Criminal Procedure - Incompetency to Stand Trial Dismissal

HB 180 modifies Maryland's rules for dismissing criminal cases against defendants found incompetent to stand trial. It shortens the time before dismissal for certain charges: 10 years for serious offenses like rape (now 5 years for felonies/crimes of violence, 3 years for other charges). The bill requires courts to notify prosecutors and victims (or their representatives) before dismissing a case and allow them to request a hearing. Prosecutors can also ask the court to extend the time for dismissal if they show "extraordinary cause." This affects defendants, prosecutors, and victims by changing dismissal timelines and adding procedural protections.