§ 22-1176. Raising issue of mental illness or insanity at time of offense.  


Latest version.
  • A.  If the defendant intends to raise the question of mental illness or insanity at the time of the offense, the defendant shall file notice with the court no later than thirty (30) days after formal arraignment.  Additionally, if the defendant is financially unable to obtain the services of a qualified mental health professional, the defendant shall file an application with the court at the time of the filing of notice of insanity defense.  The procedure to be followed for review of such an application will be the same as provided in Section 1175.3 of this title.

    B.  In cases not involving the appointment of the Oklahoma Indigent Defense System pursuant to Sections 1355 through 1370.1 of this title, if the court finds that the defendant's sanity at the time of the offense is to be a significant factor in his defense at trial and that the defendant is financially unable to obtain the services of a qualified mental health professional, the court shall provide the defendant with access to a qualified mental health professional by authorizing counsel to obtain the services of a qualified mental health professional to conduct an appropriate examination and assist in evaluation, preparation and presentation of the defense.  Compensation for such services shall be paid by the court fund, as authorized by Section 1304 of Title 20 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

    C.  As used in this section, "qualified mental health professional" means an individual certified or licensed in this state to practice psychiatry, psychology, professional counseling, or social work.

Added by Laws 1985, c. 232, § 2, emerg. eff. July 8, 1985.  Amended by Laws 1991, c. 238, § 36, eff. July 1, 1991; Laws 2009, c. 239, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2009.