Opinion ID: 1058311
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 38

Heading: Testimony of Dr. Xavier Amador

Text: Appellant contends that the trial court erred in forcing defense expert Dr. Xavier Amador to testify at the competency hearing without giving him sufficient time to: (1) review cassette tapes Dr. Bernet had recorded during his interview with appellant prior to the competency hearing and (2) review Dr. Turner-Graham's report. The proof at the competency hearing was presented out of order due to Dr. Amador's scheduling constraints. The defense presented Dr. Pamela Auble as its first expert. Next, the State presented the testimony of Dr. Bernet, during which cassette tapes of a two hour and fifteen minute interview with appellant were introduced. Dr. Cynthia Turner-Graham testified next. Following her testimony, the court asked defense counsel to call its next witness. Dr. Amador's flight, however, had been cancelled the previous night, and he had not yet arrived. When Dr. Amador arrived, he was given Dr. Turner-Graham's report and the tapes from Dr. Bernet's interview for his review. Defense counsel asked that Dr. Amador be given additional time to review the tapes and report upon his arrival. The trial court denied the request explaining that Dr. Amador had at least thirty minutes to review the report, and that he could review the tapes during the lunch break. Further, the court explained that defense counsel heard the tapes and could advise him concerning the same. Dr. Amador never indicated that his testimony was compromised by insufficient time to review the report or the tapes. Appellant argues that, if Dr. Amador had been given additional time to review Dr. Bernet's taped interview, he would have been better equipped to challenge Dr. Bernet's conclusions. This court finds that the record does not support appellant's arguments on this issue. This issue is without merit.