Court Opinion

ID: 9702626
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-25 23:19:28.294633+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:21:39.992073
License: Public Domain

SACKETT, Judge,
dissenting.
The majority correctly states:
Amnesia about events surrounding a charge does not automatically render a defendant incompetent to stand trial. State v. Emerson, 375 N.W.2d 256, 261. Rather, each case rests with its own particular facts. The nature and extent of defendant’s impairment must be considered as it impacts a variety of factors, including:
1. The defendant’s ability to testify and otherwise participate in his or her defense;
2. Whether the amnesia is temporary or permanent;
3. Whether the crime and defendant’s whereabouts at the time of the crime can be reconstructed without the defendant’s testimony, including any facts giving rise to a defense;
4. Whether access to the prosecutor’s files would assist in preparing for trial;
5. The strength of the prosecutor’s case against the defendant.
United States v. Rinchack, 820 F.2d 1557, 1569 (11th Cir.1987); accord Wilson v. United States, 391 F.2d 460, 464 (D.C.Cir.1968).
The majority also recognizes Defendant’s impairment renders him incapable of taking the stand and testifying. I find the Defendant’s lack of memory curtails his ability to assist with the defense. Defendant’s lack of memory makes it impossible for him to reconstruct whether he was present at the crime scene and to build his defense.
The State’s case is based almost entirely on the testimony of the alleged victim. I would find Defendant was not competent to stand trial.