Opinion ID: 1621897
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: failure to conduct competency hearing

Text: Kinder also argues that the trial court erred by failing to conduct a competency hearing. Once Kinder filed his objections to Dr. Armour's report, the trial court was required to hold a hearing on the issue, § 552.020.7, RSMo 1986, but apparently this hearing was never conducted. The record does not indicate, however, that Kinder objected to the failure of the trial court to hold the required hearing. Because this issue was not raised by Kinder at trial or in his motion for new trial, it is not preserved for appeal and is subject only to plain error review. Under Rule 30.20, plain errors affecting substantial rights may be considered in the discretion of the court when the court finds that manifest injustice or miscarriage of justice has resulted therefrom. There is no evidence that a manifest injustice has resulted from the failure to hold the competency hearing. Kinder alleges neither that he was incompetent to stand trial nor that he suffered from a mental disease or defect, nor does he present any evidence that a competency hearing would have resulted in anything other than a finding that he was mentally fit. This point is denied.