(1) At the time the allegedly mentally retarded person is brought before the court, the court shall advise the person of the reason for being brought before the court, the nature of the proceedings and the possible results of the proceedings. The court shall also advise the allegedly mentally retarded person of the right to subpoena witnesses and to suitable legal counsel possessing skills and experience commensurate with the nature of the allegations and complexity of the case during the proceedings, and that if the person does not have funds with which to retain suitable legal counsel, the court shall appoint such legal counsel to represent the person. If the allegedly mentally retarded person does not request legal counsel, the legal guardian, relative or friend may request the assistance of legal counsel on behalf of the person.
(2) If no request for legal counsel is made, the court shall appoint suitable legal counsel.
(3) If the person is unable to afford legal counsel, the court, if the matter is before a county or justice court, or the public defense services executive director, if the matter is before the circuit court, shall determine and allow, as provided in ORS 135.055, the reasonable expenses of the person and compensation for legal counsel. The expenses and compensation so allowed by a county court shall be paid by the county of residence of the allegedly mentally retarded person. The expenses and compensation determined by the public defense services executive director shall be paid by the public defense services executive director from funds available for the purpose. In all cases legal counsel shall be present at the hearing and may examine all witnesses offering testimony, and otherwise represent the person.
(4) If the allegedly mentally retarded person, the legal counsel, parent, guardian, an examiner or the court requests, the court may, for good cause, postpone the hearing for not more than 72 hours in order to allow preparation for the hearing. The court may, for good cause, order the continuation of detention authorized under ORS 427.255, during a postponement. [1979 c.683 §20; 1979 c.867 §13; 1981 s.s. c.3 §135; 2001 c.962 §71]
Section: Previous 427.230 427.235 427.240 427.245 427.250 427.255 427.260 427.265 427.270 427.275 427.280 427.285 427.290 427.293 427.295 NextLast modified: August 7, 2008