2016 Colorado Revised Statutes
Title 16 - Criminal Proceedings
Code of Criminal Procedure
Article 8 - Insanity - Release
Part 1 - General Provisions
§ 16-8-108. Examination at instance of defendant

(1) If the defendant wishes to be examined by a psychiatrist, psychologist, or other expert of his own choice in connection with any proceeding under this article, the court, upon timely motion, shall order that the examiner chosen by the defendant be given reasonable opportunity to conduct the examination.

(1) (a) If the defendant wishes to be examined by a psychiatrist, psychologist, or other expert of his own choice in connection with any proceeding under this article, the court, upon timely motion, shall order that the examiner chosen by the defendant be given reasonable opportunity to conduct the examination. An interview conducted pursuant to a court order under this section must be video and audio recorded and preserved. The court shall advise the defendant that any examination with a psychiatrist or forensic psychologist may be audio and video recorded. A copy of the recording must be provided to the prosecution with the examination report. Any jail or other facility where the court orders the examination to take place must permit the recording to occur and must provide the space and equipment necessary for such recording, if available. If space and equipment are not available, the sheriff or facility director shall attempt to coordinate a location and the availability of equipment with the court, which may consult with the district attorney and defense counsel for an agreed upon location. If no agreement is reached, and upon the request of either the defense counsel or district attorney, the court shall order the location of the examination, which may include the Colorado mental health institute at Pueblo.

(b) Prior to or during any examination required by this section, the psychiatrist or forensic psychologist shall assess whether the recording of the examination is likely to cause or is causing mental or physical harm to the defendant or others. If such a determination is made and documented contemporaneously in writing, the psychiatrist or forensic psychologist shall not record the examination or shall cease recording the examination, and the psychiatrist or forensic psychologist shall advise the court and the parties of this determination and the reasons therefore in a written report to the court. If only a partial recording is made, the psychiatrist or forensic psychologist shall provide the partial recording to the court and the parties, and the partial recording may be used by any psychiatrist or forensic psychologist in forming an opinion, submitting a report, or testifying on the issue of the defendant's mental health.

(c) The court shall determine the admissibility of any recording or partial recording, in whole or in part, subject to all available constitutional and evidentiary objections.

(2) A copy of any report of examination of the defendant made at the instance of the defense shall be furnished to the prosecution a reasonable time in advance of trial.