Opinion ID: 1882035
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Did Crawford's extensive psychological history, inability to meaningfully communicate with counsel or recall necessary facts, coupled with his experts' [sic] testimony, conclusively established his incompetency?

Text: ¶ 17. Crawford experienced problems as early as the age of six when he would experience visual hallucinations,... periods of falling out, [and] blackout spells that would last anywhere from a few minutes to a half hour.... Crawford was first treated by a psychiatrist at age ten and was prescribed phenobarbital medication. ¶ 18. Crawford's first in-patient psychiatric treatment began in 1989 after he attempted suicide and was admitted to East Mississippi State Hospital. There he underwent six weeks of testing and [t]he discharge diagnoses were bipolar disorder, manic type or manic phase, and substance abuse by history. He was prescribed Desyrel, an antidepressant, and Lithium carbonate, a mood stabilizer. Two years later, only a few weeks before he assaulted Nicole Cutberth, Crawford was admitted to Memphis Mental Health Institute for two weeks where he was again diagnosed as having a bipolar disorder. ¶ 19. In addition, Crawford suffered a seizure a few months before trial and was treated at Aberdeen Hospital. He subsequently suffered a second seizure and less than two weeks before trial he was treated at Aberdeen Hospital and at Northeast Mississippi Medical Center. There Crawford was prescribed Dilantin, an anti-epileptic/anti-seizure medication. Thus, at the time of trial he was taking both Lithium and Dilantin. ¶ 20. At the competency hearing, Crawford presented Affidavits from Dr. Lemly David Hutt and Dr. Mark C. Webb, both of whom expressed concerns about the effect of the Dilantin on Crawford's competency to stand trial. However, the Prosecution produced Dr. Reb McMichael, who testified in person that Crawford was competent to stand trial. Dr. McMichael was asked about the effect of both the Lithium and the Dilantin on Crawford's competency to stand trial. Regarding the Lithium, McMichael testified the levels have barely been therapeutic or lower than therapeutic; and I would not expect Lithium, itself, would have any effect on his ability to understand his legal situation and consult with an attorney. ¶ 21. Concerning the Dilantin, Dr. McMichael testified that since the dosage level was 100 milligrams three times a day, I would not expect that that would interfere with his ability to consult with his attorney. That opinion is further bolstered by the fact that, as you mentioned, this is the fourth time that I've seen him. ¶ 22. At the conclusion of the competency hearing, the trial judge made specific findings of fact in ruling that Crawford was competent to stand trial. There is substantial credible evidence to support the trial judge's conclusions. Therefore, this argument lacks merit.