Opinion ID: 1139695
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: assignments of error number three and eight

Text: Geraldine Miles contends that the trial court erred in denying two motions for appointment of a Sanity Commission. At the hearing, there was lay testimony from Leroy Freeman and others that Geraldine Miles had some problems. Her counsel, Ken Rodenbeck, testified that he found her uncooperative and uncommunicative. He had sincere doubts about her capacity to assist in her defense. In rebuttal, the state called Dr. Daniel John Lonowski, a clinical psychologist, who testified as an expert in that field. Dr. Lonowski gave Geraldine Miles the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory test (M.M.P.I.). She responded realistically and truthfully to the testing, which revealed an antisocial personality but no mental disease or defect. Dr. Lonowski attributed her inability to communicate with her attorney to temporary depression resulting from the stress of being charged with a crime. This inability to respond during a period of depression is not a general feature of her personality and might be an attempt at manipulation. Despite her personality disorder, Dr. Lonowski stated that Geraldine Miles should be able to participate in her defense. The trial court concluded that Geraldine Miles' personality disorder does not constitute a mental disease or defect which would prevent her from aiding and assisting her counsel. Since the evidence did not create a reasonable doubt about defendant's sanity, the request for the appointment of a Sanity Commission was denied. Geraldine Miles was allowed to amend her plea to add not guilty by reason of insanity. These assignments of error lack merit.