Opinion ID: 2569334
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 9

Heading: First Competency Evaluation

Text: Hedges' pretrial defense attorney filed a motion to determine Hedges' competency on July 26, 1996. Counsel's motion stated that Hedges had been diagnosed as manic depressive and had been prescribed Lithium and two anti-depressants. The attorney explained that Hedges had stopped taking his medications two months prior to the crimes charged. The attorney stated that Hedges believed he was not suffering from an organic mental illness, did not need medication, and had been erroneously diagnosed. The motion further stated that Hedges had an unshakable belief that his primary defense to the charges was that his wife had lied at the divorce hearing. The pretrial attorney had determined that the most obvious defense to the charges was mental illness. Hedges, who believed he was not mentally ill, refused to permit the defense. The judge ordered a competency evaluation. A report was filed by Tom Bates, clinical psychologist at Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center. The report concluded that Hedges understood the charges against him and the potential punishment associated with each charge. The report stated that Hedges did not understand that his motivation for the acts charged did not justify his actions. The report concluded that although his defense attorney might experience difficulty in interacting with Hedges, Hedges was competent to stand trial. In August 1996, the trial court held a hearing on the motion to determine competency. Hedges' testified that he would defend his actions with evidence of the past writings of his ex-wife and the things she had said against him. He stated that his ex-wife had ruined his reputation; therefore, his ex-wife's wrongs justified his action. The clinical psychologist who examined Hedges testified that Hedges did not understand that his motivation for committing the crimes was not justification for his actions. The psychologist explained that although Hedges wanted to focus on his ex-wife's actions rather than his own actions, he did understand the difference. The judge questioned Hedges regarding his understanding of the legal proceedings. Hedges demonstrated an understanding of the purpose of the trial and the role of the attorneys. He understood that he could call witnesses and could not be compelled to testify against himself. He acknowledged that he, through his attorney, and the prosecutor had the right to cross-examine witnesses. Hedges also understood that he was presumed to be innocent. When the judge asked Hedges if he understood that the judge was the final authority as to what evidence would be admitted and that the admission of evidence would be based on relevance, Hedges asked for clarification. After a further explanation by the judge, Hedges stated that he understood but was still adamant that he wanted letters written by Roberta to be admitted into evidence. Hedges stated that in the letters, Roberta said bad things about him, and he would put [Roberta's] hand on the Bible and she'd say it ain't true. Hedges' defense attorney argued that the fact Hedges wanted to present an irrational defense showed that the client was hindering, rather than assisting in, his defense. The judge concluded that Hedges was competent to stand trial.