Court Opinion

ID: 3144920
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2015-10-22 18:05:21.925671+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T11:55:03.808774
License: Public Domain

No. 2-09-0959   Filed: 12-8-10
______________________________________________________________________________

                                              IN THE

                               APPELLATE COURT OF ILLINOIS

                              SECOND DISTRICT
______________________________________________________________________________

In re WENDY T., Alleged to be a Person ) Appeal from the Circuit Court
Subject to Involuntary Treatment       ) of Kane County.
                                       )
                                       ) No. 09--MH--112
                                       )
(The People of the State of Illinois,  ) Honorable
Petitioner-Appellee, v. Wendy T.,      ) Susan Clancy Boles,
Respondent-Appellant).                 ) Judge, Presiding.
______________________________________________________________________________

       PRESIDING JUSTICE ZENOFF delivered the opinion of the court:

       Respondent, Wendy T., appeals from the trial court's order authorizing the involuntary

administration of psychotropic medication for up to 90 days pursuant to section 2--107.1(a--5)(5)

of the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code (Code) (405 ILCS 5/2--107.1(a--5)(5)

(West 2008)). Respondent contends that (1) the trial court erred in finding that she did not have the

capacity to waive counsel; (2) the State failed to prove by clear and convincing evidence that she

lacked the capacity to make a reasoned decision whether to take the medication; and (3) the State

failed to prove by clear and convincing evidence that she had deteriorated in her ability to function.

We affirm.

                                         BACKGROUND

       Respondent was admitted to the forensic treatment program at Elgin Mental Health Center

(EMHC) in July 2009 after being found unfit to stand trial on criminal charges. Shortly thereafter,
No. 2--09--0959

Dr. Mirella Susnjar petitioned the court for authority to involuntarily administer psychotropic

medication to respondent for 90 days pursuant to section 2--107.1(a--5)(5) of the Code.

       Prior to the hearing on the petition, respondent requested that she be allowed to represent

herself in the proceedings. In response to the trial court's questions, respondent stated that she was

42 years old and had a bachelor's degree in journalism and communications. When asked what the

purpose of having legal counsel was, respondent stated, "The purpose to have legal counsel is so that

a person can communicate to the [j]udge, the [d]efendant's case, and right now, this person is not

able to effectively assess what I'm providing." She also stated that she understood she would be

subject to involuntary medication if she were to be unsuccessful in defending against the petition.

She then requested time to retain private counsel, which the trial court allowed.

       At the next hearing, over a month later, respondent informed the trial court that she was

unable to retain private counsel. The trial court again inquired into respondent's competency to

waive counsel. Respondent acknowledged that she had been found unfit to stand trial in Cook

County. She again indicated that she understood that she would be subject to involuntary medication

if she were unsuccessful in representing herself. She also stated that the purpose of legal counsel

is that counsel "really understands the law in detail." The trial court denied respondent's request to

represent herself, finding that she lacked the capacity to waive counsel.

       At the hearing on the petition, Dr. Susnjar testified as follows. After examining respondent,

she diagnosed respondent as suffering from bipolar disorder, manic with psychotic features. As a

result of this illness, respondent had disorganized thinking, which caused her to be unable to execute

plans, carry on everyday conversations, accept and process what other people say, or make decisions.

She also suffered from paranoia and a distorted view of reality, causing her to be unable to accept

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the facts that she had been found unfit to stand trial and that she had been ordered to EMHC.

Respondent also denied that she suffered from a mental illness. Dr. Susnjar opined that as a result

of her illness, respondent showed a deterioration in her ability to function. Dr. Susnjar based this

opinion on the facts that at one point, respondent held a job and was functioning well, but that she

now had a lot of legal problems, was unable to work, was found unfit to stand trial, and could not

retain her own lawyer. Dr. Susnjar also opined that because of her illness, respondent was suffering.

According to Dr. Susnjar, respondent would become angry because she was unable to effectively

convey information she wanted to give people, and she was unable to execute simple tasks that the

average person could easily perform.

       Dr. Susnjar requested authorization to administer numerous medications, including

risperidone, Risperidal Consta, olanzapine, and quetiapine. In the alternative, Dr. Susnjar requested

authorization   to   administer    haloperidol,    fluphenazine,   chlorpromazine,     benztropine,

diphenhydramine, and lorazepam. Dr. Susnjar testified to the benefits and possible side effects of

all of the requested medications. Dr. Susnjar gave respondent written information on the risks and

benefits of the proposed medications on two separate occasions. Dr. Susnjar opined that due to her

mental illness, psychosis, paranoia, and disorganized thinking, respondent did not have the capacity

to make a reasoned decision about the benefits and side effects of her treatment. According to Dr.

Susnjar, respondent was unable to process the information regarding the medications, because she

felt that she did not have a mental illness. During one incident at EMHC when respondent's rights

were restricted, Dr. Susnjar administered Haldol, Ativan, and Benadryl to respondent, and

respondent responded well to the medications. Alternative services were ineffective and, according

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to Dr. Susnjar, would continue to be ineffective until respondent's psychosis was a bit more

controlled.

       Respondent testified that she refused to take the recommended medication because she had

never been on medication or diagnosed with bipolar disorder. She also did not want to take the

medication because she suffered from a number of medical conditions including ADHD, a mass on

her brain, a blood disorder, and severely painful ovulation. In addition, she had undergone four

maxillofacial surgeries, and her mother suffered from breast cancer. She believed that the staff at

EMHC tended to overmedicate the patients.

       Respondent also testified that the reason she was not working prior to her arrest was that she

had recently inherited her aunt's estate and had been busy preparing her aunt's house and

condominium for sale.

       The trial court found that the State had sustained its burden by clear and convincing evidence,

and it authorized the petitioned-for medication. Respondent appealed.

                                             ANALYSIS

       Before addressing the merits of defendant's contentions on appeal, we must first address the

issue of mootness. This appeal is moot because the 90-day period covered by the trial court's order

has already expired. In re Robert S., 213 Ill. 2d 30, 45 (2004). "An appeal is considered moot where

it presents no actual controversy or where the issues involved in the trial court no longer exist

because intervening events have rendered it impossible for the reviewing court to grant effectual

relief to the complaining party." In re J.T., 221 Ill. 2d 338, 349-50 (2006). Generally, courts of

review do not decide moot questions, render advisory opinions, or consider issues where the result

will not be affected regardless of how those issues are decided. In re Barbara H., 183 Ill. 2d 482, 491

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(1998). Reviewing courts, however, recognize exceptions to the mootness doctrine, such as (1) the

public-interest exception, applicable where the case presents a question of public importance that

will likely recur and whose answer will guide public officers in the performance of their duties, (2)

the capable-of-repetition exception, applicable to cases involving events of short duration that are

capable of repetition, yet evading review, and (3) the collateral-consequences exception, applicable

where the involuntary treatment order could return to plague the respondent in some future

proceedings or could affect other aspects of the respondent's life. In re Alfred H.H., 233 Ill. 2d 345,

355-62 (2009); J.T., 221 Ill. 2d at 350; In re Wathan, 104 Ill. App. 3d 64, 66 (1982).

       The collateral-consequences exception applies here. The record does not indicate that

respondent has ever before been subject to an order for the involuntary administration of medication.

Thus, there are collateral consequences that might plague respondent in the future. Compare In re

Meek, 131 Ill. App. 3d 742, 745 (1985) (as the case appeared to be the respondent's first involuntary

commitment, court found that the collateral-consequences exception applied), with Alfred H.H., 233
Ill. 2d at 363 (because the respondent had multiple prior involuntary commitments and was a felon,

there were no collateral consequences that would stem solely from the present adjudication; every

collateral consequence that could be identified already existed as a result of the respondent's previous

adjudications and felony conviction). Also, the evidence shows that respondent suffers from a

mental illness that cannot be successfully controlled by nonmedicinal methods. Thus, it appears that

respondent will very likely be subject to future proceedings and that her past involuntary treatment

could adversely affect her at that time. See Alfred H.H., 233 Ill. 2d at 362 (collateral-consequences

exception applies where reversal could provide a basis for a motion in limine that would prohibit any

mention of the hospitalization during the course of another proceeding).

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       Turning to the merits, respondent first contends that the trial court erred in finding that she

lacked the capacity to waive counsel and represent herself. Section 3--805 of the Code provides:

               "Every respondent alleged to be subject to involuntary admission shall be represented

       by counsel. If the respondent is indigent or an appearance has not been entered on his behalf

       at the time the matter is set for hearing, the court shall appoint counsel for him. A hearing

       shall not proceed when a respondent is not represented by counsel unless, after conferring

       with counsel, the respondent requests to represent himself and the court is satisfied that the

       respondent has the capacity to make an informed waiver of his right to counsel." 405 ILCS

       5/3--805 (West 2008).

Although referring to involuntary admissions, the statute applies with equal force to the involuntary

administration of psychotropic medication. Barbara H., 183 Ill. 2d at 493. Before allowing a

respondent to waive counsel, the trial court must, at a minimum, inquire into the respondent's mental

ability or intelligence and the respondent's understanding of the basic purpose of counsel. In re

Lawrence S., 319 Ill. App. 3d 476, 481 (2001). We review the trial court's determination that

respondent lacked the capacity to waive her right to counsel for an abuse of discretion. Lawrence

S., 319 Ill. App. 3d at 481.

       Respondent concedes that the trial court adequately inquired into her mental ability and

understanding of the role of counsel. She contends, however, that her answers demonstrated that she

had the capacity to make an informed waiver of counsel and that the trial court erred in concluding

otherwise.

       In the involuntary admission or medication context, the existing case law does not address

the standard by which the trial court is to determine whether the respondent lacks the capacity to

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waive counsel. However, in the criminal context, the competence to waive counsel is measured by

the same standard as the competence to stand trial. People v. Coleman, 168 Ill. 2d 509, 524 (1995).

A person is unfit to stand trial when, due to a physical or mental condition, he or she is unable to

understand the nature and purpose of the proceedings or to assist in a defense. Coleman, 168 Ill. 2d

at 524. We can think of no logical reason why a different standard should apply in the context of

involuntary admission or medication. If one is incompetent (or competent) to waive counsel in a

criminal proceeding, it seems to follow that he or she must be equally incompetent (or competent)

to waive counsel in a proceeding for involuntary admission or medication. In re Evelyn S., 337 Ill.

App. 3d 1096, 1110-11 (2003).

       In this case, respondent was found unfit to stand trial on criminal charges slightly more than

a month before the trial court denied her leave to represent herself. She remained under that finding

of unfitness when the trial court denied her leave to represent herself, and no evidence was presented

at the hearing on respondent's request to represent herself that indicated that she was no longer unfit.

Thus, we believe that she necessarily lacked the capacity to waive counsel, and the trial court did not

abuse its discretion in denying her leave to do so.

       Respondent next contends that the State failed to prove by clear and convincing evidence that

she lacked the capacity to decide whether to take psychotropic medication. We disagree.

       Given the potential serious side effects of psychotropic medication, courts must be cautious

in the entry of orders allowing hospital staff to involuntarily administer these drugs to persons

suffering from mental illness. In re David S., 386 Ill. App. 3d 878, 883-84 (2008). Section 2--107.1

of the Code delineates the nonemergency circumstances under which psychotropic medication may

be administered against the wishes of the recipient. Under this section, psychotropic medication may

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be administered to one who is receiving mental health services, provided that the standards and

procedures set out in the section are satisfied. In re C.E., 161 Ill. 2d 200, 204 (1994). These

guidelines are in place in order to provide the respondent with due process. David S., 386 Ill. App.
3d at 881.    Section 2--107.1(a--5)(4) directs that the forced administration of psychotropic

medication is authorized only if the court finds evidence of each of the following elements, by clear

and convincing proof:

               "(A) That the recipient has a serious mental illness or developmental disability.

               (B) That because of said mental illness or developmental disability, the recipient

       currently exhibits any one of the following: (i) deterioration of his or her ability to function,

       as compared to the recipient's ability to function prior to the current onset of symptoms of

       the mental illness or disability for which treatment is presently sought, (ii) suffering, or (iii)

       threatening behavior.

               (C) That the illness or disability has existed for a period marked by the continuing

       presence of the symptoms set forth in item (B) of this subdivision (4) or the repeated episodic

       occurrence of these symptoms.

               (D) That the benefits of the treatment outweigh the harm.

               (E) That the recipient lacks the capacity to make a reasoned decision about the

       treatment.

               (F) That other less restrictive services have been explored and found inappropriate.

               (G) If the petition seeks authorization for testing and other procedures, that such

       testing and procedures are essential for the safe and effective administration of the

       treatment." 405 ILCS 5/2--107.1(a--5)(4) (West 2008).

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In determining whether respondent meets these criteria, we may consider respondent's history of

serious violence, repeated past pattern of specific behavior, actions related to her illness, and past

outcomes of various treatment options. 405 ILCS 5/2--107.1(a--5)(4) (West 2008).

        Clear and convincing evidence is defined as the quantum of proof that leaves no reasonable

doubt in the mind of the fact finder as to the veracity of the proposition in question. In re Israel, 278
Ill. App. 3d 24, 35 (1996). As a reviewing court, we give great deference to the trial court's factual

findings (In re Kness, 277 Ill. App. 3d 711, 718 (1996)), but we will reverse an order allowing the

involuntary administration of psychotropic medication when the trial court's findings are against the

manifest weight of the evidence. In re John R., 339 Ill. App. 3d 778, 781 (2003).

        "An individual has the capacity to make treatment decisions for himself when, based upon

conveyed information concerning the risks and benefits of the proposed treatment and reasonable

alternatives to treatment, he makes a rational choice to either accept or refuse the treatment." In re

Israel, 278 Ill. App. 3d 24, 36 (1996). When determining whether an individual has the capacity to

make a reasoned decision whether to take psychotropic medications, the trial court should consider

the following factors:

                "(1) The person's knowledge that he has a choice to make;

                (2) The person's ability to understand the available options, their advantages and

        disadvantages;

                (3) Whether the commitment is voluntary or involuntary;

                (4) Whether the person has previously received the type of medication or treatment

        at issue;

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                (5) If the person has received similar treatment in the past, whether he can describe

        what happened as a result and how the effects were beneficial or harmful; and

                (6) The absence of any interfering pathologic perceptions or beliefs or interfering

        emotional states which might prevent an understanding of legitimate risks and benefits."

        Israel, 278 Ill. App. 3d at 37.

None of these factors is dispositive, and other factors that are relevant should also be considered.

Israel, 278 Ill. App. 3d at 37.

        Review of the record and application of the above factors demonstrates that the trial court's

determination is not against the manifest weight of the evidence. Although no one explicitly testified

that respondent was aware that she had a choice to make, her testimony regarding her reasons for

refusing the medication indicates that she was aware that she had such a choice. Respondent was

given information regarding the recommended medications, but Dr. Susnjar testified that respondent

was unable to process that information due to her paranoia, psychosis, disorganized thinking, and

denial of her professionally diagnosed mental illness. Respondent testified that she was concerned

about her medical history, but Dr. Susnjar testified that respondent refused to allow Dr. Susnjar to

explain the implications, if any, the medications might have on respondent's medical problems.

While respondent's presence at EMHC was not the result of formal involuntary admission

procedures, it was not voluntary, being the result of a finding of unfitness to stand trial. Respondent

denied having ever taken any of the recommended medications; however, Dr. Susnjar testified that

respondent had been administered Haldol, Ativan, and Benadryl and that respondent had reacted well

to the medications. Due to respondent's denial of having ever taken these medications, she was

unable to explain what happened as a result and how the effects were beneficial or harmful. Finally,

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respondent's belief that she did not suffer from a mental illness and her inability to accept and

process the information provided to her would certainly interfere with her ability to understand the

legitimate risks and benefits of the recommended medications. Based on all of this, we conclude that

the trial court did not err in finding that respondent lacked the capacity to make a reasoned decision

whether to take psychotropic medication. See In re Lisa P., 381 Ill. App. 3d 1087, 1093-94 (2008)

(where the respondent was aware she had a choice to make but denied that she suffered from a

mental illness, was involuntarily committed as a result of a finding of unfitness to stand trial, and

suffered rage and paranoia that interfered with her decision making, the trial court's finding that the

respondent lacked the capacity to make a reasoned decision whether to take psychotropic medication

was not against the manifest weight of the evidence).

       Respondent's final contention is that the State failed to demonstrate that her ability to

function had deteriorated. According to respondent, her unemployment, legal problems, and

inability to retain private counsel do not demonstrate she was unable to function. While individually

these facts might not demonstrate a deterioration in respondent's ability to function, taken together

and with other evidence they support the trial court's finding that respondent's ability to function had

deteriorated due to her mental illness. In addition to the facts that she was no longer working, had

multiple legal issues, was unable to retain private counsel despite contacting 19 different attorneys,

and had been found unfit to stand trial, respondent seemed unable to control herself during court

proceedings. During both hearings at which respondent's request to represent herself was addressed,

the trial court had to warn respondent numerous times to stop interrupting the court and to answer

the questions put to her. At one point, the trial court even had to remove respondent from the

courtroom after she refused to stop interrupting. While respondent was testifying during the hearing

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on the petition, she became so excited that the trial court had to tell her to calm down and sit back

in the chair. Further, Dr. Susnjar testified that as a result of her illness, respondent was unable to

execute plans, carry on everyday conversations, accept and process what other people say, make

decisions, or execute simple tasks. Certainly, respondent's inability to behave appropriately in court,

interact with others, process information, make decisions, and execute simple tasks supports a

finding that her ability to function had deteriorated due to her mental illness.

        Moreover, Dr. Susnjar opined that respondent was suffering in that she would become angry

because she was unable to effectively convey information and to execute simple tasks that the

average person could easily perform. See 405 ILCS 5/2--107.1(a)(4)(B) (West 2008) (requiring that

the State demonstrate that the respondent, as a result of her mental illness, (1) had deteriorated in her

ability to function, (2) was suffering, or (3) exhibited threatening behavior). Respondent does not

contend that there was insufficient evidence to establish that she was suffering. Instead, she argues

that the trial court did not make a specific finding of whether respondent was suffering and that we

should defer to the trial court's decision not to make such a finding. Respondent overlooks, however,

the fact that we may affirm on any basis found in the record. Leonardi v. Loyola University of

Chicago, 168 Ill. 2d 83, 97 (1995) ("As a reviewing court, we can sustain the decision of a lower

court on any grounds which are called for by the record, regardless of whether the lower court relied

on those grounds and regardless of whether the lower court's reasoning was correct").

                                           CONCLUSION

        For the foregoing reasons, we affirm the trial court's order authorizing the administration of

psychotropic medication.

        The judgment of the circuit court of Kane County is affirmed.

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      Affirmed.

      BURKE and SCHOSTOK, JJ., concur.

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