) (1) (A) It is the duty of the prosecuting attorney's office in the county where the petition is filed to represent the State of Arkansas at any hearing held pursuant to this section except a hearing pending at the Arkansas State Hospital in Pulaski County.

(B) A prosecuting attorney may contract with another attorney to provide services under subdivision (j)(1) of this section.

(2) The office of the Prosecutor Coordinator shall appear for and on behalf of the State of Arkansas at the Arkansas State Hospital in Little Rock.

(3) Representation under this subsection is a part of the official duties of a prosecuting attorney or the office of the Prosecutor Coordinator and the prosecuting attorney or the office of the Prosecutor Coordinator is immune from civil liability in the performance of this official duty.