We ask the court to appoint us stand by counsel
So we can petition for competency. That has been a good way to assist.
________________________________________
From: chiefdefenders@pdap.simplelists.com [chiefdefenders@pdap.simplelists.com] on behalf of Autumn Johnson [autumnljohnson80@gmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, December 15, 2022 4:05 PM
To: ChiefDefenders@pdap.simplelists.com
Subject: PD Appointment Applications

Good afternoon,

Currently we have an abundance of inmates in our county jail who are suffering from severe mental illness issues.  My investigators report to me often that they were unable to get a meaningful interview with an inmate because of their condition.  They are unable to make an informed request for our services and unable to sign the verification/application.

I've taken the position that we should pick them up anyway so we can get things started on competency.  I just can't justify refusing them because of their mental status. Our county jail mental health "telepsych" does little to no 304 petitions requiring our office to file a lot of competency petitions.

My question is, do any of you have experience with this and how have you proceeded? Our Court is willing to go along with this but have asked me to create a PD application/motion that specifies their inability to request us because of mental health.  Do any of you see any issues with this?

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thank you.

Autumn L. Johnson
Public Defender
Mercer County, Pennsylvania
724-662-3800 ext 2528

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