Opinion ID: 1089762
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: competency determination

Text: Prior to trial, defense counsel filed a motion for the appointment of an expert to assist in the preparation of an insanity defense, pursuant to Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.216(a). In this motion counsel stated that Watts' school records indicate psychological problems and an I.Q. in the mentally handicapped range. He is almost totally illiterate. The motion was granted and Dr. Ernest Miller, a psychiatrist, was appointed as a confidential expert. Counsel later filed a suggestion of incompetence and request for continuance, pursuant to Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure 3.190(g) and 3.210. In this motion, counsel pointed out that there was evidence of mental retardation and requested that qualified experts be appointed to examine Watts to determine his competency to stand trial. This motion was also granted and Dr. Barnard, a psychiatrist, and Dr. Fennell, a clinical psychologist, were appointed to examine Watts. Prior to the competency hearing, defense counsel filed a motion requesting that a third mental health professional be appointed to examine Watts to determine his competency to stand trial. Counsel specifically requested that an expert in mental retardation be appointed to evaluate Watts' competency and suggested that Dr. Joyce Carbonell, a clinical psychologist, be appointed. The motion was denied, but Dr. Carbonell was ultimately retained as a defense witness and testified on Watts' behalf during the competency proceedings. At the hearing on competency, defense counsel and the State stipulated to the qualifications of the three mental health experts. Defense counsel never questioned Dr. Barnard's or Dr. Fennell's qualifications to express an opinion concerning Watts' competency to stand trial. Dr. Barnard testified that his examination revealed that Watts was competent to stand trial and was not retarded but was of borderline intelligence. In Dr. Fennell's opinion, Watts was competent to stand trial, as long as trial proceedings were explained to him in terms that he was capable of understanding and any questions asked of him were simplified and repeated. Dr. Fennell testified that test results revealed that Watts had an I.Q. of 71, which indicates a borderline intelligence. Dr. Carbonell, who was retained by the defense, testified that Watts had an I.Q. of 65 and would be considered mildly retarded. In her opinion Watts did not have the present ability to consult with his attorney with a reasonable degree of understanding or to understand the proceedings against him. Finding the testimony of Dr. Barnard and Dr. Fennell more credible than that of Dr. Carbonell, the trial court found Watts competent to stand trial. First, we reject Watts' claim that reversible error occurred because the trial court failed to appoint the HRS diagnosis and evaluation team to evaluate his level of mental retardation and his competency to stand trial, as required under section 916.11(1)(d), Florida Statutes (1987), which provides: If a defendant's suspected mental condition is mental retardation, the court shall appoint the diagnosis and evaluation team of the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services to examine the defendant and determine whether he meets the definition of retardation in s. 393.063 and, if so, whether he is competent to stand trial. (Emphasis added.) A defendant has a fundamental right to a constitutionally adequate determination of his competency to stand trial when there is reasonable cause to believe that he is not mentally competent to proceed. See Drope v. Missouri, 420 U.S. 162, 95 S.Ct. 896, 43 L.Ed.2d 103 (1975); Pate v. Robinson, 383 U.S. 375, 86 S.Ct. 836, 15 L.Ed.2d 815 (1966); Lane v. State, 388 So.2d 1022 (Fla. 1980). Although in Florida this determination is ultimately for the trial court, section 916.11(1)(b), Florida Statutes (1987), and Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.210 provide for the appointment of no more than three nor fewer than two experts to examine a defendant and provide advisory reports regarding the defendant's competency to proceed. Muhammad v. State, 494 So.2d 969, 973 (Fla. 1986), cert. denied, 479 U.S. 1101, 107 S.Ct. 1332, 94 L.Ed.2d 183 (1987). We agree that where, as here, it is suspected that a defendant is mentally retarded, the clear language of section 916.11(1)(d), Florida Statutes (1987), mandates the appointment of the diagnosis and evaluation team of HRS. However, this subsection merely supplements the provisions for appointment of experts contained in subsection (b) of the statute and Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.210 and is not necessary to ensure a constitutionally adequate determination of a defendant's competency. Therefore, while the trial court's failure to abide by the requirements of subsection (d) would have been a clear abuse of discretion had defense counsel requested the appointment of the HRS team or otherwise challenged the trial court's failure to comply with this provision, Watts' entitlement under this subsection was waived by counsel's failure to bring the statutory requirement to the trial court's attention or otherwise raise the error below. See Fowler v. State, 255 So.2d 513 (Fla. 1971). Further, even if the issue had been preserved for appeal, the failure to appoint the HRS team was harmless because Watts received a constitutionally adequate hearing on and determination of his competency. Likewise, we reject Watts' challenge to the trial court's ultimate ruling that he was competent to stand trial. Where there is conflicting expert testimony presented on the issue of competency, it is the trial court's responsibility, as finder of fact in such proceedings, to resolve the disputed factual issue. Fowler, 255 So.2d at 514; King v. State, 387 So.2d 463 (Fla. 1st DCA 1980). Absent a showing of abuse of discretion, the decision of the trial court on such matters will be upheld. Carter v. State, 576 So.2d 1291, 1292 (Fla. 1989), cert. denied, ___ U.S. ___, 112 S.Ct. 225, 116 L.Ed.2d 182 (1991). The record in this case contains sufficient evidence that Watts understood the charges against him and could assist in his defense to support the trial court's ruling.