Opinion ID: 216187
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Fitzmorris’s Nature and Background

Text: Fitzmorris argues that his displays of “shortsightedness,” which include stealing a metal fixture from the courthouse on the day of his change-of-plea hearing and his escape and crime spree, should have convinced the district court that his pleas of guilty were neither deliberate nor thoughtful. However, this is simply one factor to be considered by the court. Moreover, to the extent that Fitzmorris suggests he lacked the mental capacity to plead guilty, the district court found him competent to stand trial in his escape and hostage-taking case, based on evaluations performed by two different forensic psychologists. The district court noted that Fitzmorris completed the tenth grade and obtained a general-education diploma, and observed that he responded appropriately to questions during the plea colloquy. The district court did not abuse its discretion in weighing this factor against Fitzmorris.