Opinion
CASE NO. 16-20722
10-18-2017
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plaintiff, v. DONYAL L. GRANT, Defendant.
ORDER GRANTING DEFENDANT'S MOTION TO DETERMINE COMPETENCY OF DEFENDANT TO STAND TRIAL [#26]
I. BACKGROUND
On October 19, 2016, Defendant Donyal L. Grant ("Grant") was charged with being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm. (Doc # 1) Ray E. Richards Jr. appeared as counsel for Grant. (Doc # 7) Grant was later charged by Indictment with being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm; Armed Career Criminal (Count I) and Sex Trafficking Using Force, Fraud, and Coercion (Count II). (Doc # 9) Richards filed a Motion to Withdraw as Counsel on May 24, 2017. (Doc # 21) The Court granted Richards's Motion on June 27, 2017. (Doc # 23) Christopher M. Seikaly ("Seikaly") appeared as counsel for Grant on July 7, 2017. (Doc # 24) Pursuant to a Stipulation and Order, a jury trial was set for November 7, 2017. (Doc # 25)
This matter is before the Court on Grant's Motion for a hearing to determine his mental competency to stand trial. (Doc # 26) Grant asserts that he has a long history of mental illness, suffering from bi-polar disorder and taking medication for his illness. Grant has confided in his counsel that he hears voices telling him to do things. Grant also asserts that his bi-polar medication does not stop the voices. Grant further asserts that he has lost touch with reality, is delusional and paranoid. (Doc # 26, Pg ID 2) Grant also submitted Sanilac County medical records which indicate he has a history of schizophrenia. The Government does not object to Grant's Motion.
II. ANALYSIS
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 4241, a district court shall, upon a motion or sua sponte, order a competency evaluation "if there is reasonable cause to believe" a defendant is incompetent to stand trial. United States v. Gooch, 595 F. App'x 524, 527 (6th Cir. 2014). A criminal defendant's due-process right to a fair trial is violated if a court fails to hold a proper competency hearing where there is "substantial evidence of a defendant's incompetency." Pate v. Robinson, 383 U.S. 375, 385-86 (1966).
If a defendant lacks (1) "sufficient present ability to consult with his lawyer with a reasonable degree of rational understanding" or (2) lacks "a rational as well as factual understanding of the proceedings against him" he is incompetent to stand trial. Id. (citation omitted). A district court "has not only the prerogative, but the duty, to inquire into a defendant's competency." United States v. White, 887 F.2d 705, 709 (6th Cir. 1989).
The Sixth Circuit has held that "[t]he district court has a measure of discretion in determining whether there is 'reasonable cause' to believe that a defendant is incompetent." United States v. Dubrule, 822 F.3d 866, 879 (6th Cir. 2016) (citation omitted). In determining the defendant's competence, a court should look to "evidence of a defendant's irrational behavior, his demeanor at trial, and any prior medical opinion on competence to stand trial." Drope v. Missouri, 420 U.S. 162, 180 (1975). A court may also consider the opinion of the defendant's attorney. United States v. Tucker, 204 F. App'x 518, 520 (6th Cir. 2006). "[E]ven one of these factors standing alone may, in some circumstances, be sufficient" to warrant a competency hearing. Drope, 420 U.S. at 180. A finding of competency at one point in the proceedings against a defendant may be overcome later by additional evidence that the defendant is incompetent. Id. at 181. Based on Grant's assertions and the evidence submitted, there is reasonable cause to believe Grant is suffering from a mental disease or defect that could render him incompetent to stand trial. Grant's Motion is granted.
III. CONCLUSION
Accordingly,
IT IS ORDERED that Defendant Donyal L. Grant's Motion to Determine his Competency to Stand Trial (Doc # 26) is GRANTED.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 4241, the Court refers Defendant Grant for a full psychiatric examination to determine his competency to stand trial.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that a hearing will be held to determine Grant's competency to stand trial.
s/Denise Page Hood
Denise Page Hood
Chief Judge, United States District Court
Dated: October 18, 2017
I hereby certify that a copy of the foregoing document was served upon counsel of record on October 18, 2017, by electronic and/or ordinary mail.
S/LaShawn R. Saulsberry
Case Manager