State v. Sides
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The Supreme Court reversed the decision of the court of appeals affirming Defendant's conviction, holding that the trial court erred by failing to conduct a competency hearing under the circumstances of this case.
After a jury trial, Defendant was found guilty of felony embezzlement. At issue on appeal was whether the trial court erred in declining to hold a competency hearing when Defendant attempted suicide one evening after her trial had recessed for the day and was thereafter involuntarily committed. The trial court concluded that Defendant had voluntarily waived her constitutional right to be present at her trial because of her suicide attempt and therefore proceeded with the trial without Defendant. On appeal, Defendant argued that the trial court was required to conduct a competency hearing before proceeding with the trial in her absence. The court of appeals affirmed. The Supreme Court reversed and remanded the case for a new trial, holding that the trial court was presented with substantial information that cast doubt on Defendant's competency, and the trial court erred by failing to hold a competency hearing.
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