Opinion ID: 2708848
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Effectiveness of the Medication

Text: We turn then to the second of Sell’s requirements: that the medication “is substantially likely to render the defendant competent to stand trial” and “is substantially unlikely to have side effects that will interfere significantly with the defendant’s ability to assist counsel” in putting forth a defense at trial. 539 U.S. at 181. At the second hearing, defense counsel specifically observed, apparently in reference to the report from the Butner psychiatrist, that the psychotropic drugs were ineffective in thirty percent of the cases. The Government countered that the report suggested that there was a substantial likelihood that Mr. Debenedetto could be restored to trial-level competency within six months’ time. Even if we had the benefit of the report, however, and could conclude that the Government had established, by clear and convincing evidence, that Mr. Debenedetto could be rendered competent with the involuntary administration of psychotropic drugs, there is no evidence in the record as to the side effects of those drugs and their potential negative impact on Mr. Debenedetto’s ability to assist with his defense. 12 No. 13-3281