In re Albert C. ( 2015 )

Filed 11/10/15
CERTIFIED FOR PUBLICATION
IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
SECOND APPELLATE DISTRICT
DIVISION FIVE
In re ALBERT C., a Person Coming Under B256480
the Juvenile Court Law. (Los Angeles County Super. Ct.
No. MJ21492)
THE PEOPLE,
Plaintiff and Respondent,
v.
ALBERT C.,
Defendant and Appellant.
APPEAL from a judgment of the Superior Court of Los Angeles County. Denise
McLaughlin-Bennett, Judge. Affirmed as modified.
Laini Millar Melnick, under appointment by the Court of Appeal, for Defendant
and Appellant.
Kamala D. Harris, Attorney General, Gerald A. Engler, Chief Assistant Attorney
General, Lance E. Winters, Senior Assistant Attorney General, Victoria B. Wilson,
Supervising Deputy Attorney General, Scott A. Taryle, Supervising Deputy Attorney
General, and Theresa A. Patterson, Deputy Attorney General, for Plaintiff and
Respondent.
_________________________
Proceedings against a minor on a juvenile delinquency petition (Welf. & Inst.
Code, § 602)1 must be suspended if the minor “lacks sufficient present ability to consult
with counsel and assist in preparing his or her defense with a reasonable degree of
rational understanding, or lacks a rational as well as factual understanding, of the nature
of the charges or proceedings against him or her” based upon a showing that “the minor
suffers from a mental disorder, developmental disability, developmental immaturity, or
other condition . . . .” (§ 709, subds. (a) & (b).) Albert C., a minor named in two section
602 petitions, was detained in juvenile hall for 294 days2 while receiving services to
assist him in gaining competence after being declared incompetent to stand trial. At the
end of that 294 day period, the delinquency court reinstated proceedings based on
findings that minor was competent and he had “exaggerated” his inability to understand
the nature of the proceedings.
Minor contends in this appeal that the delinquency court’s handling of the
proceedings after minor was declared incompetent violated various constitutional and
statutory provisions, as well as a protocol drafted by the Presiding Judge of Juvenile
Court in Los Angeles for the handling of cases in which a minor is declared incompetent.
Minor also challenges conditions of probation imposed as part of a suitable placement
order. We modify a condition of probation, but otherwise affirm.
PROCEDURAL SUMMARY
On July 13, 2012, a section 602 petition was filed alleging that minor threatened a
1All statutory references are to the Welfare and Institutions Code, unless
otherwise indicated.
2Minor was detained on the section 602 petitions for a total of 355 days. The
period of 294 days is measured from the date of the competency planning hearing to the
date minor was found competent, a period spanning from April 17, 2013, to February 4,
2014.
2
public officer, in violation of Penal Code section 71.3 Minor denied the allegations at his
arraignment hearing and was released into his mother’s custody. On August 14, 2012,
minor’s mother reported that minor left home without permission, he had not returned for
48 hours, and his whereabouts were unknown. An arrest warrant was issued.
Minor remained at large until his arrest on February 12, 2013. A second section
602 petition was filed alleging the following: assault by means likely to cause great
bodily injury (Pen. Code, § 245, subd. (a)(4) [count 1]); battery with serious bodily injury
(Pen. Code, § 243, subd. (d) [count 2]); possession of a firearm by a minor (Pen. Code, §
29610 [count 3]); and criminal threats (Pen. Code, § 422, subd. (a) [count 4]).4 At the
arraignment on the second section 602 petition, minor’s counsel declared a doubt as to
minor’s competence and proceedings were suspended.
Minor was detained in juvenile hall while proceedings were suspended. At a
hearing on February 4, 2014, the delinquency court ruled minor had regained competency
and reinstated proceedings.
On February 20, 2014, minor admitted count 1 of the first petition and count 1 of
the second petition. He was ordered suitably placed. This timely appeal followed.
DISCUSSION
Constitutional Issues
We first address the constitutional issues raised by minor. He contends (1) the
juvenile court improperly reinstated delinquency proceedings by applying an incorrect
legal standard and rejecting the opinion of the expert who evaluated minor and found him
incompetent, (2) his right to due process of law was violated by his lengthy detention
3 Minor was 14 years old at the time the petition was filed.
4 Minor was 15 years old at the time the second petition was filed.
3
without evidence of progress toward competency, (3) the length of detention violated his
right to equal protection of the law because he was not afforded the procedural
protections required for a civil commitment, and (4) his right to confront and cross-
examine witnesses was violated when the court considered statements by a deputy county
counsel.
Minor’s contentions are based upon the manner in which the delinquency court
proceeded from the time minor’s counsel declared a doubt as to minor’s competency.
We set forth a review of the proceedings in sections corresponding to the numerous
arguments raised on appeal.
The Section 602 Petitions, Detention, and Attempts to Place Minor
The first section 602 petition was filed on July 13, 2012. The delinquency court
explained deferred entry of judgment to minor at a pretrial hearing on August 8, 2012.
Minor’s counsel was unsure whether minor understood the proceedings. As a result,
arraignment was continued to September 19, 2012, and minor was released home to his
mother.5
An arrest warrant was issued after minor absconded from mother’s home on
August 14, 2012. Minor’s whereabouts remained unknown until his arrest on February
12, 2013, which resulted in the filing of the second section 602 petition.
Arraignment on the second section 602 petition was scheduled for February 15,
2013. The lawyer standing for minor’s counsel of record at the arraignment declared a
doubt as to minor’s competency to stand trial and proceedings were suspended. The
5 According to the probation report filed on August 8, 2012, minor was a
dependent child under section 300, and a joint assessment had been prepared pursuant to
section 241.1 by the Probation Department (Probation) and the Los Angeles County
Department of Children and Family Services (Department), with a recommended
disposition of deferred entry of judgment (§ 790), with the Department as the lead
agency. Recommended services included placement in the home, with minor to receive
individual counseling, drug and alcohol testing, and education services.
4
delinquency court ordered minor detained upon finding that it was “a matter of
immediate and urgent necessity for the protection of the minor and the person and
property of others that the minor be detained. Continuance in the home is contrary to the
minor’s welfare; reasonable efforts have been made to prevent or eliminate the need for
removal. There are no available services that would prevent the need for further
detention.” Similar findings supporting detention were made by the court at numerous
proceedings until the ultimate resolution of the petitions.
The delinquency court made efforts to place minor in a less restrictive setting than
juvenile hall, taking into account that minor was also a dependent child under section
300. Efforts to place minor were made difficult by his abysmal behavior in juvenile hall
— “since the minor’s last court appearance on 03/19/2013, the minor has been involved
in 11 incidents while inside juvenile hall,” and on March 20, 2013, “minor participated in
gang activity when he flashed ‘gang signs.’” Between April 10 and April 25, 2013,
Probation filed three behavior reports with the court, detailing incidents involving minor.
On June 20, 2013, Probation filed a report discussing the least restrictive setting
for minor’s placement. The only available alternative to juvenile hall was to release
minor to the Department’s care and custody. The probation officer recommended that
minor remain in juvenile hall due to his “past AWOL/runaway behaviors.” When
previously released to his mother’s custody, minor left home without permission and his
whereabouts were not known to Probation and the Department for six months. Minor
was arrested on charges of assault by means likely to cause great bodily injury and
criminal threats. Probation did not believe that the Department possessed the supervision
and structure required to ensure minor’s safety and the safety of the community based on
his past delinquent history. Because minor was under dependency jurisdiction, the court
could order the Department to screen minor for a “Level 14” facility. Probation
recommended that the hearing be continued for one month to assess minor’s progress. At
the June 20, 2013 hearing, the court ordered the Department to screen minor for Level 14
placement.
5
A July 17, 2013 probation report stated that the a caseworker from the Department
presented minor’s case to the interagency screening committee on July 2, 2013. Minor
met the criteria for a Level 14 treatment program and/or a community treatment facility.
Service providers at the meeting stated that they would present minor’s case to their
respective agencies, but that at the time no beds were available.
At an August 15, 2013 hearing, the delinquency court clarified that it intended the
Department and Probation to coordinate a Level 14 placement, and that it was in
communication with the dependency court judge who would make a joint order. Minor’s
counsel renewed her objections to minor’s detention and moved to dismiss all charges
because of the court’s failure to adhere to the Amended Competency to Stand Trial
Protocol (Protocol) drafted by the Presiding Judge of Juvenile Court in Los Angeles and
the constitutional requirements of due process of law. The court observed that the
deadlines in the Protocol are “not law, it is protocol, and the court does believe that for
reasons that have been stated there’s good cause to deviate from protocol and has done
so.” The court denied the motion to dismiss and continued the competency hearings with
findings supporting minor’s continued detention.
At the hearing on August 26, 2013, the court stated that minor was eligible for and
agreed to Level 14 placement, but that there was a four to six week wait before
placement. On September 18, 2013, minor’s counsel specifically requested minor be
placed in the “Omega” housing unit of the Department. Minor’s social worker stated that
she had never heard of the “Omega” housing unit.
Probation’s October 16, 2013 report advised the delinquency court that minor did
not meet the criteria for admission into the Vista Del Mar facility. At a hearing on
October 16, 2013, minor’s counsel stated that at minor’s last appearance in dependency
court, a placement was open for minor that day but the dependency court failed to fund
the placement and minor was not released. The delinquency court replied that the matter
of funding would need to be resolved by the dependency court. Minor’s counsel renewed
her objection to minor’s custody, arguing that minor was not likely to attain competency
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in the foreseeable future and the petitions should be dismissed. Deputy County Counsel
Paul Scolari advised the court that minor’s next hearing in dependency court was set for
October 28, 2013, and that he would argue that the section 300 “home of parent mother”
order be changed so that minor be ordered into the custody of the Department. Minor’s
dependency attorney, Brian Thompson, stated that minor was on the waiting list for four
different level 14 placement facilities, but that minor had been rejected at another facility,
Harbor View, due to his gang affiliation.
Proceedings on the Issues of Competency and Treatment
After minor’s counsel declared a doubt as to minor’s competency on February 15,
2013, the delinquency court appointed Dr. Praveen R. Kambam to evaluate minor for
competency, and suspended proceedings as to both petitions. Dr. Kambam filed a report
dated March 17, 2013, expressing the opinion that minor was incompetent to stand trial.6
Dr. Kambam diagnosed minor with ADHD and Disruptive Behavior Disorder, but minor
did not have any developmental disabilities. Dr. Kambam concluded: “It is my opinion,
with reasonable medical certainty, that there is a substantial probability that the minor
will attain Competency to Stand Trial in the next 12 months. While the minor is
significantly impaired in his ability to retain information, reason, and make decisions, he
has not had any medication trials with medications (such as ADHD medications) that
improve executive functioning and reduce inattentive and hyperactivity-impulsivity
symptoms. With mental health services to intervene in this area, and with repetitive
education of competency-related concepts, he would likely significantly improve his
understanding of these concepts.”
6 Dr. Kambam’s report is not contained in the record on appeal, but is part of the
record in a habeas corpus petition filed on behalf of minor in this court. We take judicial
notice of the report, as it is a court record which is an essential component of minor’s
contentions on appeal. (Evid. Code, §§ 452, subd. (d)(1) & 459, subd. (a).)
7
In addition to Dr. Kambam’s report, the delinquency court was already in
possession of a report regarding minor’s schooling and education. Minor entered special
education in March 2007, under the eligibility of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity
Disorder (ADHD). According to an education report dated July 25, 2012, minor attained
a “C” average in seventh grade but in eighth grade his average was “D-.” In the first
semester of ninth grade minor was failing three courses and close to failing a fourth class,
but doing “significantly better in his reading and English classes.” Minor had 53 period
absences that semester. Minor failed all of his courses in the second semester of ninth
grade, while accumulating 170 period absences. “Factors contributing to his lack of
success [in school were] poor attendance and inappropriate behaviors.” Cognitive testing
on April 4, 2012, determined that minor possessed an average IQ. He did not meet the
criteria for Specific Learning Disability, because although he had deficits in his academic
skills, they were attributable to “significant life factors and lack of adequate exposure to
school curriculum.” Minor was eligible for special education under Emotional
Disturbance, and under Other Health Impairment due to his ADHD.
The delinquency court found minor incompetent to stand trial at a competency
hearing held on March 19, 2013. Probation and the Department of Mental Health (DMH)
were ordered to evaluate minor and submit a report by April 10, 2013, with
recommendations for treatment, and an assessment of whether minor was likely to gain
competence in the foreseeable future. Minor remained detained.
Probation reported on April 10, 2013, that Probation and DMH were unable to
collaborate on appropriate treatment or services for minor because there was no protocol
or procedure for completing the report the court had ordered. Probation recommended
minor’s referral to the Regional Center for evaluation. The report also stated that
according to minor’s mother and maternal aunt, “minor has not been forthcoming with
providing accurate information during his psychological assessments. Further, both
mother and maternal aunt have advised this officer that they feel the minor may have
been misleading the psychologists; so that his charges would be ‘dropped.’”
8
The competency planning hearing was continued to April 17, 2013. Probation and
DMH were again directed to evaluate minor and submit a joint report to the court with
their recommendations for his treatment. Probation was ordered to prepare an
Incompetent to Stand Trial planning report and refer minor to the Regional Center if
appropriate. Minor remained detained, over the objection of his counsel, who argued that
the least restrictive setting was in the home.
Probation filed a report on April 17, 2013, stating that minor would be referred to
Creative Support US Services (Creative Support) for 20 hours of competency training, to
occur once a week while minor was detained. Creative Support would administer an
assessment test on its first visit, and submit a written report after training was completed.
The probation report recommended that the hearing be continued to June 1, 2013, to
assess the status of minor’s competency attainment services. The court granted
Probation’s request to transfer minor from Sylmar Juvenile Hall to Central Juvenile Hall,
because competency services could not be provided at Sylmar.
According to a probation report filed on May 23, 2013, the probation officer had
been in contact with Nicco Gipson of Creative Support in regards to minor’s competency
training. Minor was to meet with Gipson weekly, for an hour and a half. Minor had
completed two competency training sessions, but it was too soon to evaluate his progress.
Probation recommended that the matter be continued for one month so that minor could
continue with competency training.
At the May 23, 2013 hearing, minor’s counsel renewed her objection to minor’s
detention on the basis that, under the Protocol, the case should be dismissed if minor
could not attain competency within 60 days. Counsel argued that minor had not been
placed in the least restrictive setting, and that the training he was receiving was
ineffective. The court reviewed the history of the case and determined that it was
reasonable for minor to be detained while receiving competency services for another
month in light of public safety concerns. Probation was directed to provide a continued
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assessment of whether minor could gain competency in the foreseeable future and if a
less restrictive setting would be appropriate while he received training.
On June 20, 2013, Probation filed a report stating that Gipson planned to
administer an assessment test to minor on June 19, 2013, to measure his progress.
Gipson noted that minor had missed two training sessions, due to a dental appointment
and a court appearance. Gipson would provide Probation with the test results. The June
20, 2013 hearing was continued for one month for receipt of Creative Support’s report
regarding minor’s progress.
A report from Creative Support was attached to a July 17, 2013 probation report.
It advised that minor commenced competency training services on May 9, 2013. Minor
was tested on the first day of training, and again, on June 19, 2013. The Competency
Assessment Instrument used to assess minor contained 14 domains, scored from 1 to 4,
with 1 equaling clearly incompetent, 2 equaling borderline incompetent, 3 equaling
borderline competent, and 4 equaling clearly competent. Minor scored a 1 in all 14
domains on both tests. According to the test standards he was incompetent to stand trial.
Minor’s counsel renewed her objection to minor remaining in custody, and requested the
reappointment of the competency expert to evaluate whether minor was making progress
towards attaining competency. The court denied the appointment motion as premature
and ordered continuation of services and detention.
On August 15, 2013, Probation filed a report attaching a Creative Support report.
Minor had been tested again on July 31, 2013, and received scores of 1 in all 14 domains
of the Competency Assessment Instrument, meaning he was not competent to stand trial
under the standard. Probation recommended continuing the hearing for two months to
evaluate minor’s progress.
Attached to a probation report filed on September 18, 2013, was a report from
Creative Support which included scores from competency assessments administered to
minor on July 31, 2013, and on September 11, 2013. On both tests, minor scored a 1 on a
scale of 1 to 4 on each of the 14 domains, leading to a conclusion that minor was not
10
competent to stand trial. The probation report indicated that the Department had advised
there were community-based vendors who provided competency training. However,
minor was not currently a Regional Center client, and would need a referral to determine
his eligibility.
At a hearing on September 18, 2013, the delinquency court stated that it had read
the latest probation report, which appeared to be requesting a continuance of the matter,
and requested that minor be referred to the Regional Center for a determination as to his
eligibility for services. Deputy County Counsel Scolari, who appeared at the hearing,
stated that minor’s social worker had already made a referral to the Regional Center and
that the evaluation assessment could take up to 90 days. Competency training could
continue through the Regional Center, provided that minor met the criteria for the
Regional Center.
Minor’s counsel informed the court that she had filed a petition for writ of habeas
corpus with this appellate court on September 10, 2013, seeking minor’s release from
custody, based on a violation of the Protocol. Minor’s counsel represented that after at
least four tests, minor was still scoring all 1’s, which demonstrated that he was not
progressing. Counsel argued that minor was clearly incompetent, and that his continued
detention was illegal. She requested that the section 602 petitions be dismissed, based on
a finding that minor was not substantially likely to obtain competency in the future.
The prosecutor argued against minor’s release and against the dismissal of the
petitions, noting that minor was facing serious charges, and that it appeared the
Department agreed that a level 14 placement was best for minor and the public. Minor’s
counsel responded that detention in juvenile hall was not safe for minor, and requested he
be placed in the least restrictive placement while receiving competency training.
The delinquency court summarized in detail the proceedings up to that point, and
continued the matter for another hearing on October 16, 2013. The court noted that it
was still within the 12-month period for attaining competency that was referenced in Dr.
Kambam’s original report. The continuance request was reasonable, as minor was
11
continuing to receive competency training. The court ordered Probation to provide
information at that time as to the status of minor’s evaluation by the Regional Center, as
well as progress towards transferring minor to a closed level 14 placement.
On October 16, 2013, Probation filed a report advising minor was tested by
Creative Support on October 2, 2013, and scored all 1’s in each of the 14 domains,
leading to the conclusion that he was not competent to stand trial. At a hearing on
October 16, 2013, the delinquency court expressed concern that the report from Creative
Support contained essentially the same information as the previous month’s report, and
that the progress reports did not contain any description of the training being provided, or
information that the testing was capable of preventing malingering. The court was
inclined to appoint an expert to evaluate minor’s competency. The prosecutor agreed
with this suggestion, noting her concern that minor was “malingering and may in fact
actually be competent and completely aware of what’s going on.” Minor’s counsel stated
that minor continued to receive failing test scores on his competency assessments,
showing that there had been no progress toward attainment of competency. The
delinquency court suggested that the author of the Creative Support report, Amy Wilcox,
be ordered to appear at the next hearing to answer questions about the tests and services
being provided to minor. Minor’s counsel renewed her objection to minor’s custody,
arguing that minor was not likely to attain competency in the foreseeable future and the
petitions should be dismissed. Counsel also renewed her request to have Dr. Kambam
appointed to reevaluate minor. The delinquency court denied the request to have Dr.
Kambam reappointed, choosing instead to appoint the next expert on the list to evaluate
minor. The court ordered Wilcox from Creative Support Services to appear at the next
hearing on November 12, 2013.
12
Testimony and Reports Leading to the Court’s Determination that Minor was
Competent
At the hearing on November 12, 2013, Wilcox, who scored minor’s tests for
Creative Support, produced minor’s most recent test, showing that he answered, “I don’t
know” to every question, which was the basis for his scores of 1. Wilcox verified that the
Competency Assessment Instrument could not control for malingering. All Creative
Support could do was “give the test, provide the training; and that would be the forensic
psychiatrist that would determine that if there were any malingering.”
Dr. Cory Knapke filed a report after evaluating minor, concluding that minor was
incompetent to stand trial, basing the finding on minor’s lack of maturity and
understanding of courtroom proceedings. The prosecutor expressed concern that minor
was malingering, and the matter was set for an attainment of competency hearing. An
attainment of competency hearing was held on February 4, 2014. Competency trainer
Gipson and Dr. Knapke testified.
Gipson worked as a competency trainer for Creative Support with seven years of
experience. She trained minor for about eight months in weekly sessions of an hour and
a half, following a competency manual, which contained 14 different domains of
competency material. She and minor went over the materials in the manual and
discussed the information, then administered mini-tests to assess minor’s understanding.
His performance on the tests varied. He would appear to understand the information
during one session, but the next week he might forget and they would need to review.
Competency was scored on a scale of 1-4, with 1 being the lowest score. A 3 or 4 in all
domains was a passing score. Gipson knew minor had scored more than a 1 at some
point but could not recall when, or how often. Minor had attained a passing score on
some domains, but then later failed the same domains. Gipson believed that minor may
have scored as high as a 4 in some domains, but she could not be absolutely certain.
Minor was able to respond to questions and appeared to understand the conversation.
13
Gipson spoke to minor about topics unrelated to competency training. She had no issues
communicating with minor, who was friendly and usually calm.
The court questioned Gipson regarding minor’s test scores that had been provided
to the court on November 12, 2013, which showed scores of 1 in all domains, and in
which minor uniformly answered “I don’t know” to questions. Gipson testified that
minor had been tested since then in early January, although the test had not been
officially scored. She had the test with her. The test result was admitted into evidence
without objection. Gipson testified that minor was able to answer many more questions
now than in the past and was making good progress. The court asked if minor would
receive a better score on the current test. Gipson replied, “Where you see the pluses on
here it’s just as I went through the plus means that he will get a three or better, which
means that it would be a pass on that particular question.” When asked by minor’s
counsel, Gipson confirmed that minor would have to pass all 14 domains to be
considered competent, and that he did not pass all 14 domains on the January test.
Dr. Knapke evaluated minor in November 2013, three months before he testified
at the hearing. He determined that minor was not mentally retarded or developmentally
disabled, and minor did not suffer from hallucinations or delusions. Minor did not
exhibit any signs of ADHD. Minor was not entirely truthful during the interview,
specifically with regard to frequency of drug and alcohol use, gang affiliation, and
weapons possession.
Dr. Knapke determined that minor was able to rationally cooperate with his
attorney, but he was concerned about minor’s understanding of basic courtroom
proceedings based on minor’s poor school performance and grades. He elaborated: “As
a result other psychologists and psychiatrists have also evaluated him and felt that he had
problems with his thinking with his ability to reiterate basic courtroom proceedings when
asked about courtroom proceedings, and during my examination when I asked him
similar questions he responded I don’t know to everything. He was unable to give me the
names of any pleas. He was unable to differentiate between the adversarial roles of the
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district attorney verses [sic] a public defender. He was unable to explain what a judge
does in the courtroom. He was unable to basically explain anything about courtroom
proceedings, and because of his lack of education primarily due to his disruptive
behaviors in the past, in other words being truant from school, being constantly absent
from classes, being extremely disruptive in his classrooms and being aggressive in his
classroom settings, he was unable to learn appropriately and his academic skills and
understanding completely fell behind his peers. However, his IQ has been determined to
be normal. So in my opinion his lack of understanding of courtroom proceedings and his
lack of individual skills, if you will, is not due to lack of potential; in other words, he’s
not developmentally disabled but rather his problems with understanding, his lack of
effort, and behavioral problems that have resulted in his inability to learn basic concepts.”
Dr. Knapke could not rule out the possibility that minor was exaggerating his lack
of understanding of courtroom proceedings. He would expect a juvenile of minor’s
intelligence level to have attained competency or have been able to demonstrate a basic
understanding of courtroom proceedings after eight to nine months of competency
training. When asked if minor “should have attained competency by now,” Dr. Knapke
said, “Yes. He’s not mentally retarded. He—he has normal intelligence. There’s no
psychiatric reason from my point of view that he is unable to learn basic courtroom
proceedings, especially after eight months of competency training.” Dr. Knapke
considered eight months of competency training to be “a lot of competency training.”
When Dr. Knapke asked minor why he was in custody, minor avoided the
question and spoke about abuse issues with his mother and grandmother. This was one of
the reasons leading Dr. Knapke to opine at the time of his examination that minor was
incompetent to stand trial, since minor was unable to state what he was charged with or to
provide any information about courtroom proceedings. Minor seemed unsophisticated
and “child-like” during the interview, but Dr. Knapke could not rule out the possibility
that he was exaggerating his lack of understanding of basic concepts, including spelling
and other questions addressing cognitive functions.
15
During cross-examination by minor’s counsel, Dr. Knapke testified that “. . . I’ve
been observing your client through the—through the day today, he’s been appropriate in
terms of courtroom, of—in terms of his courtroom demeanor he’s been whispering to you
as he’s been listening to witnesses, listening attentively to witnesses. So he’s been
assisting you with—with his defense . . . .”
Minor’s counsel asked Dr. Knapke if he discussed possible scenarios involving
plea bargains. Dr. Knapke responded, “No, because once I began asking him about
courtroom proceedings his response to almost every single question was I don’t know. It
was clear to me that he was not going to explain in any detail whatsoever any further
information about courtroom proceedings. And keep in mind I was sufficiently
concerned about his lack of understanding of courtroom proceedings at the time of my
evaluation to opine in my report that I did not believe that he was competent, and I
believed it was reasonable at that point in time that he continue with competency training.
However, it was only based on his lack of understanding of courtroom proceedings, or at
least that was my objective observations, I could not rule out the possibility, however,
that he might have been exaggerating some lack of understanding regarding that.”
Dr. Knapke went on to testify that, “Based on what I heard today from the
Creative Support person I think that there is a very high likelihood that he not only can
attain competency, but I think it’s pretty probably likely that he does understand basic
courtroom proceedings.” In order to provide a “very definitive” opinion as to minor’s
present competency, he would need to reexamine minor. He noted “that there is
substantial likelihood that he indeed has a basic understanding of courtroom proceedings
at this point.”
The delinquency court made a detailed ruling on the record:
“In considering the information that the court has received thus far, particularly
there being no evidence of any mental retardation, no evidence of any developmental
disability, no evidence of mental illness, evidence that the minor possessing [sic] a
normal IQ, that he has the probability of understanding, and it appears that if there has
16
been any expressed misunderstanding it’s been due to lack of effort or those behaviors
that have been exhibited by the minor that have been described both in Dr. Cambam’s
[sic] report as well as Dr. Knapke’s report. And in considering those responses contained
within the January 30, 2014, revised competency assessment instrument, which I think
the record should reflect is the same test that was presented by Ms. Wilcox back in
November where all of the responses were I don’t know. I think it should also be stated
for the record that the reason why Ms. Wilcox came into the court with the same test with
the repetitive responses of I don’t know was because of the court’s concern of receiving
prior to November 2013 multiple reports from Creative Solutions [sic] indicating that the
minor had scored all ones and because of that was incompetent. The court did not have
information at that time as to what the scoring was based upon, nor did the court have any
information with respect to the type of training probation had provided to the minor
pursuant to the order the court made back in March of 2013. Ms. Wilcox did provide that
information pursuant to the court’s request by showing the court a copy of the
questionnaire which has now been marked as People’s 1, not the exact one questionnaire
that Ms. Wilcox presented in November of 2013, but the same test format. The
explanation at that time from Probation was that the minor had answered every question
at that time with the response I don’t know, and because of that that’s why reports have
been submitted to the court that there was a consistent finding that the minor had not yet
attained competency, had remained incompetent, and required further training. It was
also at that time that the People raised concern based on information it had about
malingering issues, and because of that Dr. Knapke was appointed to determine whether
or not the issue of competency was still at issue and whether or not the minor was
malingering, and I don’t believe that Dr. Knapke ever used the word malingering. I
believe that Dr. Knapke’s word was exaggerated, that’s how he referenced it in the report
that he prepared, and that’s what—that’s what he testified to that he could not rule out the
minor exaggerating his responses in order to delay these proceedings.
17
“Seeing no evidence in this court’s mind that would explain why the court—why
the minor would repetitively state I don’t know to questions that it would appear to this
court could be answered by the minor, particularly since there’s no evidence of mental
retardation, there’s no evidence of developmental disability, there’s no evidence of
mental illness, I do agree with Dr. Knapke that there’s no reason why this minor has not
yet attained competency. I did observe the minor during these proceedings and note that
while I certainly could not hear what the minor was saying to his attorney, there was [sic]
several times when he did attempt to get his attorney’s attention and did converse with
his attorney. He seemed to be engaged in hearing, he was not distracted, his facial
gestures appeared to respond within reason to some of the testimony that was given both
by Ms. Gipson and by Dr. Knapke. When I take all of this evidence into consideration I
find that there is overwhelming evidence to suggest that the minor has been exaggerating
his responses, and that’s the only reason why he’s failed to give an accurate and
forthright response to some of the questions that are contained within the questionnaire.
“I find that the People have met their burden, I find that the minor has attained
competency and proceedings will be reinstated effective today.”7
Standard of Review and Legal Principles Relating to Competency
The federal and state constitutional rights to due process prohibit persons who are
incompetent to stand trial to be subjected to a criminal trial or a juvenile delinquency
proceeding. (In re Christopher F. (2011) 194 Cal.App.4th 462, 468, disapproved on
other grounds in R.V., supra, 61 Cal.4th at p. 199.) Pursuant to section 709, subdivision
(a), a minor is incompetent “if he or she lacks sufficient present ability to consult with
counsel and assist in preparing his or her defense with a reasonable degree of rational
7The court’s ruling was made prior to our Supreme Court’s decision holding that
a minor claiming incompetency has the burden of proof. (In re R.V. (2015) 61 Cal.4th
181, 193 (R.V.).)
18
understanding, or lacks a rational as well as factual understanding, of the nature of the
charges or proceedings against him or her.” The language in section 709 is consistent
with the standard adopted in Dusky v. United States (1960) 362 U.S. 402, 402 (Dusky).
(See R.V., supra, at p. 188, quoting Dusky, supra, at p. 402 [“the inquiry into a
defendant’s competency . . . focuses on whether the defendant ‘“has sufficient present
ability to consult with his lawyer with a reasonable degree of rational understanding—
and . . . a rational as well as factual understanding of the proceedings against him”’”].)
Although adults may be declared incompetent on the basis of mental disorder or
developmental disability only, juvenile incompetence also encompasses developmental
immaturity, in light of the fact that minors’ brains are still developing. (Timothy J. v.
Superior Court (2007) 150 Cal.App.4th 847, 860-862.) “Thus, unlike an adult, a minor
does not need to show that his or her inability to understand or assist arises ‘as a result of
mental disorder or developmental disability.’” (Bryan E. v. Superior Court (2014) 231
Cal.App.4th 385, 391 (Bryan E.), citing In re John Z. (2014) 223 Cal.App.4th 1046,
1053.)
Our Supreme Court has recently interpreted section 709 to include a presumption
of competency, and the party claiming incompetency bears the burden of proof by a
preponderance of the evidence. (R.V., supra, 61 Cal.4th at p. 193.) In reviewing a
finding of competency, we view the record in the light most favorable to the verdict and
uphold the verdict if it is supported by substantial evidence. (Id. at pp. 198-200.) “A
juvenile court’s determination regarding competency . . . involve[s] an ‘individual-
specific decision’ that is ‘unlikely to have precedential value.’ [Citation.] Guided by the
. . . well-settled legal definition of competency, . . . the juvenile court . . . draw[s] [its]
conclusions based on an appraisal of the particular expert testimony by mental health
professionals, courtroom observations, and other testimonial and documentary evidence
then before the court in the case.” (Id. at pp. 199-200.) “[A] juvenile court’s
determination regarding competency, even if made in the absence of an evidentiary
19
hearing, may be informed by the court’s own observations of the minor’s conduct in the
courtroom generally, a vantage point deserving of deference on appeal.” (Id. at p. 199.)
“Even if the prosecution presents no evidence of competency, a juvenile court can
properly determine that the minor is competent by reasonably rejecting the expert’s
opinion. This court has long observed that ‘“[t]he chief value of an expert’s testimony in
this field, as in all other fields, rests upon the material from which his opinion is
fashioned and the reasoning by which he progresses from his material to his
conclusion.”’ [Citation.] In a case such as this one, therefore, the inquiry on appeal is
whether the weight and character of the evidence of incompetency was such that the
juvenile court could not reasonably reject it. [Citation.]” (R.V., supra, 61 Cal.4th at pp.
200-201.)
Compliance with the Standards of Incompetence to Stand Trial
Minor argues the ruling of the delinquency court that minor attained competency
to stand trial was improper for three reasons. First, he argues the court erred in finding
competency despite the report of Dr. Knapke that minor did not understand the nature of
the proceedings. Second, he contends the court did not comply with the standard
required by Dusky, supra, 362 U.S. 402. Third, he argues the court held him to the
standard of competence applicable to adults, rather than the broader standard applied to
juveniles. We disagree with minor’s contentions.
Asserted Rejection of Dr. Knapke’s Conclusions
We reject the argument that the court erred in finding minor competent after Dr.
Knapke expressed contrary opinions in his written report and in his testimony. Minor
overstates the situation. Dr. Knapke’s written report was prepared approximately three
months before the hearing, at a time when he did not know that minor had given rote
20
answers of “I don’t know” to Gipson’s questions on courtroom procedures, despite minor
having received months of training. Although Dr. Knapke opined initially that minor was
incompetent because he did not understand the nature of the proceedings, by the end of
the hearing he had concluded there was a “substantial likelihood” that minor had a basic
understanding of courtroom proceedings. A review of the entire record reveals that the
court did not entirely reject the opinions expressed by Dr. Knapke; to the contrary, the
court accepted his finding on minor’s lack of mental disease, the opinion that minor
should have progressed toward competence with over eight months of training, and the
doctor’s current belief based on his in-court observations that minor was capable of
understanding the nature of the proceedings.
As our Supreme Court has made clear, a trial court is not bound by an expert
opinion that a minor is incompetent to stand trial. (R.V., supra, 61 Cal.4th at pp. 200-
201.) The delinquency court considered the basis for the expert’s opinion, which in this
case was undermined by the observations by both the doctor and the court of minor
participating competently in court. The trial court could reasonably reject Dr. Knapke’s
opinion on incompetence based on “the weight and character of the evidence of
incompetency.” (R.V., supra, at p. 203.) Based on the totality of the evidence before the
court, the court fairly concluded there was overwhelming evidence that minor
“exaggerated” his answers to his own benefit—a polite way of stating he was feigning
incompetence, just as minor’s mother and grandmother had suggested early in the
proceedings.
Compliance with the Dusky Standard
The inquiry under Dusky focuses on two elements: (1) the present ability to
consult with a lawyer with a reasonable degree of rational understanding; and (2) a
rational and factual understanding of the proceedings against him. (Dusky, supra, 362
U.S. at p. 402; R.V., supra, 61 Cal.4th at p. 188.) The first Dusky element is not in issue,
21
as Dr. Knapke’s testimony that minor was able to rationally cooperate with counsel
constitutes substantial evidence.
The remaining issue is the second prong of competency—whether minor
understood the nature of the proceedings. Our review of the delinquency court’s
thorough and thoughtful analysis demonstrates that the court correctly applied the Dusky
standard.
The delinquency court noted in her ruling that there was no evidence to explain
why minor would repeatedly state, “I don’t know” to questions regarding courtroom
procedures, “particularly since there’s no evidence of mental retardation, there’s no
evidence of developmental disability, there’s no evidence of mental illness . . . .” The
court accepted Dr. Knapke’s testimony that there was no reason why this minor has not
yet attained competency.
Most importantly on this issue, both the court and Dr. Knapke observed that minor
was engaged in the proceedings, and there is no hint in the record that he did not
understand what was taking place at the attainment of competency hearing. The court
pointed out that minor several times during the hearing attempted to get the attention of
his counsel and conversed with his attorney. The court described minor as “engaged”
and pointed out that he was not distracted and made facial gestures that appeared to
respond within reason to portions of the testimony by Gipson and Dr. Knapke.
In the end, the court concluded, “[T]here is overwhelming evidence to suggest that
the minor has been exaggerating his responses, and that’s the only reason why he’s failed
to give an accurate and forthright response to some of the questions that are contained
within the questionnaire.” In other words, the court concluded that minor, with an
average IQ and no mental disease or defect, did understand courtroom procedures and
had feigned incompetence to manipulate the system to his own benefit. (See R.V., supra,
61 Cal.4th at p. 199 [juvenile court may rely on its own observations in finding
competency, even in the absence of an evidentiary hearing].) The court’s conclusion is
consistent with Dr. Knapke’s testimony that, after hearing the testimony from Gipson, “I
22
think that there is a very high likelihood that he not only can attain competency, but I
think it’s pretty probably likely that he does understand basic courtroom proceedings,”
and “that there is substantial likelihood that he indeed has a basic understanding of
courtroom proceedings at this point.”
Misapplication of the Adult Standard of Competence
Minor contends that the court held him to an adult competency standard,
disregarding his developmental immaturity as a legal cause of incompetence. He
primarily relies on the court’s statements that minor had no mental disorder or
developmental disability that would prevent him from attaining competency. His
interpretation of the court’s statement is too limited. Mental disorder and developmental
disability are two of the bases for juvenile incompetency. The court understandably ruled
out these bases as part of its decision. The court did not stop there, however, or state that
those were the only bases for minor’s incompetency. The court noted evidence that
minor possessed “a normal IQ, that he has the probability of understanding,” and
observed that “[minor] seemed to be engaged in hearing, he was not distracted, his facial
gestures appeared to respond within reason to some of the testimony that was given . . . .”
The court concluded that “[s]eeing no evidence in this court’s mind that would explain
why . . . the minor would repetitively state I don’t know to questions that it would appear
to this court could be answered by the minor . . . I do agree with Dr. Knapke that there’s
no reason why this minor has not yet attained competency.” The court did not limit the
possible causes of incompetency to mental disorder and developmental disability. The
court applied the correct standard for assessing juvenile competency to determine that
minor possessed the necessary mental ability to stand trial.
23
Due Process Violation Based on Prolonged Detention
Minor contends that his detention for 294 days while receiving services to attain
competency violated his right to due process of law. His due process claim has two
elements. First, minor argues the length of his detention did not comply with the
standards for due process set forth by the United States Supreme Court in Jackson v.
Indiana (1972) 406 U.S. 715, 738-739 (Jackson) and the California Supreme Court in In
re Davis (1973) 8 Cal.3d 798, 801 (Davis). Second, he argues that detention beyond 120
days presumptively violated due process based on the Protocol issued by the Presiding
Judge of the Juvenile Court in Los Angeles. (See In re Jesus G. (2013) 218 Cal.App.4th
157 (Jesus G.).) Both arguments fail.
Compliance with Jackson and Davis
The defendant in Jackson was “a mentally defective deaf mute with a mental level
of a pre-school child” who was charged with two robberies, involving items totaling $5
or less in value. (Jackson, supra, 406 U.S. at p. 717.) Two psychiatrists opined that
Jackson was incompetent to stand trial and there was an extremely low possibility of
Jackson regaining competency. One psychiatrist stated that it was unlikely Jackson could
learn to read or write, and questioned whether he was even able to communicate with the
interpreter in sign language. The other stated that Jackson would be incompetent even if
he were not deaf and mute. (Id. at pp. 718-719.) He was held in a state mental facility
pending a determination as to whether he was “sane.” (Id. at p. 719.) The State of
Indiana did not have facilities that could assist Jackson in attaining competence and there
was no evidence that Jackson could not receive adequate care at home or that he
otherwise required custodial care. (Id. at p. 728.) Indiana law did not provide for
periodic review of the defendant’s condition by the court or mental health authorities, nor
24
did it accord the defendant any right to counsel at the competency hearing. (Id. at pp.
720-721.)
The Supreme Court held that “a person charged by a State with a criminal offense
who is committed solely on account of his incapacity to proceed to trial cannot be held
more than the reasonable period of time necessary to determine whether there is a
substantial probability that he will attain that capacity in the foreseeable future. If it is
determined that this is not the case, then the State must either institute the customary civil
commitment proceeding that would be required to commit indefinitely any other citizen,
or release the defendant. Furthermore, even if it is determined that the defendant
probably soon will be able to stand trial, his continued commitment must be justified by
progress toward that goal.” (Jackson, supra, 406 U.S. at p. 738, fn. omitted.) The
Supreme Court declined to quantify a reasonable period of time, “[i]n light of differing
state facilities and procedures and a lack of evidence in this record, we do not think it
appropriate for us to attempt to prescribe arbitrary time limits.” (Ibid.) It noted that
“Jackson [had] been confined for three and one-half years on a record that sufficiently
establishe[d] the lack of a substantial probability that he w[ould] ever be able to
participate fully in a trial.” (Id. at pp. 738-739.)
In Davis, three accused misdemeanants were found incompetent to stand trial.
(Davis, supra, 8 Cal.3d at pp. 802-803.) They petitioned for habeas corpus relief after
they had been held in a state hospital for several months without a determination as to
whether they were likely to regain their competence. (Id. at p. 806.) The Davis court
complied with the rule in Jackson by holding that “no person charged with a criminal
offense and committed to a state hospital solely on account of his incapacity to proceed to
trial may be so confined more than a reasonable period of time necessary to determine
whether there is a substantial likelihood that he will recover that capacity in the
foreseeable future. Unless such a showing of probable recovery is made within this
period, defendant must either be released or recommitted under alternative commitment
procedures.” (Id. at p. 801.)
25
The Davis court stated that “[w]ith respect to future commitments, we think that in
order to comply with Jackson’s demands the trial courts should henceforth direct the
appropriate state hospital authorities to commence an immediate examination of the
person committed and, within a reasonable time, report to the court the result of that
examination and estimate the additional time probably necessary to restore the person to
competence. Should the person committed desire to challenge the report’s conclusions,
reasonable opportunity should be provided him to do so.” (Davis, supra, 8 Cal.3d at p.
806, fns. omitted.) The three Davis petitioners had neither established that they were
competent to stand trial nor that they were likely to be, and there was nothing in the
record to support the conclusion that they were unlikely to respond to treatment. (Ibid.)
Instead of ordering the petitioners released, the Davis court ordered hospital authorities to
report without delay on whether petitioners were likely to attain competency in the
foreseeable future. (Ibid.)
Minor has not established a due process violation under Jackson and Davis.
Unlike the defendant in Jackson, who suffered from multiple disabilities and was
unlikely to ever attain competence, minor’s incompetence was founded on emotional
immaturity, which according to Dr. Kambam, could be remedied within 12 months. In
this respect, minor’s circumstances are in no way comparable to the defendant in
Jackson, considering that Dr. Kambam expressed the opinion that minor had no mental
illness, disease, or developmental disability. Minor had no insurmountable mental issues,
he had an average IQ, had passing grades when he attended school on a regular basis, and
incompetence was based on emotional immaturity. Under these circumstances, we hold
that 12 months to attain competency was constitutionally reasonable.
It bears emphasis that minor was assisted by counsel throughout the proceedings.
The delinquency and dependency courts worked together to place minor outside of
juvenile hall in a less restrictive facility, but were unsuccessful due to minor’s level of
criminality and antisocial behavior as reflected in his numerous rule violations. Again,
these circumstances are not in any way comparable to what occurred in Jackson.
26
In compliance with Davis, once minor was declared incompetent, the delinquency
court ordered services to assist minor in attaining competence. The court monitored the
services and minor’s progress on a regular basis with reports. Creative Support
essentially reported raw data; minor’s answers to the questions presented were accepted
without consideration of whether he was making an honest effort or malingering.
Because the nature of the reports did not assist the court in determining whether minor
was making progress, or if not, what was causing the delay, the court appointed Dr.
Knapke to update minor’s progress and current status, and scheduled a hearing to
complete the record. As it turned out, the reason minor remained detained for 294 days
while receiving services was minor’s manipulation of the system. The circumstances of
this case do not amount to a due process violation. The length of detention in this case
was the product of minor’s determination to avoid a finding of competency, as evidenced
by his repeated answer of “I don’t know” to basic questions despite months of training,
an average IQ, and no mental disease or defect.
Violation of the Protocol
Minor argues that his detention in juvenile hall beyond 120 days violated due
process based on the Protocol, as interpreted in Jesus G., supra, 218 Cal.App.4th 157.
We reject the arguments for three reasons. First, the 120-day limit on detention in the
Protocol lacks the force of law and it therefore does not define due process. Second, to
the extent the Protocol purports to fix the maximum period of confinement at 120 days
while proceedings are suspended, it conflicts with the holding in Jackson and section
709, both of which provide for a reasonable period of time, not a fixed number of days, to
attain competence. Third, assuming there was a violation of the Protocol or section 709,
the error is harmless because, as we have already concluded, the trial court provided
minor with services to attain competency and the court’s ultimate conclusion that minor
was competent is supported by substantial evidence.
27
The Protocol was drafted by the Presiding Judge of the Juvenile Court in Los
Angeles. It sets forth a timeline for processing cases in which proceedings are suspended
because of a minor’s incompetence to stand trial, including the following: “‘The minor
may not be held in a juvenile hall to participate in attainment services for more than one
hundred and twenty days.’” (Jesus G., supra, 218 Cal.App.4th at p. 162.) The Jesus G.
court stated that the guidelines in the Protocol “are in line with the constitutional
requirements of due process as set forth in Jackson and Davis inasmuch as they address
the problem of an indefinite commitment and the necessity of making a prognosis as to
the likelihood of attaining competence.” (Id. at p. 171.) Without further discussion or
explanation, the court concluded that “[t]he Protocol complies with constitutional
requirements. As a result, a violation of the Protocol is presumptively a violation of
constitutional rights.” (Id. at p. 174.) Minor relies on this final statement to support his
argument that the court violated his due process rights by deviating from deadlines
prescribed in the Protocol.
We hold that the Protocol is not entitled to the force of law, and the 120-day limit
on detention does not define due process. The delinquency court in this case properly
observed that the Protocol “is not law,” it is a set of guidelines, which a judge is free to
consider in his or her discretion. The Protocol is certainly a thoughtful and articulate
memorandum relating to the processing of delinquency cases involving competency
issues, but it is not a local rule of court and was not issued pursuant to a legislative
directive. (Compare § 241.1, subd. (e) [expressly directing the creation of a protocol by
the juvenile court for dual jurisdiction delinquency/dependency minors].)
A single judge, even a presiding judge, cannot determine how the law is to be
applied by a co-equal trial court, particularly on matters which necessarily require
flexibility and the exercise of discretion. “One superior court judge has no power to
require another to perform a judicial act . . . the presiding judge is merely one of equals
who has been given specific administrative powers, not including the right to administer
the records of a coequal judge. [Citation.]” (Copley Press, Inc. v. Superior Court (1992)
28
6 Cal.App.4th 106, 116, fns. omitted.) “The immediate supervision and control of the
activities of each trial court is clearly under the control of the judge of that court.” (Ibid.,
fn. omitted.)
The Protocol’s limit of 120 days of detention while a minor receives services
directed toward attaining competence provides a laudable goal, but this limit cannot be
made binding on the co-equal members of the trial court. Flexibility is particularly
necessary where the finding of incompetency is based on immaturity, rather than the
existence of a mental disease defect, or developmental disability, because “[w]hat
constitutes a reasonable length of time will vary with the context.” (In re Mille (2010)
182 Cal.App.4th 635, 649; see Gilbert v. City of Sunnyvale (2005) 130 Cal.App.4th 1264,
1276, citing Morrissey v. Brewer (1972) 408 U.S. 471, 481 [“‘“due process is flexible
and calls for such procedural protections based on the particular situation”’”].)
We disagree with Jesus G.’s conclusion that a fixed 120-day limit on detention
while receiving services executes the holdings in Jackson and Davis, and that it
establishes a presumptive due process violation. Jackson expressly declined to define a
reasonable period of time, recognizing that flexibility is necessary in this area. (Jackson,
supra, 406 U.S. at p. 738.) The Protocol’s limit of 120 days of detention is also
inconsistent with section 709, subdivision (c)’s command that “all proceedings shall
remain suspended for a period of time that is no longer than reasonably necessary to
determine whether there is a substantial probability that the minor will attain competency
in the foreseeable future.” What period of time is reasonably necessary varies from case
to case. Detention of more than 120 days while receiving services to attain competence is
not constitutionally unreasonable where (1) the minor has no mental disease or defect and
has an average IQ, (2) an expert opines that the minor would be expected to regain
competency within 12 months, (3) the minor is facing delinquency allegations involving
weapons and violence, and he is also a dependent child which makes less restrictive
placement difficult if not impossible, (4) the court carefully monitored minor’s progress,
29
and (5) the possibility of malingering arose early in the proceedings based on statements
by the minor’s mother and aunt to the probation officer.
Prejudice
Assuming there was undue delay without evidence of progress toward attaining
competency, or a violation of the Protocol or section 709, no structural error is involved.
For the reasons that follow, any error was harmless and reversal is therefore
inappropriate.
This appeal follows minor’s admissions to the section 602 petitions and the
delinquency court’s disposition orders after proceedings were reinstituted. This
procedural posture is important in establishing the standard of review. Errors “which are
not jurisdictional in the fundamental sense shall be reviewed under the appropriate
standard of prejudicial error and shall require reversal only if defendant can show that he
was deprived of a fair trial or otherwise suffered prejudice as a result of the error . . . .
The right to relief without any showing of prejudice will be limited to pretrial challenges
of irregularities.” (People v. Pompa-Ortiz (1980) 27 Cal.3d 519, 529 (Pompa-Ortiz).)
Pompa-Ortiz followed the approach taken in other contexts: “In People v. Wilson (1963)
60 Cal.2d 139, for example, we held that denial of defendant’s right to trial within a
prescribed statutory time period was not reversible error on appeal in the absence of a
showing of prejudice. If the issue is raised before trial, however, prejudice is presumed
and the information is dismissed. (See also People v. Welch (1972) 8 Cal.3d 106, 113,
and People v. Salas (1972) 7 Cal.3d 812, 818-819 [denial of motions to change venue];
also, People v. Chavez (1980) 26 Cal.3d 334, where error in refusing representation by
attorney of choice, correctable on pretrial application (Harris v. Superior Court (1977) 19
Cal.3d 786), was held to compel reversal after judgment only upon a showing of
prejudice).” (Ibid.)
30
The holding in Pompa-Ortiz is consistent with the Supreme Court’s view of the
limited number of structural errors that are reversible per se. As recognized in People v.
Anzalone (2013) 56 Cal.4th 545, 554-555, reversal for structural error has been limited
to: “adjudication by a biased judge”; “the complete deprivation of counsel”; “the
unlawful exclusion of grand jurors based on race”; “the infringement on the right to self-
representation”; “the denial of a public trial”; “and the giving of a constitutionally
deficient instruction on the reasonable doubt standard.” Trial error, which does not result
in a miscarriage of justice under article VI, section 13 of the California Constitution, does
not merit reversal. (Id. at pp. 553-554.)
The decision in People v. Leonard (2007) 40 Cal.4th 1370, 1387-1391 (Leonard)
is particularly instructive. In Leonard, the trial court declared a doubt as to the
defendant’s competence to stand trial and appointed two psychiatrists to evaluate him.
The court knew the defendant suffered from epilepsy, but did not appoint the director of
the regional center for the developmentally disabled to examine defendant, as required by
Penal Code section 1369, subdivision (a). This was error, but not error of a jurisdictional
nature “that necessarily requires reversal of any ensuing conviction.” (Id. at p. 1389.)
The psychiatrists who did evaluate the defendant in Leonard were familiar with his
developmental disability and considered it in evaluating his competence, eliminating any
prejudice that would otherwise result from a failure to refer the defendant to the regional
center. In addition, the error did not implicate the defendant’s right to due process of
law, because the “defendant’s competency trial protected his right not to be tried or
convicted while incompetent.” (Id. at p. 1391; see also People v. Stewart (2004) 33
Cal.4th 425, 461-462 [any prosecutorial misconduct resulting from delayed discovery of
evidence during the preliminary hearing deemed non-prejudicial on appeal following
conviction]; People v. Dunkle (2005) 36 Cal.4th 861, 907-910 [error in denial of the
defendant’s right to self-representation for a year during pretrial proceedings was cured
when the defendant subsequently waived this right and proceeded to trial with counsel],
disapproved on another ground in People v. Doolin (2009) 45 Cal.4th 390, 421, fn. 22;
31
People v. Wilson (1963) 60 Cal.2d 139, 150-154 [defendant must show prejudice from
denial of speedy trial]; People v. Anderson (2015) 234 Cal.App.4th 1411, 1420-1421
[constitutionally ineffective assistance of counsel at the preliminary hearing held non-
prejudicial after trial with competent counsel]; In re Christopher F., supra, 194
Cal.App.4th at pp. 470-471, [failure to refer incompetent minor to the regional center is
not reversible error where the doctor performing the evaluation was skilled in the
diagnosis of developmental disabilities]; People v. Becerra (2008) 165 Cal.App.4th 1064,
1070-1071 [grand jury indictment obtained with perjured testimony held non-prejudicial
where prosecution at trial produced evidence from the witness admitting he had lied to
the grand jury and there was vigorous cross examination on the perjured testimony];
People v. Tena (2007) 156 Cal.App.4th 598, 612-615 [erroneous denial of defendant’s
Faretta v. California (1975) 422 U.S. 806 request at the preliminary hearing deemed
harmless where defendant waived the right at trial and proceeded with counsel].)
Minor has not made any showing of actual prejudice due to the length of his
detention in regard to his admission to the petitions and the suitable placement
disposition. Because the finding of competence is supported by substantial evidence, and
minor can point to no actual prejudice resulting from the length of his detention, any error
did not result in prejudice within the meaning of Article VI, section 13, of the California
Constitution.
Equal Protection
Minor argues that the delinquency court violated his right to equal protection of
the law by detaining him for more than 120 days pursuant to section 709 without the
procedural protections that would be required for a civil commitment under the
Lanterman-Petris-Short Act (LPS). (§ 5000 et seq.) We disagree. Minor is not similarly
situated to persons who fall under the LPS Act.
32
“A prerequisite to a meritorious [equal protection] claim is that individuals
‘similarly situated with respect to the legitimate purpose of the law receive like
treatment.’ (Gary W. [(1971)] 25 Cal.3d 296, 303; accord, In re Lemanuel C. (2007) 41
Cal.4th 33, 47; Cooley v. Superior Court (2002) 29 Cal.4th 228, 253 [(Cooley)].) Where
two or more groups are properly distinguishable for purposes of the challenged law, it is
immaterial if they are indistinguishable in other respects. (Cooley, supra, at p. 253.)
Nor, absent this threshold requirement, is an equal protection inquiry into the justification
for any legislative distinction necessary. (See Gary W.,[supra,] at pp. 304, 306.)”
(People v. Barrett (2012) 54 Cal.4th 1081, 1107 (Barrett).)
The LPS Act applies to persons with a “mental disorder” (§ 5200), “mental health
disorder or impairment by chronic alcoholism” (§ 5250), or those who are “gravely
disabled as a result of a mental health disorder or impairment by chronic alcoholism” (§
5350). Under section 709, subdivision (b), a minor may be incompetent to stand trial if
the minor “suffers from a mental disorder, developmental disability, developmental
immaturity, or other condition.” (Italics added.) While minors in delinquency
proceedings may be subject to both section 709 and the LPS Act in some cases, the laws
have different purposes and apply to different mental states. (See Barnett, supra, 54
Cal.4th at p. 1109 [ the “mental conditions that create eligibility for an extended 180-day
LPS Act commitment, though they include imminent dangerousness, do not necessarily
imply incompetence or a reduced ability to understand, and make decisions about, the
conduct of the proceedings”].)
Here, minor cites to no basis for civil commitment proceedings against him. It is
undisputed that he has no mental health disorder, he does not suffer from chronic
alcoholism, nor is he gravelly disabled. Instead, minor was diagnosed with attention
deficit issues and developmental immaturity. As an individual devoid of mental and
developmental abnormalities that cause him to be dangerous to himself or others, minor
is subject only to section 709, not to the LPS Act. His equal protection argument
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necessarily fails, because minor is not similarly situated to persons who fall under the
LPS Act.
Contrary to minor’s argument, Jackson, supra, 406 U.S. at page 721, does not
require a different result. The equal protection violation in Jackson was the product of
the defendant’s indefinite detention while facing a criminal charge with no provision for
periodic review, no right to counsel at the competency hearing, and no realistic
possibility that Jackson would ever attain competency. Jackson was subject to “a more
lenient commitment standard and to a more stringent standard of release than those
generally applicable to all others not charged with offenses . . . .” (Id. at 730.) The
Jackson court held that subjecting Jackson to indefinite confinement without any of the
procedural protections that persons who have not been charged with crimes are afforded
prior to being institutionalized was a violation of his right to equal protection of the laws.
(Id. at pp. 728-730.)
The differences between Jackson and minor’s situation are apparent. Unlike the
defendant in Jackson, minor had no mental disease or defect, he was expected to attain
competency within 12 months, and he was provided counsel and regular reviews of his
progress. The suspension of proceedings under section 709 was limited to the time
reasonably necessary to attain competency. Moreover, minor was a dependent child
under section 300, already under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court, and judicial
officers made diligent but unsuccessful attempts to place minor outside of juvenile hall.
Here, minor was not similarly situated to persons who fall under the LPS Act, and was
also afforded procedural protections not present in Jackson. His equal protection rights
were not violated.
Right to Confront Witnesses
Minor next argues that the court violated his constitutional right to confront
witnesses by considering the hearsay statements of a Deputy County Counsel Scolari on
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behalf the Department, a non-party, at his attainment of competency hearing. We set
forth the background for this contention below.
In a hearing on October 16, 2013, the court expressed concern that minor was
consistently scoring 1’s in all 14 domains of every test administered by Creative Services.
The court stated, “At this time I have no way of knowing whether or not these tests are
capable of preventing any malingering issues on the part of any minor that these tests are
administered to . . . the court is inclined to appoint the next expert in line . . . for re-
evaluation of the minor’s competency.” The prosecutor agreed that appointment of an
expert for reevaluation would be useful, stating that she was also concerned that minor
was not showing progress in his competency training due to malingering. Later in the
hearing, minor’s counsel inquired regarding the source of the prosecutor’s belief that
minor was malingering. The prosecutor identified Deputy County Counsel Scolari as the
source of the information. With respect to his suspicions that minor was malingering,
Scolari explained, “I believe that a couple transcripts have been ordered from two
different dependency hearings where [minor] and [the dependency court judge] had
discussions that some believe would show this court that he’s very aware of what’s
happening.” The delinquency court thanked Scolari and asked him to provide copies of
those transcripts to the court and counsel, as well as the expert who would be appointed
to evaluate minor. Minor’s counsel made no objection at that time. The record does not
indicate that the transcripts were lodged. The court appointed an expert to reevaluate
minor’s competency.
At a hearing on January 13, 2014, Scolari stated his opinion that minor fully
understood the dependency proceedings, informing the court that he believed minor
“knows more than I think he’s letting on. I know in my conversations with the supervisor
and the social worker on this case who had frequent phone contact with [minor] they
have never had any indication whatsoever that he wasn’t completely aware of what’s
going on in his dependency case as well as his delinquency case.” The court later asked
Scolari whether it was the Department’s position that minor was malingering. Scolari
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responded, “Again, talking to the supervisor and the social worker, we’ve had numerous
conversations over the past year with [minor], and they have—and I have also talked to
the county counsel . . . in his dependency case . . . and all three of them believe that
[minor] clearly understands what is happening in both courtrooms. He . . . discusses the
issues with the dependency judge at length and in the conversations that they have had
with him he also seems to be on top of what’s going on. He knows exactly what his
situation is and they think he’s—they think [minor] is intelligent and they think he
understands what he’s doing.” The court responded, “And you stated this position
several times over as this is not the first appearance that you have made on behalf of [the
Department]; is that correct?” Scolari replied: “True. It’s always been their opinion that
[minor] knows exactly what’s happening.” Minor’s counsel objected to Scolari’s
participation, because he was not a party to the delinquency proceedings, and also
objected to Scolari receiving a copy of Dr. Knapke’s report regarding minor’s
competency. The court invited the parties to submit points and authorities on the issue of
whether the Department should be joined in the delinquency proceedings. Minor’s
counsel filed a Memorandum of Points and Authorities. The record does not contain a
memorandum from county counsel or a ruling by the delinquency court.
We reject minor’s contention that that consideration of Scolari’s statements
violated the Confrontation Clause. First, minor made no confrontation clause objection
in the court below. The issue is therefore forfeited. (People v. Redd (2010) 48 Cal.4th
691, 730.) A timely objection would have allowed the court to easily cure any purported
violation of the right to confrontation by the calling of witnesses.8
Second, the contention fails on the merits. The right to confrontation is a trial
right. (People v. Miranda (2000) 23 Cal.4th 340, 350, citing Whitman v. Superior Court
8We also reject minor’s contention that the court committed judicial misconduct
by allowing Scolari to participate in the proceeding. No objection was made on this
ground below, nor do we see any merit to the contention. (People v. McWhorter (2009)
47 Cal.4th 318, 373; People v. Snow (2003) 30 Cal.4th 43, 77-78.)
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(1991) 54 Cal.3d 1063, 1079.) Consideration, if any, by the delinquency court of a
statement by counsel for the Department does not implicate the right to confrontation.
Third, minor did not suffer any prejudice as a result of the statements in dispute.
The delinquency court fully explained on the record the basis for its finding that minor
was competent to stand trial. The ruling makes no mention of the statements of Scolari,
and it is clear that the court ruled based on the testimony presented and its own
observations of minor at the attainment of competency hearing. Error in allowing Scolari
to state the Department’s position, if any, did not result in prejudice to minor.
Other Contentions
Minor argues that the delinquency court lacked jurisdiction to order a new
competency evaluation and hold an attainment of competency hearing while proceedings
were suspended. According to the contention, neither section 709 nor the Protocol lists
the authority to make such orders among the actions the court may take while
proceedings are suspended. We disagree, as the procedures followed were entirely
appropriate and necessary in order to determine if minor had attained competency.
It is unclear how minor would suggest that the delinquency court determine
whether competency has been attained other than through a new competency evaluation
and a hearing on the subject. If the delinquency court lacks the power to engage in these
acts, there will be no means to effectively reinstate proceedings once competency is
attained.
Both the Protocol and section 709, subdivision (c) provide that while proceedings
are suspended, “the court may make orders that it deems appropriate for services . . . that
may assist the minor in attaining competency. Further, the court may rule on motions
that do not require the participation of the minor in the preparation of the motions.”
While the Protocol is not a statement of law, to the extent minor relies upon it we note
that it specifically provides that “[m]inor’s counsel or the district attorney may request a
37
further [Juvenile Competency to Stand Trial Panel] evaluation or a full evidentiary
hearing.” Here, minor’s counsel requested a new evaluation several times, and the
prosecutor requested an evidentiary hearing.
The purpose of section 709 is to ensure that mentally incompetent minors are not
subjected to juvenile delinquency proceedings, and to restore minors to competency as
quickly as possible. With that objective in mind, “section 709 clearly intend[s] . . . the
reports and/or testimony of experts who have evaluated the defendant for legal
competency” to be the center of such a determination. (In re John Z., supra, 223
Cal.App.4th at p. 1058.) It is unreasonable to interpret section 709 as precluding the
appointment of experts to determine current competency, when the task of the court is to
minimize the length of time proceedings are suspended. Reconsideration of minor’s
competency was not error, and certainly was not error that can be described as structural.
Minor also argues the court acted in excess of jurisdiction because his detention
was prolonged without evidence of progress toward attaining competency. We have
previously rejected this contention in discussing minor’s due process claims. Our earlier
discussion disposes of this issue.
Probation Conditions
Probation condition No. 9 provides: “You must go to school each day. You must
be on time to each class. You must have good behavior at school. You must receive
satisfactory grades.” Minor contends that he is incapable of complying with condition
No. 9 due to his educational deficiencies, and that the terms “satisfactory grades” and
“good behavior at school” are unconstitutionally vague.
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Relevant Law
A delinquency court “may impose and require any and all reasonable conditions
that it may determine fitting and proper to the end that justice may be done and the
reformation and rehabilitation of the ward enhanced.” (§ 730, subd. (b).) “A
[delinquency] court enjoys broad discretion to fashion conditions of probation for the
purpose of rehabilitation and may even impose a condition of probation that would be
unconstitutional or otherwise improper so long as it is tailored to specifically meet the
needs of the juvenile. [Citation.] That discretion will not be disturbed in the absence of
manifest abuse. [Citation.]” (In re Josh W. (1997) 55 Cal.App.4th 1, 5.)
Minor failed to present his claim that the probation condition is invalid because he
lacks the capability to comply to the delinquency court, and he has not presented this
court with a factual record. However, his challenge to condition No. 9 on vagueness
grounds may be addressed on appeal because it presents a “‘pure question[] of law that
can be resolved without reference to the particular sentencing record developed in the
trial court.’” (In re Sheena K. (2007) 40 Cal.4th 875, 889 (Sheena K.).)
“A probation condition ‘must be sufficiently precise for the probationer to know
what is required of him, and for the court to determine whether the condition has been
violated,’ if it is to withstand a challenge on the ground of vagueness. (People v.
Reinertson (1986) 178 Cal.App.3d [320,] 324-325.)” (Sheena K., supra, 40 Cal.4th at p.
890.) “‘“It is an essential component of due process that individuals be given fair notice
of those acts which may lead to a loss of liberty. [Citations.] This is true whether the
loss of liberty arises from a criminal conviction or the revocation of probation.
[Citations.] [¶] ‘“Fair notice” requires only that a violation be described with a
“‘reasonable degree of certainty’” . . . so that “ordinary people can understand what
conduct is prohibited.” . . . .’” [Citation.]’ (In re Angel J. (1992) 9 Cal.App.4th 1096,
1101-1102 [(Angel J.)], quoting In re Robert M. (1985) 163 Cal.App.3d 812, 816,
quoting Burg v. Municipal Court (1983) 35 Cal.3d 257, 270-271.)” (In re Byron B.
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(2004) 119 Cal.App.4th 1013, 1018.) Whether a probation condition is
unconstitutionally vague is a question of law reviewed de novo. (In re Shaun R. (2010)
188 Cal.App.4th 1129, 1143; In re J.H. (2007) 158 Cal.App.4th 174, 183.)
The meaning of “satisfactory grades” was addressed in Angel J., supra, 9
Cal.App.4th 1096. We agree with the Angel J. analysis, and resolve any issue of
vagueness by defining “satisfactory grades” as “passing grades in each graded subject,”
i.e., “not failing, such as D or above in an A through F grading system.” (Id. at p. 1102 &
fn. 7.)
A similarly straightforward interpretation can be applied to the probation condition
that minor maintain “good behavior at school.” The reasonable meaning of such a
condition is that minor must follow the rules of behavioral conduct set forth by school
personnel. This definition gives minor fair notice of what is required of him and allows
the court to determine if the condition has been violated. We modify probation condition
No. 9 accordingly.
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DISPOSITION
Probation condition No. 9 is modified to provide as follows: “You must go to
school each day. You must be on time to each class. You must follow the rules of
behavioral conduct set forth by school personnel. You must receive passing grades in
each graded subject.” In all other respects, the judgment is affirmed.
KRIEGLER, J.
We concur:
MOSK, Acting P. J.
KIRSCHNER, J.*
*Judge of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, assigned by the Chief Justice
pursuant to article VI, section 6 of the California Constitution.
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