Opinion ID: 1931315
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: facts

Text: The factual basis for Lassek's pleas established that on the afternoon of October 7, 2002, Lassek shot and killed Jim Garnett in Omaha, Nebraska. Lassek confessed to the police that he had gone to Garnett's residence with the intent to rob Garnett of money, drugs, or both. Lassek told the police that although he went to Garnett's residence with other people, he was the one who entered the house and fired shots. Garnett died from multiple gunshot wounds to the chest. Lassek was charged by information on April 10, 2003, with first degree murder and use of a firearm to commit a felony in the murder and robbery of Garnett. At a hearing on June 12, Lassek agreed to waive his right to a speedy trial and indicated that he planned to file a motion for a psychological examination to determine his competency to stand trial. Lassek was examined by Dr. Louis C. Martin, a psychiatrist at the Lincoln Regional Center (LRC). Martin's evaluation of Lassek's competency was received into evidence at a hearing on November 20, 2003. Based on Martin's report that Lassek was not competent, the Douglas County District Court found that Lassek was not competent to stand trial. Counsel requested that Lassek be transferred to the LRC for treatment as recommended in the report and that the court set a date for review. The State had no objection. At the hearing to review Lassek's competency, the court received into evidence a report from Martin dated March 19, 2004. Martin opined that Lassek had attained at least the minimal standard for competency to stand trial in Nebraska. In response, Lassek's counsel asked for a separate independent evaluation. With the agreement of the State, the court appointed Dr. Terry A. Davis to evaluate Lassek's competency to stand trial. In a report dated September 28, 2004, Davis opined that Lassek was malingering and was competent to stand trial. The court then entered an order finding Lassek competent to stand trial. An amended information was filed on December 14, charging Lassek with second degree murder and use of a firearm to commit a felony. At a hearing on May 16, 2005, Lassek was given leave to withdraw his previous pleas of not guilty. Through his attorney, Lassek stated that he wanted to plead no contest. The court examined Lassek concerning his understanding of his rights with regard to the entry of a plea of no contest. The court found beyond a reasonable doubt that Lassek understood the nature of the charges against him; that he understood the possible sentences; that his pleas were made freely, intelligently, voluntarily, and understandingly; that there was a factual basis for the pleas; and that the pleas were accurate. The court accepted the pleas and found Lassek guilty of the charges. Lassek subsequently requested to withdraw his pleas and that he be appointed new counsel. The court denied both motions and found that Lassek was properly informed of his rights, that the pleas were properly accepted, and that Lassek was competent to enter a plea at the time. Lassek was sentenced on August 4, 2005, to 45 years to life in prison for second degree murder and to 15 to 20 years in prison for the firearm charge, to be served consecutively to the sentence for second degree murder. He was given credit for time served of 878 days.