For more information – contact the Competency Court Coordinator:

Chelsea Sittner

at chelsea.sittner@judicial.state.co.us

Mission Statement

The mission of the First Judicial District Competency Court Docket is to improve the historically ineffective processes in cases where competency is raised. This docket will be a streamlined process focused on helping eligible defendants obtain expedited access to services and support they need in the context of out-patient restoration services. 

The purpose of the First Judicial District Competency Court Docket is to identify the needs of both the defendant and the criminal justice system. The goal is to identify the most just and fair course in a reasonable amount of time. To manage these cases cooperatively, efficiently, and effectively, the Competency Court team will review all cases regularly to look at the competency processes, support, and available resources. 

The goals of the Competency Health Court are to:

• • Develop collaborative approaches across behavioral health and criminal justice systems.

  • Improve information-sharing, communication, collaboration, and develop data to track.

  • Increase connections to community-based services and supports when individuals can safely be released to the community for restoration services.

  • Improve the speed at which restoration services and restoration determinations can be made determinations can be made for qualifying individuals by improving the support and resources provided to both incarcerated and non-incarcerated defendants who are in the midst of competency proceedings.

  • Reduce recidivism of individuals involved in the criminal justice system with substance use and/or behavioral health challenges who have been found to be incompetent to proceed in one or more pending cases.