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Arizona legal term

Incompetent to stand trial in Arizona Criminal Law

Current through 2026 Arizona legislative session

In Arizona criminal law, “Incompetent to stand trial” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the Arizona criminal code.

What does “Incompetent to stand trial” mean in Arizona criminal law?

"Incompetent to stand trial" means that as a result of a mental illness, defect or disability a defendant is unable to understand the nature and object of the proceeding or to assist in the defendant's defense. (A.R.S. § 13-4501)

Statutes defining or using this term

Related terms in the same statutes

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.