557.031. Presentence commitment for study. - Missouri Statutes

Presentence commitment for study.

557.031. 1. In felony cases where the circumstancessurrounding the commission of the crime or other circumstancesbrought to the attention of the court indicate a stronglikelihood that the defendant is suffering from a mental diseaseor disorder, and the court desires more detailed informationabout the defendant's mental condition before making anauthorized disposition under section 557.011, it may order thecommitment of the defendant for mental examination.

2. The court may commit the defendant to a facility of thedepartment of mental health or to a hospital and order thedefendant examined by such person or persons as the court or thatdepartment or hospital may designate. The cost of guarding andtransporting any confined defendant to and from any such facilityor other place of examination shall be borne by the county. Anycommitment shall be for a period not exceeding thirty days unlessextended by the order of the court.

3. Within forty days after the order the person or personsmaking such examination or examinations shall transmit to thecourt a report thereof including answers to any specificquestions submitted by the court. The clerk of the court shallimmediately supply copies of the report to the prosecutingattorney and to the defendant or his attorney.

4. Any period of commitment to a facility of the departmentof mental health or to a hospital for the purpose of this sectionshall be credited against any term of imprisonment imposed uponthe defendants.

(L. 1977 S.B. 60)

Effective 1-1-79