State of WV v. Smith
Annotate this Case
September 1996 Term
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No. 23312
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STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA,
Plaintiff Below, Appellee
v.
BETTY JANE SMITH,
Defendant Below, Appellant
__________________________________________
Appeal from the Circuit Court of Monroe County
Honorable Robert A. Irons, Circuit Judge
Criminal Action No. 94-F-31
AFFIRMED
__________________________________________
Submitted: September 24, 1996
Filed: December 19, 1996
Daynus Jividen
Senior Assistant Attorney General
Charleston, West Virginia
Attorney for the Appellee
Thomas W. Murtaugh
Union, West Virginia
Attorney for the Appellant
JUSTICE WORKMAN delivered the Opinion of the Court.
JUDGE RECHT sitting by temporary assignment.
SYLLABUS OF THE COURT
1. Pursuant to West Virginia Code § 27-6A-3 (Supp. 1996), to calculate the
length of time a court may retain its jurisdiction in cases of acquittal by reason of mental
illness, the court first must decide on the record what offense the acquittee otherwise would
have been convicted and, then, determine the maximum sentence the acquittee could have
received for that offense. Next, the court shall commit the acquittee to a mental health
facility under the jurisdiction of the Division of Health, with the court retaining jurisdiction
over the defendant for the maximum sentence period.
2. West Virginia Code §§ 27-6A-3 and -4 (Supp. 1996), read in pari materia,
generally provide a court flexibility in exercising and retaining its jurisdiction up to the
maximum sentence period, with consideration given to the current mental state and
dangerousness of a person found not guilty by reason of mental illness. If not sooner
terminated by the court, its jurisdiction automatically will expire at the end of the maximum
sentence period.
3. "Under ex post facto principles of the United States and West Virginia
Constitutions, a law passed after the commission of an offense which increases the
punishment, lengthens the sentence or operates to the detriment of the accused, cannot be applied to him." Syl. Pt. 1, Adkins v. Bordenkircher, 164 W. Va. 292, 262 S.E.2d 885
(1980).
4. The purpose of West Virginia Code § 27-6A-3 (Supp. 1996) is not to punish
someone suffering a mental illness; rather, it is to treat the illness and protect society. If
someone is found not guilty by reason of mental illness, there is no conviction to warrant a
punishment. Consequently, ex post facto principles typically are not invoked by the
commitment of an insanity acquittee.
5. "'It is well settled as a general rule that the question of continuance is in the
sound discretion of the trial court, which will not be reviewed by the appellate court, except
in case it clearly appears that such discretion has been abused. Syl. Pt. 1, Levy v. Scottish
Union & Nat. Ins. Co., 58 W. Va. 546, 52 S.E. 449 (1905).' Syl. Pt. 2, Nutter v. Maynard,
183 W. Va. 247, 395 S.E.2d 491 (1990)."
Workman, Justice:
The defendant below and Appellant herein, Betty Jane Smith (hereinafter
Appellant), appealsSee footnote 1 the final order of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, entered on
January 26, 1996, which amended the circuit court's prior order entered on June 30, 1995.
In its June 30, 1995, order, the circuit court found Appellant not guilty by reason of mental
illness, and it determined that, but for her mental illness, Appellant would be guilty of
murder of the second degree. Therefore, the circuit court stated it would maintain
jurisdiction over Appellant for forty years which the circuit court believed was the maximum
sentence Appellant could receive for murder of the second degree.See footnote 2 It further ordered
Appellant be committed to Weston State Hospital or other facility selected by the Division of HealthSee footnote 3 for that time period or until the Division of Health makes a report that Appellant
"is no longer a danger to herself or others and/or that her condition can be treated outside of
a mental health facility with a plan of treatment and viable monitoring plan for such
treatment." Additionally, the circuit court directed that a report be filed with the court on
Appellant every six months by either the Division of Health or the commitment facility.
On appeal, Appellant raises three assignments of error.See footnote 4 First, Appellant argues
the circuit court abused its discretion by continuing her case until after the amended version
of West Virginia Code § 27-6A-3 (1992 & Supp. 1996)See footnote 5 took effect. Second, Appellant asserts the circuit court violated the ex post facto provisions of Article I, Section 10 of the United States ConstitutionSee footnote 6 and Article III, Section 4 of the West Virginia
ConstitutionSee footnote 7 by applying the amended statute. Third, Appellant argues the amended version
of West Virginia Code § 27-6A-3 is unconstitutional.
I.
FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY
On May 31, 1994, Appellant shot and killed her husband, Fred Smith. For
several years before the killing, Appellant suffered from varying degrees of mental illness
that resulted in hospitalization in 1990 at Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Virginia. In her
discharge report from the hospital, Appellant was diagnosed with schizophreniform disorder.
On May 30, 1994, Mr. Smith took Appellant back to Roanoke Memorial Hospital for
voluntarily admission to its rehabilitation facility for treatment of Appellant's mental illness.
According to the hospital report, Mr. Smith apparently "became impatient with having to
wait [and] took his wife home . . . ." Mr. Smith died the following day when Appellant,
apparently in a delusional state, shot him at their house.
Following Appellant's arrest, the circuit court ordered her to undergo forensic
evaluations. After reviewing the preliminary psychiatric report filed by Lee L. Neilan, M.D., and the psychological report filed by Robert W. Solomon, Ed.D., the circuit court entered
an order on July 28, 1994, finding Appellant may be incompetent to stand trial and may not
have been criminally responsible when the crime was committed. Therefore, the circuit court
ordered Appellant to undergo hospitalization for up to six months with further independent
evaluations and an improvement period related to her competency to stand trial and her
ability to assist in her own defense. By order entered on February 9, 1995, the circuit court
found Appellant was competent to stand trial.
By a report dated March 28, 1995, Dr. Neilan diagnosed Appellant with
Bipolar Affective Disorder with Psychotic Features. Dr. Neilan stated Appellant relayed to
him that she shot her husband because "'[s]omething told [her] there would be peace in the
world if [she] killed him.'" (Emphasis deleted). Dr. Neilan opined Appellant is competent
to stand trial but was not responsible at the time of the murder.
At a hearing held on April 17, 1995, the prosecuting attorney, Debra L. Dalton,
apparently advised the circuit court off the record that the State did not believe it could prove
the criminal intent necessary to get a conviction.See footnote 8 In light of the evidence, Appellant moved
that a trial be held without a jury on May 2, 1995. The prosecuting attorney stated she could be prepared to handle the matter on that day. The circuit court took the motion under
advisement, but said it would not decide the matter until it determined the status of the
procedures to be employed when a defendant is found not guilty by reason of mental illness
under West Virginia Code § 27-6A-3. The circuit court thought this statute recently was
amended and believed the amended version of the statute would apply to Appellant.
By stipulation filed with the circuit court on April 26, 1995, Appellant and the
prosecuting attorney agreed, inter alia, that Appellant committed the acts for which she was
indicted, she did not commit the acts with malicious or criminal intent because of insanity,
and, therefore, she was not responsible for the acts due to her mental illness. On its own
motion, the circuit court entered an order on May 2, 1995, causing the case to be continued
until May 19, 1995, because the circuit court had not procured a copy of the amended
version of the statute.
A hearing was held on May 19, 1995, and the circuit court informed the parties
that the purpose of the hearing was to have a status conference on what impact the amended
statute would have on Appellant if she is found not guilty by reason of mental illness. The
circuit court said it understood the amended version of the statute would go into effect on
June 11, 1995, and believed the day the statute is applied to Appellant would control what
version of the statute to use. The circuit court based this opinion, in part, on its belief that
this statute is civil and not punitive in nature. The circuit court also said it was the intent of the West Virginia Legislature that the courts use the amended version to maintain jurisdiction
over these types of cases. Appellant moved the circuit court either to resolve the matter
against her forthwith or hold another hearing on June 5, 1995, to resolve it before the
effective date of the amendment. The circuit court denied Appellant's motion and set the
next hearing for a date after the amendment took effect. The circuit court noted Appellant's
objection to this decision.
The hearing was held on June 30, 1996. Appellant moved the circuit court to
apply the previous version of the statute. This motion was denied because of the reasons
previously stated and because the circuit court did not consider the statute as punitive.
Rather, the circuit court viewed the amended statute as a way to ensure Appellant would get
the help and supervision she needed, which proved lacking under the previous version. At
the close of the hearing, the circuit court found Appellant was not guilty by reason of mental
illness and applied the 1995 version of the statute to her. On that same day, the circuit court
entered an order reflecting its findings and its application of the amended version of the
statute to Appellant.
Approximately six and one-half months later, by order entered January 17,
1996, Appellant was released from Sharpe State Hospital to live with her sister and
participate in community-based treatment. However, this order contained a number of
restrictions on Appellant, including that she must take all prescribed medications, shall submit at least once a month to blood testing and more if deemed appropriate, and shall
attend "basic living skill's program and/or counseling" as directed. The circuit court also
stated it should be advised of Appellant's status by written reports every six months and be
made aware immediately of any behavior or conduct whereby Appellant is likely to endanger
herself or others.
II.
DISCUSSION
A.
Standard of Review
We first address Appellant's constitutional challenge to West Virginia Code
§ 27-6A-3. To the extent this issue presents purely a question of law and statutory
interpretation, our review is plenary and de novo. See State ex rel. McGraw v. Scott Runyan
Pontiac-Buick, Inc., 194 W. Va. 770, 776, 461 S.E.2d 516, 522 (1995). In addition, we
apply the abuse of discretion standard to review the final order and the ultimate disposition
by the circuit court, but we use the clearly erroneous standard when reviewing the circuit
court's underlying factual finding. Phillips v. Fox, 193 W. Va. 657, 661, 458 S.E.2d 327,
331 (1995); see also Syl. Pt. 1, Burnside v. Burnside, 194 W. Va. 263, 460 S.E.2d 264
(1995).
B.
Constitutional Challenge
Appellant generally complains that the procedure a circuit court must use to
determine the length of time it retains jurisdiction over an insanity acquittee is
unconstitutional because it bears no reasonable relationship to the mental illness suffered.
To calculate the length of time a court may retain its jurisdiction in cases of acquittal by
reason of mental illness, the court first must decide on the record what offense the acquittee
"otherwise would have been convicted" and, then, determine the maximum sentence the
acquittee "could have received" for that offense. W. Va. Code § 27-6A-3. Next, the court
"shall commit" the acquittee "to a mental health facility under the jurisdiction of the
department of health, with the court retaining jurisdiction over the defendant for the
maximum sentence period." Id.
In the present case, the circuit court concluded it may maintain its jurisdiction
over Appellant for eighteen years--the maximum period of time she could have received
upon conviction of second degree murder. Appellant claims this time period is arbitrary
because it imposes infringements upon her liberty regardless of her mental condition.
Therefore, she asserts it deprives her of due process and equal protection under the law.
Upon review, we disagree for two reasons.
First, although it is not mentioned by either Appellant or the State, the very
next statute, West Virginia Code § 27-6A-4, goes directly to the heart of Appellant's argument.See footnote 9 The 1995 amendment to section four took effect simultaneously with the now
challenged amended version of section three.See footnote 10 Section four gives the circuit court the authority to terminate its jurisdiction prior to the time period established by section three
when the circuit court finds an acquittee is no longer mentally ill and poses no danger to self
or others. Section four also provides, however, a circuit court may not release its jurisdiction
if the acquittee's "mental illness is in remission solely as a result of medication or
hospitalization or other mode of treatment if it can be determined within a reasonable degree
of medical certainty that without continued therapy or hospitalization or other mode of
treatment," the acquittee's mental illness will create a danger to the acquittee or others.
Despite some restrictions, it is obvious from a fair reading of section four that a circuit court
has the discretion to tailor its jurisdiction in conformance with the acquittee's mental
condition. In addition, section four clearly gives the circuit court the power to terminate such
jurisdiction upon a finding that a person acquitted by reason of mental illness "is no longer
mentally ill . . . and . . . is no longer a danger to self or others." W. Va. Code § 27-6A-4.
Accordingly, Appellant's argument that section three imposes an arbitrary term of
jurisdiction must fail.
Moreover, a second reason we declare the jurisdictional criteria stated in
section three do not violate Appellant's due process and equal protection rights is because
section three, by its own terms, limits a circuit court's jurisdiction. Pursuant to section three,
a circuit court cannot extend its jurisdiction indefinitely beyond the maximum sentence period the insanity acquitee "otherwise would have been convicted" of committing.See footnote 11 W. Va.
Code § 27-6A-3. Nonetheless, Appellant essentially claims there is a fundamental problem
with basing a circuit court's jurisdiction upon the maximum criminal sentence for an offense
when there is no conviction. Appellant asserts this procedure violates her constitutional
rights as stated by the United States Supreme Court in Jones v. United States, 463 U.S. 354
(1983).
In Jones, the petitioner was charged with attempted petit larceny for attempted
shoplifting. Id. at 359. As a misdemeanor, this offense carried a maximum sentence of one
year imprisonment. Id. The lower court accepted petitioner's plea of not guilty by reason
of insanity and committed petitioner to a mental health hospital. Petitioner remained
committed in the hospital after the expiration of the one year maximum sentence he could
have received if he had been found guilty of the charged offense.See footnote 12 Consequently, petitioner filed an action demanding his unconditional release or his recommitment under the standards
ensconced within the civil commitment statutes. Id. The lower court denied petitioner's
requests. Id. at 360-61.
Writing for the majority, the Honorable Lewis F. Powell, Jr., Justice,See footnote 13 framed
the question presented to the Court in terms of whether an individual who is acquitted by
reason of insanity is entitled to be released from commitment if such commitment extends
beyond the prison sentence the acquittee might have served if convicted.See footnote 14 Id. at 356. The
Supreme Court determined due process "'requires that the nature and duration of
commitment bear some reasonable relation to the purpose for which the individual is
committed.'" Id. at 368 (quoting Jackson v. Indiana, 406 U.S. 715, 738 (1972)). In addition, the Supreme Court said the purpose of committing a person acquitted of an offense by reason
of insanity, "like that of civil commitment, is to treat the individual's mental illness and
protect him and society from his potential dangerousness." Id.
According to the Supreme Court in Jones, if a committed acquittee is found to
be sane or no longer dangerous, the acquittee is entitled to be released. Id. (citing, in part,
O'Connor v. Donaldson, 422 U.S. 563, 575-76 (1975)See footnote 15; other citations omitted). The
Supreme Court recognized that, while a convicted criminal may be punished for a crime
regardless of the criminal's potential to commit additional crimes, an insanity acquittee's
confinement is based upon continuing mental illness and dangerousness. Moreover, an
insanity acquittee may not be criminally punished because there is no conviction, and any
criminal sentence that could have been imposed is irrelevant to the amount of time needed
for recovery. Id. at 369. In conclusion, the Supreme Court ruled, inter alia, the confinement
may last until the insanity acquittee "has regained his sanity or is no longer a danger to
himself or society." Id. at 370.See footnote 16
.In Addington, the Supreme Court held "the individual's interest in the outcome of a civil commitment proceeding is of such weight and gravity that due process
requires the state to justify confinement," at a minimum, by clear and convincing
evidence. 441 U.S. at 427, 433. The petitioner in Jones stated he was found not guilty
by reason of insanity under the preponderance of the evidence standard. 463 U.S. at 362.See footnote 17
.The majority also stated the Government has a strong interest in automatic
commitment after an insanity aquittal to avoid a civil-commitment hearing which likely
would be duplicative of much of the criminal trial. Id. The automatic commitment statute
the Supreme Court discussed could be invoked only when the acquittee raised the insanity
defense.See footnote 18 The Supreme Court found this decision comports with the view that an insanity acquittee falls within "a special class that should be treated differently
from other candidates for commitment." Id. (footnote omitted).
More recently, in another split opinion,See footnote 19 the Supreme Court expounded upon
the issue of whether a state can commit an insanity acquittee until such time as the acquittee
can establish he or she is no longer dangerous--regardless of the fact he or she may no longer
be insane. Foucha v. Louisiana, 504 U.S. 71 (1992). The petitioner in Foucha was charged "with aggravated burglary and illegal discharge of a firearm." Id. at 73. Petitioner was
found not guilty of these charges by reason of insanity and, subsequently, was
institutionalized. Approximately three and one-half years later, a review panel recommended
that the petitioner be conditionally released from the institution. In response, the trial judge
ordered petitioner to be examined by two doctors. Id. at 74.
A hearing was held where one of the doctors testified the petitioner was in
"'good shape' mentally" but exhibited an antisocial personality.See footnote 20 Id. at 75. The doctor
expressed that this condition was not a mental illness and was untreatable. The doctor
further added he "would not feel comfortable in certifying that [the petitioner] would not be
a danger to himself or to other people," as the petitioner was "involved in several
altercations" while institutionalized. Id. (citation and internal quotations omitted).
Thereafter, the trial judge found the petitioner constituted a danger to himself and society and
ruled the petitioner should remain committed in the mental institution. Id.
In part two of Foucha, the Supreme Court reiterated that, under Jones, a person
acquitted by reason of insanity may be committed without meeting the standard for mental
illness and dangerousness announced in Addington. Id. at 76; see supra note 16. However,
when an insanity acquittee is no longer insane or dangerous, due process requires the acquittee either be released or be provided the additional constitutional protections afforded
individuals under general civil commitment laws in order to justify any continued
commitment. Id. at 77, 79. As in Jones, the Supreme Court stated the petitioner may not be
punished for crimes when there is no conviction.See footnote 21 Id. at 80.
In part III of the opinion, the plurality said the petitioner's continued
confinement also violated equal protection. After examining the law of the state in which
petitioner was acquitted, the plurality found other persons, i.e., prisoners, who committed
criminal offenses were not required to be confined until they could establish they were no
longer dangerous. Id. at 85. Therefore, because these classes of people were treated
differently, the plurality concluded the law which permitted the petitioner to be committed
indefinitely until he could prove he was no longer dangerous violated his equal protection
rights.See footnote 22 Id.
In comparing the present case to the principles announced in both Jones and
Foucha, we do not find any merit to Appellant's claim that the circuit court's jurisdiction
over her violates due process and equal protection. A fundamental flaw with Appellant's
entire argument is the fact that the circuit court considered her mental illness and released
her from commitment to the custody of her sister--after only approximately six and one-half
months passed from the date of her acquittal. In making its decision, the circuit court
specifically found in its order entered on January 17, 1996, that Appellant continued to be
mentally ill, but her illness was in remission by the use of medication. Consequently, the
circuit court narrowly tailored conditions for Appellant's release to meet the needs of both Appellant and society.See footnote 23 These conditions were in accord with a report and evaluation from
the mental hospital where Appellant was committed.See footnote 24
Upon review of this order, we fail to see how Appellant's current status
violates the principles espoused by Jones and Foucha. Although in these cases "[t]he
existence of mental [illness] and dangerousness appear to be sine qua non to the state's
ability to confine an unconvicted defendant,"See footnote 25 Appellant continues to be mentally ill and,
when she does not take her medication, she constitutes a danger to herself and others.See footnote 26 We do not mean to suggest that Appellant's conditional release does not infringe upon her
liberty interests. Certainly, it does. Cf. State ex rel. Rowe v. Ferguson, 165 W. Va. 183,
185, 268 S.E.2d 45, 46 (1980) (quoting Gerstein v. Pugh, 420 U.S. 103, 114 (1975), which stated "[e]ven pretrial release may be accompanied by burdensome conditions that effect a
significant restraint of liberty"); Markey v. Wachtel, 164 W. Va. 45, 55, 264 S.E.2d 437,
443 (1979) (recognizing "important liberty interest is involved in an involuntary commitment
proceeding which requires substantial due process protection"). However, after reviewing
the record and the orders in this case, we cannot say the circuit court abused its discretion
by continuing its jurisdiction, nor can we say the circuit court was clearly erroneous in
making its factual findings.
In sum, we conclude West Virginia Code §§ 27-6A-3 and -4, read in pari
materia, generally provide a court flexibility in exercising and retaining its jurisdiction up
to the maximum sentence period, with consideration given to the current mental state and
dangerousness of a person found not guilty by reason of mental illness. If not sooner
terminated by the court, its jurisdiction automatically will expire at the end of the maximum
sentence period. W. Va. Code § 27-6A-3. After the expiration of the maximum sentence
period, a person found not guilty by reason of mental illness shall be either released or
subject to civil commitment proceedings with all appurtenant rights thereto. W. Va. Code
§ 27-6A-4(a).See footnote 27
In the present case, we find no reason to declare the circuit court violated
Appellant's constitutional rights. By retaining its jurisdiction and by making Appellant's
release from commitment conditioned upon narrowly tailored requirements to meet her
mental-health needs, the circuit court is protecting both her and society. Moreover, if the
circuit court determines at some point in the future that Appellant meets the criteria set forth
in West Virginia Code § 27-6A-4, the circuit court may release Appellant from its
jurisdiction.See footnote 28
C.
Ex Post Facto
In a very cursory manner, Appellant argues the circuit court violated the ex
post facto provisions of the state and federal constitutions when it applied the amended
version of West Virginia Code § 27-6A-3.See footnote 29 We find Appellant's argument lacks merit.
In syllabus point one of Adkins v. Bordenkircher, 164 W. Va. 292, 262 S.E.2d 885 (1980), we explained:
Under ex post facto principles of the
United States and West Virginia Constitutions, a law
passed after the commission of an offense which
increases the punishment, lengthens the sentence or
operates to the detriment of the accused, cannot be
applied to him.
In State v. R.H., 166 W. Va. 280, 273 S.E.2d 578 (1980), overruled on other grounds, State
ex rel. Cook v. Helms, 170 W. Va. 200, 292 S.E.2d 610 (1981), we also adopted the classic
definition of an ex post facto law as stated by the United States Supreme Court in Calder v.
Bull, 3 U.S. (3 Dall.) 386, 1 L. Ed. 648 (1798):
"(1) Every law that makes an action
done before the passing of the law, and which was
innocent when done, criminal, and punishes such
action; (2) every law that aggravates a crime, or
makes it greater than it was when committed; (3)
every law that changes the punishment, and inflicts a
greater punishment than the law annexed to the crime
when committed; (4) every law that alters the legal
rules of evidence, and receives less or different
testimony than the law required at the commission of
the offense, in order to convict the offender."
166 W. Va. at 288-89, 273 S.E.2d at 583-84 (quoting 3 U.S. (3 Dall.) at 390, 1 L. Ed. at 650.
A fundamental principle of ex post facto law is that it only applies to criminal proceedings,
not civil. Shumate v. West Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, 182 W. Va. 810, 814
n. 4, 392 S.E.2d 701, 705 n. 4 (1990). While it is true West Virginia Code § 27-6A-3 was
enacted after Appellant committed the offense for which she was found not guilty by reason of mental illness, we find her acquittal was rendered after the amendment took effect and it
removed the case from the criminal arena.
The purpose of a commitment statute is not to punish someone suffering a
mental illness; rather, it is to treat the illness and protect society. If someone is found not
guilty by reason of mental illness, there is no conviction to warrant a punishment. Foucha,
504 U.S. at 80; Jones, 463 U.S. at 369; see also State ex rel. White v. Todt, ___ W. Va. ___,
___, 475 S.E.2d 426, 432 (1996) (recognizing civil commitment proceeding different than
criminal prosecution).See footnote 30 Consequently, ex post facto principles typically are not invoked by
the commitment of an insanity acquittee. Our research on this issue demonstrates other
jurisdictions have reached similar conclusions. See People v. Superior Court (Williams), 284 Cal. Rptr. 601, 608 (Cal. Ct. App. 1991) (stating "ex post facto principles are not applicable
to [commitment] extension proceedings"); Payne v. Fairfield Hills Hosp., 578 A.2d 1025,
1029 (Conn. 1990) (finding "[a]s a general matter, the confinement of insanity acquittees, although resulting initially from an adjudication in the criminal justice system, is not
'punishment' for a crime"); but see Anderson v. Dept. of Health and Mental Hyg., 528 A.2d 904, 910-11 (Md. 1987) (concluding insanity acquittee committed to a maximum security
hospital implicates ex post facto principles), cert. denied sub nom. Maryland v. Anderson,
485 U.S. 913 (1988).
In addition, we find it is of no consequence for ex post facto analysis that the
maximum period of time a circuit court may retain jurisdiction over an insanity acquittee is
related to the maximum criminal sentence. In fact, this jurisdictional limit prevents insanity
acquittees from receiving indefinite commitments while their criminal counterparts are set
free. Cf. Foucha, 504 U.S. at 85 (comparing criminal incarcerations to insanity commitments
for purposes of equal protection).
For these reasons, we conclude the circuit court's implementation of the
amended version of West Virginia Code § 27-6A-3 did not violate ex post facto principles.
D.
The Propriety of the Circuit Court
Continuing Appellant's Hearings
Finally, Appellant argues the trial court abused its discretion by continuing her
hearings in order to obtain a copy of the new legislation and by refusing to hold a bench trial until after the amendment to West Virginia Code § 27-6A-3 took effect. Appellant states that
as early as the hearing held on April 17, 1995, the circuit court was aware of the prosecuting
attorney's concession that she could not prove criminal intent due to Appellant's mental
illness. In addition, the prosecuting attorney stated she could be ready to try the case on May
2, 1995. This concession was followed by a written stipulation between the parties that
Appellant committed the acts, but she was not criminally responsible for her actions at the
time. Appellant asserts the circuit court continued the matter on its own motion in order to
obtain a copy of the new legislation without regard to the fact the case was ripe for a
decision. At the next hearing on May 19, 1995, Appellant states her case was unduly
delayed and she suffered irreparable harm when the circuit court decided to wait to resolve
the case until after the effective date of the amendment, thereby, subjecting her to a more
restrictive statute.
Repeatedly, we have said: "It is well settled as a general rule that the question
of continuance is in the sound discretion of the trial court, which will not be reviewed by the
appellate court, except in case it clearly appears that such discretion has been abused. Syl.
Pt. 1, Levy v. Scottish Union & Nat. Insurance Co., 58 W. Va. 546, 52 S.E. 449 (1905)." Syl.
Pt. 2, Nutter v. Maynard, 183 W. Va. 247, 395 S.E.2d 491 (1990). Upon reviewing the
record in this case, we find it apparent that the circuit court did not abuse its discretion by
continuing the case at least up to the point of May 19, 1995. Prior to that time, the circuit
court believed West Virginia Code § 27-6A-3 was amended and was "probably in effect," however, the circuit court was unsure what the amendment provided. It would be ludicrous
for this Court to find under these facts that the circuit court abused its discretion by
continuing the case in order to acquire a copy of the amended version of the statute to see
if it applied. Obviously, knowing what the law provides is sine qua non with applying it.
We also find the circuit court did not abuse its discretion when it refused to
resolve the matter at the May 19, 1995, hearing. Although by then the circuit court had
acquired a copy of the amended statute, the hearing was scheduled as a status conference,
and the prosecuting attorney claimed she first received notice on the same day as the hearing
that the Appellant desired to have the matter immediately resolved. Consequently, she said
she did not have the opportunity to notify the victim's family. Given these concerns, the
circuit court did not abuse its discretion by refusing to make its final determination on that
day. Therefore, the only remaining issue is whether the circuit court abused its discretion
by holding the next hearing after the amendment took effect.
Appellant moved the circuit court at the May hearing to decide the case prior
to the time the amendment would take effect. The circuit court denied this motion and said
it "wants to make the record very clear the Court feels the legislature wants us to follow the
new law, and the Court intends to follow the new law." The circuit court informed Appellant
it would reconsider its decision if Appellant could show authority to the contrary. However,
the circuit court believed applying the old statute to Appellant would result in "a grave injustice" to Appellant, her family, and everyone concerned because, if Appellant was ever
released from confinement, the circuit court would not have the flexibility it now has under
the statute to maintain its jurisdiction and supervise her to ensure she takes her medication.See footnote 31
The final hearing subsequently was held after the amendment took effect.
In light of the civil nature of this statute and its purpose of rendering treatment
and care to the Appellant, while protecting society from her demonstrated, delusional-violent
behavior, we cannot say the circuit court abused its discretion by considering Appellant's situation with respect to the purpose of the new statute. Accordingly, we find no error by
the circuit court's continuance of the case.
III.
CONCLUSION
For the foregoing reasons, we hold West Virginia Code §§ 27-6A-3 and -4 did
not violate Appellant's constitutional rights, the application of the statutes to Appellant did
not violate ex post facto prohibitions, and the circuit court did not abuse its discretion when
it continued Appellant's hearings. Therefore, the final order of the Circuit Court of Monroe
County is affirmed.
Affirmed.
Footnote: 1
The Honorable Arthur M. Recht resigned as Justice of the West Virginia
Supreme Court of Appeals effective October 15, 1996. The Honorable Gaston Caperton,
Governor of the State of West Virginia, appointed him Judge of the First Judicial Circuit on
that same date. Pursuant to an administrative order entered by this Court on October 15,
1996, Judge Recht was assigned to sit as a member of the West Virginia Supreme Court of
Appeals commencing October 15, 1996, and continuing until further order of this Court.Footnote: 2
The order entered on January 26, 1996, amended the order dated June 30,
1995, only to the extent the circuit court stated it will maintain jurisdiction over Appellant
for forty years. At the time of the offense, the maximum sentence for murder of the second
degree was eighteen years, not forty. See W. Va. Code § 61-2-3 (1992 & Supp. 1996)
(providing the penalty for murder of the second degree). Therefore, the circuit court
accordingly reduced the number of years it will maintain jurisdiction over Appellant to
eighteen. Footnote: 3
The former Department of Health was redesignated as the Division of Health
pursuant to the Executive Reorganization Act of 1989. See Editor's notes to West Virginia
Code § 27-1A (1992). Footnote: 4
Appellant withdrew a fourth assignment of error because it became moot when
the circuit court reduced the number of years it will maintain jurisdiction over her.Footnote: 5
West Virginia Code § 27-6A-3 sets forth the procedures to be employed when
a defendant is found not guilty by reason of mental illness. The 1974 version of this
provision was in effect at the time Appellant killed her husband. This version states:
(a) The court of record may order that
a person who has been found not guilty by reason of
mental illness, mental retardation or addiction be
hospitalized in a mental health facility for a period
not to exceed forty days for observation and
examination.
(b) During the observation period of a
person found not guilty of any crime by reason of
mental illness, mental retardation or addiction,
procedures for civil commitment may be initiated
before the court having jurisdiction pursuant to article
five [§ 27-5-1 et seq.] of this chapter.
(c) The prosecuting attorney of the
county within which the alleged crime or crimes
occurred shall be notified of any hearing conducted
for a person under the provisions of this section or
any subsequent hearing for such person within five
years of the alleged crime conducted under the
provisions of this chapter relating to the commitment
of the mentally ill, mentally retarded or addicted and
shall have a right to be heard at such hearings.
In 1995, the West Virginia Legislature entirely rewrote this section. The 1995 version of this
statute applied to Appellant provides:
(a) After the entry of a judgment of not
guilty by reason of mental illness, mental retardation
or addiction, the court of record shall determine on
the record the offense of which the person otherwise
would have been convicted, and the maximum
sentence he could have received. The court shall
commit such defendant to a mental health facility
under the jurisdiction of the department of health,
with the court retaining jurisdiction over the
defendant for the maximum sentence period.
(b) If the defendant is released from an
inpatient mental health facility while under the
jurisdiction of the court, the court may impose such
conditions as are necessary to protect the safety of
the public.
Id.Footnote: 6
In relevant part, Section 10 provides: "No State shall . . . pass any . . . ex post
facto Law . . . . " Footnote: 7
Section 4 states, in part: "No . . . ex post facto law . . . shall be passed."Footnote: 8
After a break in the hearing, Appellant's counsel stated on the record that
"during . . . [the] break, the prosecuting attorney advised the Court that she didn't feel she
could prove the criminal intent necessary to convict the defendant of murder . . . ."Footnote: 9
In relevant part, section four provides:
(b) The court may discharge a mentally
ill . . . defendant from the court's period of
jurisdiction prior to the expiration of the period
specified in this section only when the court finds
that the person is no longer mentally ill . . . and that
the person is no longer a danger to self or others.
However, a defendant may not be released from the
jurisdiction of the court when the defendant's mental
illness is in remission solely as a result of medication
or hospitalization or other mode of treatment if it can
be determined within a reasonable degree of medical
certainty that without continued therapy or
hospitalization or other mode of treatment, the
defendant's mental illness will make him a danger to
self or others.
(c) Those persons committed under the
provisions of this article may be released or
discharged from the inpatient mental health facility
only upon entry of an order from the court of record
which committed the defendant finding that the
defendant will not be a danger to self or others if so
released, based upon the evidence introduced at the
hearing.
W. Va. Code § 27-6A-4. We find the phrase "prior to the expiration of the period specified
in this section" contained in subsection (b) refers back to subsection (a). Id. "[T]he period
specified" in subsection (a) relates to the court's retention of jurisdiction found in West
Virginia Code 27-6A-3. Subsection (a) generally states a civil commitment proceeding may
be brought "[n]o later than thirty days prior to the release of a defendant because of the
expiration of the court's jurisdiction . . . ." W. Va. Code § 27-6A-4.Footnote: 10
See 1995 W. Va. Acts ch. 167 (passed on March 11, 1995, to take effect 90
days from passage).Footnote: 11
If it is believed an acquittee's mental illness will continue to "cause[] the
[acquittee] to be dangerous to self or others" beyond the maximum sentence period, civil
commitment proceedings must be filed pursuant to this State's general civil commitment
procedures contained within West Virginia Code § 27-5-1 to -10 (1992 & Supp. 1996). W.
Va. Code § 27-6A-4(a).Footnote: 12
As indicated in the Honorable William J. Brennan's, Jr., Justice, dissent to
Jones, the petitioner did not even dispute the fact that the Government could commit him for
a definite period with respect to the maximum period of incarceration he could have received
upon conviction. Id. at 372 n.3 (Brennan, J., dissenting). Moreover, the Honorable John
Paul Stevens', Justice, stated in his dissent that the majority opinion "lends support to the
view that the initial confinement of the acquittee is permissible . . . ." Id. at 387 (Stevens, J.,
dissenting). Cf. Humphrey v. Cady, 405 U.S. 504, 510-11 (1972) (indicating merit to
argument that safeguards in civil commitment proceedings are not required when, pursuant
to Wisconsin's Sex Crimes Act, initial commitment for compulsory treatment is in lieu of
and limited in duration to maximum criminal sentence for convicted defendant). In the
present case, however, Appellant is challenging the period of time prior to the expiration of
the maximum period. Footnote: 13
Jones was a 5-4 decision. Justice Powell was joined by the Honorable
Warren E. Burger, Chief Justice, and the Honorable Byron R. White, William H. Rehnquist,
and Sandra Day O'Connor, Justices. In his dissenting opinion, Justice Brennan, was joined
by the Honorable Thurgood Marshall and Harry A. Blackmun, Justices. Justice Stevens filed
a separate dissent.Footnote: 14
In his dissent, Justice Brennan states the majority began its analysis by asking
the wrong question. Justice Brennan believed the proper question to be addressed was
whether the fact a person was acquitted "by reason of insanity, by itself, provides a
constitutionally adequate basis for involuntary, indefinite commitment to psychiatric
hospitalization." Id. at 371 (Brennan, J. dissenting) (internal quotation omitted).Footnote: 15
In O'Connor, the Supreme Court said: "A finding of 'mental illness' alone
cannot justify a State's locking a person up against his will and keeping him indefinitely in
simple custodial confinement." Id. at 575.Footnote: 16
On appeal, the petitioner also complained that his commitment did not
conform with the due process standards for civil commitment proceedings as the Supreme
Court previously established in Addington v. Texas, 441 U.S. 418 (1979), because the
judgment finding him not guilty by reason of insanity was based upon the preponderance of
the evidence standard.Footnote: 17
Id. at 362. See Addington, 441 U.S. at 427 (concluding an
"individual's interest in the outcome of a civil commitment proceeding is of such weight and
gravity that due process requires the state to justify confinement by proof more substantial
than a mere preponderance of the evidence"); see also Syl. Pt. 7, State ex rel. Hawks v.
Lazaro, 157 W. Va. 417, 202 S.E.2d 109 (1974) (holding standard for involuntary
commitment "is proof which is clear, cogent, and convincing"), modified on other grounds
State ex rel. White v. Todt, ___ W. Va. ___, ___ n.14, 475 S.E.2d 426, 439 n.14 (1996). In
response, the Supreme Court in Jones stated, however, that "[a] verdict of not guilty by
reason of insanity establishes two facts: (i) the defendant committed an act that constitutes
a criminal offense, and (ii) he committed the act because of mental illness." Id. at 363.
According to the majority, this evidence is sufficient to commit an insanity acquittee for
treatment and to protect the public's safety.Footnote: 18
Id. at 366. Therefore, the Supreme Court
concluded by holding that the government may institutionalize a criminal defendant who
proves "by a preponderance of the evidence that he is not guilty of a crime by reason of
insanity . . . ." Id. at 370.
Footnote: 19
The judgment of the Supreme Court was announced by Justice White, who
also delivered the opinion of the Court with respect to Parts I and II, in which Justices
Blackmun, Stevens, O'Connor, and the Honorable David H. Souter, Justice, joined. In Part
III, Justice White was joined by Justices Blackmun, Stevens, and Souter. Justice O'Connor
filed a concurring opinion. The Honorable Anthony M. Kennedy, Justice, wrote a dissent
and was joined by Chief Justice Rehnquist. The Honorable Clarence Thomas, Justice, also
filed a dissenting opinion and was joined by the Chief Justice and the Honorable Antonin
Scalia, Justice. Footnote: 20
It was stipulated that both doctors would give similar testimony with respect
to petitioner's condition. Id. at 75.Footnote: 21
The majority distinguished this case from United States v. Salerno, 481 U.S. 739 (1987). Id. at 81. Salerno upheld a carefully and narrowly drawn statute permitting an
arrestee to be subject to pretrial detention when "an arrestee presents an identified and
articulable threat to an individual or the community . . . . " 481 U.S. at 751.Footnote: 22
In her concurring opinion, Justice O'Connor mentioned that she did not
believe the Supreme Court's opinion in Foucha rendered invalid laws such as those
"limit[ing] the maximum duration of criminal commitment to reflect the acquittee's specific
crimes and hold acquittees in facilities appropriate to their mental condition." Id. at 89
(statutory citations omitted).
In his dissent, Justice Kennedy states "[a] verdict of not guilty by reason of
insanity is neither equivalent nor comparable to a verdict of not guilty standing alone." Id.
at 94. Justice Kennedy asserts the majority essentially overrules Jones by treating Foucha
as a civil case, rather than a criminal case. Id. According to Justice Kennedy, Jones
recognized that criminal and civil commitments were distinguishable and required
different due process considerations. Id. Justice Kennedy also mentions a fundamental
difference exists between the insanity tests used in Jones and Foucha. In Jones, the
petitioner was acquitted under Durham test, while the petitioner in Foucha was acquitted
under the M'Naghten rule. Id. at 98; see Durham v. United States, 94 U.S. App. D.C. 228,
240-41, 214 F.2d 862, 874-75 (1954); M'Naghten's Case, 10 Clark & Fin. 200, 8 Eng. Rep.
718 (1843).
In note four of Foucha, the majority dismisses Justice Kennedy's remarks about
Foucha overruling Jones by explicitly stating "we do not question and fully accept that
insanity acquittees may be initially held without complying with the procedures applicable
to civil committees." 504 U.S. at 76 n.4. Footnote: 23
As previously mentioned, those conditions included requiring her to take her
medication, submit to blood tests, "participate in basic living skills program and/or
counseling" as directed, "participate in [a] treatment plan," and continue to reside with her
sister unless Appellant receives prior approval from the circuit court to move. The circuit
court also ordered her to be monitored by her family, the probation office, and the FMRS
mental health clinic with written reports to be filed every six months.Footnote: 24
The "report and evaluation" were submitted on December 4, 1995, and
consisted of a "three-month psychiatric evaluation" on Appellant and a report signed by
Lydia P. Obleada, M.D. In the evaluation, Appellant was diagnosed with "Major Depression
Recurrent without Psychotic Features." In her report, Dr. Obleada opined Appellant's
"prognosis for . . . staying mentally stable at home with her family is very good since she is
on the following medications . . . ." (Emphasis added). Dr. Obleada also outlined a
community-based plan for Appellant to follow if she is released to return to her family.
Footnote: 25
II Franklin D. Cleckley, Handbook on West Virginia Criminal Procedure at
117 (1993).Footnote: 26
Pursuant to West Virginia Code § 27-6A-4(c), a court may not release an
insanity acquittee from inpatient commitment unless a hearing is held and it is found on the
record the acquittee is no longer a danger to self or others. At the time of the January 17,
1996, order, Appellant's mental illness was in remission as a result of taking medication.
The circuit court specifically made this finding in its order, and, with respect to the
conditions imposed upon Appellant, it is clear that the circuit court was concerned about the
possible reoccurrence of both mental illness and dangerousness if Appellant fails to take her
medication.
In the order itself, the circuit court requires the mental health clinic and/or
Appellant's family to inform the circuit court at once of any behavior or conduct whereby
Appellant "is likely to be a danger to herself or others . . . ." Moreover, the link between
Appellant's mental illness and dangerousness is evidenced by the fact she, approximately one
and one-half years earlier, shot her husband believing it would bring about world peace. In
addition, at the hearing held on June 30, 1996, Appellant's brother testified that, after
Appellant's initial hospitalization for mental illness in 1990, she was "a whole lot better" but
"she didn't follow-up on what the doctors -- she quit taking her medicine and stuff, she got
back in the same shape she was in, maybe even worse."
As an aside, we notice West Virginia Code § 27-6A-4(b) in its current form
uses the phrase "[t]he court may discharge a mentally ill . . . defendant from the court's
period of jurisdiction prior to the expiration of the period . . . only when the court finds that
the person is no longer mentally ill . . . and that the person is no longer a danger to self or
others." (Emphasis added). Id.; see also W. Va. Code § 27-6A-4(c). On the other hand, the
United States Supreme Court in both Jones and Foucha have said an "acquittee is entitled to
release when he has recovered his sanity or is no longer dangerous." Jones, 463 U.S. at 368
(emphasis added); Foucha, 504 U.S. at 77 (quoting Jones and further stating "the acquittee
may be held as long as he is both mentally ill and dangerous, but no longer"). In the present
case, Appellant is no longer committed to a hospital and the balance between her liberty
interest and society's interest is much different than if she had remained committed.
Moreover, as a practical matter, Appellant still falls within the mentally ill and dangerous
categories because her mental illness and historically-associated dangerousness are in
remission only as a result of medication. Given the seriousness of the offense Appellant
recently committed, society has a strong interest in ensuring Appellant takes her medicine
and she receives other care she needs upon her release. Therefore, because it is not relevant
in this case, we express no opinion about what impact the use of the word "and" may have
on cases wherein an acquittee, who is not both mentally ill and dangerous, seeks release from
commitment prior to the expiration of the maximum sentence period.Footnote: 27
Cf. Baxtrom v. Herold, 383 U.S. 107, 110 (1966) (stating at expiration of
petitioner's prison term he was denied equal protection by not being afforded jury trial or
"judicial determination . . . he is dangerously mentally ill" as provided to other candidates
of civil commitments).Footnote: 28
To the extent they are not relevant in the present case, we do not address the
sundry of hypothetical constitutional violations Appellant suggests might arise under West
Virginia Code § 27-6A-3. See generally State ex rel. Billings v. Point Pleasant, 194 W. Va.
301, 304 n.5, 460 S.E.2d 436, 439 n.5 (1995) (refusing to address additional constitutional
concerns of relator because relator lacked standing to raise those concerns).Footnote: 29
Article I, Section 10 of the United States Constitution provides in relevant
part: "No State shall ... pass any ... ex post facto Law. . . ." Article III, Section 4 of the West
Virginia Constitution, in pertinent part, states: "No ... ex post facto law ... shall be passed."
Footnote: 30
In Trop v. Dulles, 356 U.S. 86 (1958), the Supreme Court explained it is
important to look at the purpose of a statute in determining whether it is penal or not. Id. at
96. "If the statute imposes a disability for the purposes of punishment--that is, to reprimand
the wrongdoer, to deter others, etc.--it has been considered penal. But a statute has been
considered nonpenal if it imposes a disability, not to punish, but to accomplish some other
legitimate governmental purpose." Id. (footnotes omitted). Some statutes that impose
adverse consequences for certain conduct encompass both penal and nonpenal effects. To
determine the nature of these statutes, evident legislative purposes normally control. Id.
Relevant to any decision with respect to whether a statute is penal or not is "the severity of
the disability imposed as well as all the circumstances surrounding the legislative enactment
. . . ." Id. at n.18. Footnote: 31
Likewise, less than one year prior to the amendments at issue today, the
circuit court's concern was addressed by a dissent to this Court's opinion in State v. Walls,
191 W. Va. 332, 445 S.E.2d 515 (1994), where the dissent said:
Inherent in any involuntary
commitment is the potential for release upon
demonstration of mental condition which evidences
to the treating psychiatrist that the defendant is no
longer a danger to either himself or society. Where
criminal defendants found not guilty by reason of
insanity are concerned, standards should be
developed, legislatively or otherwise, which ensure
that releases are made only under extremely cautious
criteria. All too often, upon release, such an
individual returns to society, and either because he
refuses to take the medication necessary to control
his psychotic tendencies or for other reasons,
commits another violent crime. For these reasons,
stringent conditions should be imposed upon the
release of such an individual.
Id. at 337-38, 445 S.E.2d at 520-21 (Workman, J., dissenting).
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