In Re Lakeshia M.

The issue presented by the parties in this delinquency case is whether the juvenile respondent triggered the requirement for a pre-adjudicatory hearing, mental competency evaluation, as that requirement was imposed by Maryland Code (1974, 2002 Repl.Vol., 2005 Cum.Supp.), § 3-8A-17.1 of the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article (CJ). 1 We shall hold that the juvenile sufficiently raised the issue of competency to oblige the court to make a finding whether to order an evaluation. Because this was not done, we shall vacate the adjudication of delinquency and the disposition.

On November 16,…