Court to advise person of nature of proceeding and rights; appointment of legal counsel. (1) At the time that a person who is alleged to have an intellectual disability and to be in need of commitment for residential care, treatment and training is brought before the court, the court shall advise the person of the reason for being brought before the court, the nature of the proceedings and the possible results of the proceedings. The court shall also advise the person of the right to subpoena witnesses and to suitable legal counsel possessing skills and experience commensurate with the nature of the allegations and complexity of the case during the proceedings, and that if the person does not have funds with which to retain suitable legal counsel, the court shall appoint such legal counsel to represent the person. If the person does not request legal counsel, the legal guardian, relative or friend may request the assistance of legal counsel on behalf of the person

(2) If no request for legal counsel is made, the court shall appoint suitable legal counsel.

(3) If the person is unable to afford legal counsel, the court, if the matter is before a county or justice court, or the executive director of the Oregon Public Defense Commission, if the matter is before the circuit court, shall determine and allow, as provided in ORS 135.055, the reasonable expenses of the person and compensation for legal counsel. The expenses and compensation so allowed by a county court shall be paid by the county of residence of the person. The expenses and compensation determined by the executive director shall be paid by the executive director from funds available for the purpose. In all cases legal counsel shall be present at the hearing and may examine all witnesses offering testimony, and otherwise represent the person.

(4) The court may, for good cause, postpone the hearing for not more than 72 hours to allow preparation for the hearing and order the continuation of detention authorized under ORS 427.255 during a postponement, if requested by the person, the legal counsel, the guardian of the person or an examiner or on the court’s own motion. [1979 c.683 §20; 1979 c.867 §13; 1981 s.s. c.3 §135; 2001 c.962 §71; 2011 c.658 §16; 2023 c.281 §73; 2023 c.339 §7; 2025 c.2 §21]