Opinion ID: 1655090
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Whether Trial Counsel was ineffective for failing to send Woodward to Whitfield State Hospital for a competency hearing.

Text: ¶ 35. On September 10, 1986, Woodward's counsel, Jones and Bradley, filed numerous motions regarding Woodward's mental evaluation. In the Motion for Psychiatric Examination of Defendant, counsel requested that Woodward be examined by a psychiatrist for determination of his mental competency at the time of the crime. In the Motion for Funds for Psychiatrist, counsel requested funds to employ a psychiatrist to conduct an evaluation of Woodward's capacity for criminal responsibility. In the Motion for Funds for Private Psychiatric Testimony at Sentencing Hearing, counsel requested funds to employ a private psychiatrist or psychologist to testify on behalf of Woodward regarding mitigating circumstances, in case there was a sentencing hearing. In the Motion for Private Psychiatric Examination and Testing, counsel requested that the court grant Woodward the right to be examined by private psychiatrist, psychologist and other medical experts to determine his sanity at the time of the crime and his ability to aid in his defense. In the Defendant's Motion for Funds to Conduct a Psychiatric Examination, counsel again requested funds to conduct a psychiatric examination. ¶ 36. Prior to the re-sentencing trial, Woodward's counsel, Michael Adelman, renewed those motions and specifically requested funds to employ Dr. John Ritter, a psychiatrist and neurologist. Adelman argued that they did not want a re-examination at Whitfield. Adelman further stated that the motion for psychiatric evaluation, in terms of Whitfield, or that type of examination was moot. After the defense and the prosecution made their arguments regarding the motions, the following colloquy occurred, Trial Court: I am going to allow Dr. Thurman to continue, if he needs additional funds for additional tests and evaluation, certainly we would grant those, and also am going to allow Mr. Woodward, if he desires for him to do so, to be evaluated by the staff at Whitfield. If you desire that, we will get an order to that effect. All right. No. 21. Adelman: If I understand the Court's ruling, he can continue with Dr. Thurman. Trial Court: Yes. Adelman: By the way I have discussed with Dr. Thurman and Dr. Thurman has indicated that he would want to see Mr. Woodward. Trial Court: I have no problem with that. Adelman: And the question whether or not, he wouldwe will have to discuss that with Mr. Woodward. Trial Court: And if you want him to be re-evaluated by Whitfield, we will. Adelman: But as far as Dr. Ritter, you are denying those funds? Trial Court: Yes. On April 26, 1994, the trial court entered its order stating, IT IS, THEREFORE, ORDERED AND ADJUDGED, that the defendant be allowed evaluation at Mississippi State Hospital if he so desires psychiatric examination, and to continue to have at his disposal Dr. Clarence Th[u]rman, who has previously examined the defendant, as well as testified in connection with this matter for the defendant's behalf, and to allow the defendant additional funds to continue any examination and treatment of the defendant by Dr. Clarence Th[u]rman, and the portion of the Motion requesting additional psychiatric expertise is overruled. ¶ 37. Woodward now contends that his counsel at his re-sentencing hearing were ineffective because they failed to have Woodward re-examined by the staff at the state hospital at Whitfield. Woodward points out that during Michael Adelman's presentation of the subject motions, he argued that an evaluation of Woodward by a medical doctor, as well as by a psychiatrist, was essential to developing their case. During the hearing, the prosecution pointed out that Woodward had previously been examined by a medical doctor at the state hospital. ¶ 38. On September 24, 1986, the trial court entered its order that Woodward be transported to the state hospital at Whitfield for a psychiatric examination. The report from the state hospital was filed on February 6, 1987 and, in pertinent part, states It was the staff's unanimous opinion that [Woodward] is competent to stand trial at the present time and knew the difference between right and wrong in relation to his actions at the time of the crimes. We have seen no suggestion of psychotic disorder. The report also states that records from Woodward's previous admission to the state hospital were also reviewed. That report was signed by a clinical psychologist and the staff neurologist for the state hospital. After being evaluated at the state hospital, Woodward moved for, and was granted, funds to hire private psychologist Dr. Clarence Thurman. Dr. Thurman conducted extensive evaluations of Woodward prior to his original trial and prior to his re-sentencing trial. ¶ 39. Woodward's counsel at re-sentencing specifically requested that Woodward not be re-evaluated at the state hospital and instead requested funds to hire Dr. Ritter. The State argues that Woodward's counsel knew that the first evaluation from the state hospital was not favorable and any subsequent evaluation was also likely to be unfavorable. The State contends that this shows sound trial strategy and not ineffective assistance of counsel. This Court has held, Defense counsel's tactical decision not to investigate psychological evidence did not deprive defendant of effective assistance of counsel at sentencing phase of capital murder trial where defense counsel could have judged that psychological report would have been harmful. Wiley v. State, 517 So.2d 1373 (Miss.1987), cert. denied, 486 U.S. 1036, 108 S.Ct. 2024, 100 L.Ed.2d 610 reh'g denied, 487 U.S. 1246, 109 S.Ct. 6, 101 L.Ed.2d 957 (1988). Nothing in this report would support an argument that a reasonable attorney would present such damaging information to the jury or conduct further investigation into Foster's mental state. Foster v. State, 687 So.2d at 1131-32. Adelman and Rushing made strategic choices regarding the mitigation case to be made. This does not show deficient performance, but sound trial strategy. Woodward has failed to overcome the presumption that, under the circumstances, the challenged action `might be considered sound trial strategy.' Strickland, 466 U.S. at 689, 104 S.Ct. at 2065. Accordingly, Woodward has not shown that his trial counsels' performance was deficient, nor has he shown any prejudice. This issue is without merit.