Opinion ID: 2639090
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Counsel's failure to inquire into speedy-trial violation

Text: Because of the defendant's extensive record of psychiatric commitments, a major concern before trial was his competency to stand trial. We conclude that most of the delay in bringing the defendant to trial related to his mental condition. For this reason and for the reasons set forth below, we conclude that the defendant was not denied his statutory or constitutional right to a speedy trial. It necessarily follows that his defense counsel was not ineffective for failing to raise this issue before the district court. The facts are not in dispute, and [t]he question of whether there is a violation of statutory and constitutional rights to a speedy trial is a matter of law over which this court has unlimited review. State v. White, 275 Kan. 580, 598, 67 P.3d 138 (2003). The following chronology of events is relevant to this issue: August 24, 1999 Arrest. August 25, 1999 Complaint. September 8, 1999 Arraignment. September 13, 1999 Notice of Intent to Rely on Insanity Defense. September 22, 1999 Defendant's Motion to Determine Competency. September 24, 1999 Order for Competency Exam. November 22, 1999 Order of Incompetency to Stand Trial Pursuant to K.S.A. 22-3303(1) (Hearing was on November 10, 1999.) February 2, 2000 Defendant transported to Larned State Hospital. March 2, 2000 Defendant's pro se Motion for Appointment of Counsel. April 27, 2000 Notification from Larned State Hospital of Defendant's change in status  defendant is transported back to jail. May 18, 2000 Order of Competency  Defendant attempts to raise speedy trial pro se (Hearing was on May 10, 2000.) June 5, 2000 Jury trial waiver  Defense agrees to set trial on June 28, 2000. June 28, 2000 Continuance at Defendant's request. August 30, 2000 Continuance at Defendant's request. September 27, 2000 Continuance at Defendant's request. October 4, 2000 Continuance at Defendant's request. November 9, 2000 Bench trial.