Opinion ID: 776793
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Sell's Sixth Amendment Rights

Text: 37 Finally, we consider whether the district court properly considered Sell's Sixth Amendment right to a fair trial when it ordered the forcible medication. The district court held that Sell's Sixth Amendment claim was premature because the effects of the medication on his competency to assist counsel and on his demeanor could properly be considered after medication. We note that before forcibly medicating an accused, there must be evidence that he will be able to participate in a fair trial. See Brandon, 158 F.3d at 960. That burden was met in this case. First, the magistrate found that the evidence indicated that Sell would be able to participate meaningfully in his trial while he is under the influence of the medication. See United States v. Sell, 4:98CR177 at 13 (E.D.Mo. Aug. 9, 2000). Also, the magistrate found that the medication would allow him to communicate with his counsel in a rational manner. See id. The magistrate further noted that Dr. Wolfson intends to use drugs with a low side-effect profile, to change drugs and dosages based on the side-effects Sell experiences, and above all, to avoid sedation. See id. The district court affirmed these findings. See generally United States v. Sell, 4:98CR177 at 5-9 (E.D.Mo. Apr. 4, 2001). 38 We find that the medical evidence presented indicated a reasonable probability that Sell will fairly be able to participate in his trial. As a result, we believe that the effects of the medication on Sell's competency and demeanor may properly be considered once the medication is administered. The district court noted its willingness to re-examine Sell's Sixth Amendment claim after the medication regimen has begun. See id. at 15. The evidence offered, that the drugs should not interfere with Sell's right to a fair trial, as well as post-medication procedures that ensure he will not be tried unfairly, are sufficient to protect Sell. There is no reversible error.