Criminal Procedure - Incompetency to Stand Trial Dismissal

HB 195 modifies Maryland's rules for dismissing criminal charges against defendants found incompetent to stand trial. It sets specific time limits for dismissal: 10 years for first-degree murder or rape charges, 5 years for other felonies or violent crimes, and 3 years for other offenses. The bill requires courts to notify the State’s Attorney and victims (or their representatives who requested it) before dismissal and allow them to be heard. It also lets the state petition for "extraordinary cause" to extend these time limits. This bill directly affects defendants, prosecutors, and victims in ongoing criminal cases involving incompetence rulings.