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People v. LI

California Court of Appeals, Fourth District, First Division
Dec 4, 2008
No. D053146 (Cal. Ct. App. Dec. 4, 2008)

Opinion


THE PEOPLE, Plaintiff and Respondent v. ORION FELIX LI, Defendant and Appellant. D053146 California Court of Appeal, Fourth District, First Division December 4, 2008

NOT TO BE PUBLISHED IN OFFICIAL REPORTS

APPEAL from a judgment of the Superior Court of San Diego County Nos. MH102376 & CD212065, Theodore M. Weathers, Judge.

McCONNELL, P. J.

Orion Felix Li was charged with assault with a deadly weapon and by means of force likely to cause great bodily injury (Pen. Code, § 245, subd. (a)(1)) with personal use of a deadly weapon (§ 1192.7, subd. (c)(23)) and misdemeanor battery (§ 242). The court suspended criminal proceedings and ordered a mental competency examination and hearing (§ 1368 et seq.). At the hearing, the court received into evidence a report from the examining psychiatrist. The court concluded that Li was not mentally competent to stand trial and ordered him committed to Patton State Hospital for a maximum term of three years. Li appeals. We affirm.

All further statutory references are to the Penal Code.

BACKGROUND

Li had psychotic episodes and prior psychiatric hospitalizations. In December 2007 he was taken to County Mental Health after he hit his father in the head with a metal camping stool. Li was given antipsychotic medication for his impulse control disorder.

Here, the information alleged that on February 26, 2008, Li assaulted his father, personally using a 29-inch metal sword, and used force and violence on his father. The psychiatrist noted that Li provided very little information, had very poor insight and judgment, and appeared to be confused regarding the reason he was in jail. The psychiatrist concluded that Li suffered from bipolar disorder, did not have an adequate understanding of the nature of the proceedings against him, and was unable to cooperate with his attorney in a rational manner to assist in his own defense. The psychiatrist recommended that Li be referred to a state hospital for restoration of competency.

DISCUSSION

Appointed appellate counsel has filed a brief summarizing the proceedings below. She presents no argument for reversal, but asks this court to review the record for error as mandated by People v. Wende (1979) 25 Cal.3d 436. Pursuant to Anders v. California (1967) 386 U.S. 738, she lists, as possible but not arguable issues: (1) whether Li was deprived of due process when the court determined his competency without a full adversarial hearing, (2) whether there was sufficient evidence to support the determination that Li was incompetent to stand trial, (3) whether the court erred by failing to advise Li of his right to a jury trial on the issue of competency, and (4) whether defense counsel can unilaterally waive the right to a jury trial on competency.

We granted Li permission to file a brief on his own behalf. He has not responded. A review of the record pursuant to People v. Wende, supra, 25 Cal.3d 436, including the possible issues listed pursuant to Anders v. California, supra, 386 U.S. 738, has disclosed no reasonably arguable appellate issues. Li has been competently represented by counsel on this appeal.

DISPOSITION

The judgment is affirmed.

WE CONCUR: HUFFMAN, J., HALLER, J.


Summaries of

People v. LI

California Court of Appeals, Fourth District, First Division
Dec 4, 2008
No. D053146 (Cal. Ct. App. Dec. 4, 2008)
Case details for

People v. LI

Case Details

Full title:THE PEOPLE, Plaintiff and Respondent v. ORION FELIX LI, Defendant and…

Court:California Court of Appeals, Fourth District, First Division

Date published: Dec 4, 2008

Citations

No. D053146 (Cal. Ct. App. Dec. 4, 2008)