(A) As used in sections 2152.51 to 2152.59 of the Revised Code:
(1) "Competent" and "competency" refer to a child's ability to understand the nature and objectives of a proceeding against the child and to assist in the child's defense. A child is incompetent if, due to mental illness, due to developmental disability, or otherwise due to a lack of mental capacity, the child is presently incapable of understanding the nature and objective of proceedings against the child or of assisting in the child's defense.
(2) "Delinquent child proceeding" means any proceeding under this chapter.
(3) "Developmental disability," "intellectual disability," and "moderate level of intellectual disability" have the same meanings as in section 5123.01 of the Revised Code.
(B) Each juvenile court shall adopt rules to expedite proceedings under sections 2152.51 to 2152.59 of the Revised Code. The rules shall include provisions for giving notice of any hearings held under those sections and for staying any proceedings on the underlying complaint pending the determinations under those sections.
(C) At a competency-related hearing held under section 2152.53 or 2152.58 of the Revised Code, the child shall be represented by an attorney. If the child is indigent and cannot obtain counsel, the court shall appoint an attorney under Chapter 120. of the Revised Code or the Rules of Juvenile Procedure.
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 12
cases (5 in the last 5 years), 2013–2026 · leading case: State v. D.T., 2024-Ohio-4482.
State v. D.T., 2024-Ohio-4482. · cites it 5דR.C. 2152.51 through R.C. 2152.59 govern juvenile competency determinations.”
In re K.A., 2017-Ohio-6979. “{¶14} We note the Bock decision was issued in December 1986, which was well before the September 2011 enactment of the juvenile competency laws — R.C. 2152.51–2152.59. In Bock, the adult-defendant was found guilty of rape and GSI.”
In re A.H., 2018-Ohio-364. “{¶ 13} Competency proceedings for juveniles are governed by R.C. 2152.51 through 2152.59. These statutes address timing requirements for competency evaluations and hearings, qualifications for evaluators, and requirements for competency hearings and written competency assessment…”
In re L.M., 2024-Ohio-2974, 249 N.E.3d 388. “{¶15} R.C. 2152.51(A)(1) provides that: “Competent” and “competency” refer to a child’s ability to understand the nature and objectives of a proceeding against the child and to assist in the child’s defense.”
In re S.D., 2014-Ohio-2528. “56(B) mandates that a competency assessment report shall address the child’s capacity to do all of the following: (1) Comprehend and appreciate the charges or allegations against the child; (2) Understand the adversarial nature of the proceedings, including the role of the…”
In re T.D.S., 2022-Ohio-525. “Competency determinations for juvenile delinquency cases are governed by R.C. 2152.51 to 2152.59. R.C. 2152.56(B) mandates that a competency assessment report shall address the child’s capacity to (1) understand and appreciate the allegations against the child; (2) understand…”
In re D.G., 2014-Ohio-650. “G’s competency hearing was held before September 30, 2011, we apply the law that existed before the enactment of R.C. 2152.51 through 2152.59. Ross App. Nos.”
In re D.L., 2017-Ohio-2823. · cites it 3ד{¶13} On June 17, 2016, appellant filed a notice of appeal. He herein raises the following sole Assignment of Error: {¶14} “I.”
In re J.D., 2025-Ohio-746. · cites it 4דJuvenile competency determinations are governed by R.C. 2152.51 through R.C. 2152.59. Competency concerns “a child’s ability to understand the nature and objectives of a proceeding against the child and to assist in the child’s defense.”
In re T.L., 2013-Ohio-3356. “] WAS DENIED HIS RIGHT TO DUE PROCESS OF LAW WHEN HE WAS ADJUDICATED DELINQUENT WHEN HE WAS INCOMPETENT TO STAND TRIAL, IN VIOLATION OF R.C. 2152.51, R.C. 2152.52, R.C. 2152.58, THE FIFTH AND FOURTEENTH AMENDMENTS TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION, AND ARTICLE I, SECTION 16 OF…”
In re J.S., 2017-Ohio-6898. · cites it 2ד{¶28} R.C. 2152.51 through R.C. 2152.59 govern juvenile competency determinations.”
In re O.J., 2026-Ohio-354. · cites it 2ד“A child is incompetent if, due to mental illness, . . . developmental disability, or .”
Ohio Rev. Code § 2152.51(A)(1): 6 cases
State v. D.T., 2024-Ohio-4482. “R.C. 2152.51 through R.C. 2152.59 govern juvenile competency determinations.”
In re L.M., 2024-Ohio-2974, 249 N.E.3d 388. “{¶15} R.C. 2152.51(A)(1) provides that: “Competent” and “competency” refer to a child’s ability to understand the nature and objectives of a proceeding against the child and to assist in the child’s defense.”
In re D.L., 2017-Ohio-2823. “{¶13} On June 17, 2016, appellant filed a notice of appeal. He herein raises the following sole Assignment of Error: {¶14} “I.”
In re J.D., 2025-Ohio-746. “Juvenile competency determinations are governed by R.C. 2152.51 through R.C. 2152.59. Competency concerns “a child’s ability to understand the nature and objectives of a proceeding against the child and to assist in the child’s defense.”
In re J.S., 2017-Ohio-6898. “{¶28} R.C. 2152.51 through R.C. 2152.59 govern juvenile competency determinations.”
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