Mentally preparing defendants for trial falls to counties

October 15, 2025- Counties are on the hook for ensuring criminal defendants are mentally fit to stand trial, with the competency restoration process being costly and time consuming. We consider reforms to the process, including changing who foots the bill, with Dr. April Aycock, director for the Office of Mental Health in Monroe County, and Laura Kelemen, director of Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services for Niagara County.