Opinion ID: 2219124
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Circuit Court Decision

Text: ¶ 10. On January 4, 2000, upon reviewing the evidence, [5] the Honorable Elsa C. Lamelas determined that Meeks was competent to proceed. In reaching that decision, Judge Lamelas relied upon Meeks' competency in past legal proceedings, the testimony of parole agents who supervised Meeks, the testimony of Meeks' attorney in the previous prosecutions, Meeks' rudimentary understanding of the legal system, Meeks' demeanor, and the court's observations of Meeks. In regard to the testimony of Attorney Scholle, the court said: [S]he testified that if there was any scintilla of doubt in her mind about a person's competency she would have brought that to my attention [in the prior cases]. . . . I have really no doubt in my mind that if the defendant's cognitive limitations were such . . . [given her] experience and commitment, that if it had come to her notice, it would have been brought to my attention; and she did not. [6] (Def. Br. App., p. 6-7). The court then concluded that Meeks was competent to proceed. ¶ 11. The Honorable Daniel L. Konkol was assigned the case after the preliminary hearing, and he denied subsequent requests for another competency exam. Meeks entered pleas of not guilty and not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect. On April 6, 2000, at a scheduled plea hearing, defense counsel stated his belief that Meeks could not make a knowingly, voluntary, and intelligent plea. On July 6, 2000, Meeks entered a guilty plea. Meeks was subsequently sentenced to 40 years in prison.