Rule 26.5 Diagnostic Evaluation and Mental Health Examination

Before a judge gives someone their sentence, the judge can order that person to get a mental health exam or a full diagnostic evaluation. This might happen if the judge wants to better understand the defendant's mental state before deciding on a punishment.

Any written report from that exam is normally due at the same time as the presentence report, which is the document that helps the judge decide on a sentence. The judge can change that deadline if there is a good reason to do so.