Opinion ID: 2175839
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Additional Psychological Testing

Text: The law is clearly established that a person may not be tried, sentenced, or punished for any public offense while he is mentally incompetent to proceed. SDCL 23A-10A-2; State v. Jones, 406 N.W.2d 366, 368 (S.D.1987). On January 21, 1994, the trial court granted New's motion to submit to psychological testing. Dr. Buzzetta conducted an evaluation and filed a report with the court indicating that it was unlikely New had the mental capacity to contribute to his own defense. Buzzetta recommended New undergo more comprehensive testing by a neuropsychologist to confirm his analysis. Based on this recommendation, New requested additional psychological testing and a competency hearing. The court denied New's request, which he cites as error. New argues that he was entitled to additional testing and a mental competency hearing as provided in SDCL 23A-10A-3, [4] even though he underwent an initial evaluation by Buzzetta. However, the trial court has the discretion to grant or deny a hearing based on whether reasonable cause exists where a defendant's mental condition precludes him from understanding the proceedings against him, or from assisting in his own defense. SDCL 23A-10A-3; Gross v. Solem, 446 N.W.2d 49, 52 (S.D.1987). See also State v. Whitney, 486 N.W.2d 269 (S.D.1992). SDCL 23A-10A-1 provides: The term, `mentally incompetent to proceed,' as used in this chapter, means the condition of a person who is suffering from a mental disease, developmental disability, as defined in § 27B-1-3, or psychological, physiological or etiological condition rendering him mentally incompetent to the extent that he is unable to understand the nature and consequences of the proceedings against him or to assist properly in his defense. In considering whether New was mentally competent to stand trial, the trial court reviewed Buzzetta's evaluation and heard his testimony in a February 7, 1994 motions hearing. The court also observed New's conduct at his arraignment, as well as read transcripts of his testimony at the White Horse murder trial. Based on these observations and New's knowledge of the criminal justice system, along with his demeanor at all court appearances, the court denied New's motion for further psychological testing and a competency hearing. The record is void of any evidence of how New was unable to assist in defending the case. The trial court did not abuse its discretion in finding no reasonable cause existed for further mental examination.