People v. Leelu
Annotate this CaseLeelu was charged with misdemeanor trespass and, two weeks later, with stalking. Leelu stated that she wanted to represent herself, and made several incoherent statements. The trial court stated, “I had some experience with Ms. Leelu [in another department]. … Based on her behavior here, which included a very aggressive and physical demeanor … and the way she’s … talking about her case, I believe that I have a doubt, and so pursuant to [Penal Code section] 1368, criminal proceedings are suspended.” The court-appointed doctor opined that Leelu was exhibiting symptoms of paranoid schizophrenia and was not “able to comprehend the nature of the legal proceedings” and was “incapable of assisting counsel in pursuing a defense in a rational manner.” Ultimately, the court ordered Leelu committed to the Department of State Hospitals. The court of appeal affirmed. Although Leelu has been deemed restored to competency and has returned to the trial court for criminal proceedings, the court concluded that her appeal was not moot. Any error the trial court may have made in failing to appoint a second mental health expert to evaluate her competency was not prejudicial in light of the overwhelming evidence that Leelu was not competent to stand trial.
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