Opinion ID: 1290756
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: examinations and hospitalizations

Text: In June and July, 1982, the appellant was examined in Wood County by B.M. Hirani, a psychiatrist, and Alan D. Sturdevant, a psychologist. W.Va. Code, 27-6A-1(a) [1977]. Although Hirani and Sturdevant were unable to reach an opinion as to whether the appellant had the capacity to be criminally responsible for the alleged assault upon L.H., they concluded that the appellant suffered from mental retardation and that he was incompetent to stand trial. The appellant was then transferred to Spencer Hospital for further examination. W.Va. Code, 27-6A-1(b) [1977]. In August 1982 at Spencer, the appellant was examined by John R. Atkinson, Jr., a psychologist, who concluded that the appellant suffered from no condition which would diminish [the appellant's] responsibility for the alleged assault upon L.H. However, Atkinson also concluded that the appellant suffered from mental retardation and was incompetent to stand trial. In addition, as reflected by medical reports completed in August, 1982 and March, 1983, Danis Soylu, a medical doctor at Spencer Hospital, confirmed the appellant's mental retardation and incompetency to stand trial. [3] Subsequent to the appellant's hospitalization at Spencer, the circuit court found that the appellant was incompetent to stand trial and dismissed the July, 1982 indictment. Thereafter, the circuit court committed the appellant to Weston Hospital (Lewis County) with the authority to transfer the appellant to the Greenbrier Center medical facility (Greenbrier County). Arthur N. Ward, a staff physician at Weston Hospital, indicated that the appellant suffered from mental retardation. In May, 1983, the appellant was transferred to the Greenbrier Center, and, in October, 1983, the circuit court was informed that the staff at Greenbrier had reached a consensus that the appellant's mental condition had improved and that he was competent to stand trial. As indicated in the record, the opinions of the Greenbrier staff were reflected in the written report of Alonzo L. Brown, a staff psychologist at Greenbrier. However, although Brown wrote that he considered the appellant competent to stand trial, Brown had indicated previously that a psychiatric evaluation would be necessary to support or deny the Greenbrier Center staff opinion that the appellant was competent to stand trial. Finally, in early November, 1983 the appellant was again examined by Dr. Hirani in Wood County. As indicated above, Dr. Hirani had examined the appellant in 1982. Dr. Hirani again found the appellant incompetent to stand trial. His November, 1983 report stated as follows: The patient was found to be fairly cooperative, respectful, compliant and he followed simple orders quite well. However, his speech was marked by `don't know' responses, and it was not possible to gather any kind of meaningful information. It was the impression of the examiner that the patient was not putting on an act and that he was incapable of giving any definite and meaningful information. .... When he was questioned about the charges, he had no idea at all. Also, he had no idea at all about the various officials that are present in a courtroom and their functions. .... Competency assessment revealed that he had total disability in several areas which would render him quite incompetent to stand trial. .... He is at present unable to consult with his attorney and to assist his attorney in the preparation of his defense with any degree of understanding of the charges against him.