Opinion ID: 2635508
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: The unauthorized mental evaluation is a manifest error affecting a constitutional right

Text: ¶ 51 The State argues that even if it lacked authority to conduct the mental health examination, Strand's failure to object at trial to the evaluation, or to the admission of the psychologist's findings, failed to preserve the error. However, a party may raise an issue for the first time in an appellate court if it is a manifest error affecting a constitutional right. RAP 2.5(a). As aforementioned, Strand contends the mental evaluation violated his due process rights, which include his right to counsel. He further argues that even if the examination does not violate a constitutional right, the court should exercise its discretion and consider the issue nonetheless. RAP 2.5(a) (The appellate court may refuse to review any claim of error . . . . (emphasis added)). ¶ 52 Errors are `manifest' for purposes of RAP 2.5(a)(3) when they have `practical and identifiable consequences in the trial of the case.' State v. Mills, 154 Wash.2d 1, 6, 109 P.3d 415 (2005) (quoting State v. Roberts, 142 Wash.2d 471, 500, 14 P.3d 713 (2000) (quoting State v. WWJ Corp., 138 Wash.2d 595, 603, 980 P.2d 1257 (1999))). As Strand properly argues, the error here had several identifiable consequences in his trial. The improper examination was used to support the initial probable cause finding, and without it there was little evidence linking him to the prior uncharged allegations of molestation. Because the examination was not authorized by statute and denied Strand his statutory right to counsel, the State violated Strand's constitutionally protected due process rights. Thus, the unauthorized examination was a manifest error affecting Strand's constitutional rights.