If doctors conclude they can't restore Loughner's mental competency, the judge would have to make a decision. If the judge finds there's no likelihood of Loughner being restored to competency, the judge can dismiss the charges against him. In that case, state and federal authorities can petition to have Loughner civilly committed and could seek to extend that commitment repeatedly, said Heather Williams, a federal public defender in Tucson who isn't involved in the Loughner case.
