Opinion ID: 6500407
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Evaluation of Muhammad’s Competency

Text: ¶3 In August 2017, Muhammad’s counsel asked the trial court to order a preliminary competency examination of Muhammad, pursuant to Arizona Rule of Criminal Procedure 11.2(c) (authorizing preliminary competency examination to determine whether reasonable grounds exist for further examination). The trial court granted the motion and appointed Dr. Cooper-Lopez, a psychologist, to conduct the preliminary competency examination. Following the examination, Dr. Cooper-Lopez concluded that Muhammad’s “ability to understand his case and discuss his rights and responsibilities within the court system was significantly impaired.” Dr. Cooper-Lopez further noted Muhammad “may have exaggerated his lack of legal knowledge during the exam,” and “recommended this be assessed further in subsequent evaluations.” 2 STATE V. MUHAMMAD