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THE DIFFICULTIES FACED IN INSANITY CASES

Jul 14 2009
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Lawyer Ineffective for Failure to Investigate, Request Medical Records Indicating Possible Insanity; (Be careful what you ask for…)
By: Houston Criminal Attorney John Floyd and Paralegal Billy Sinclair

Spencer Ojeifo Imoudu was not a normal individual. In August 2005 the Bexar County resident stole a vehicle parked outside a pawn shop. The vehicle belonged to the owner of the pawn shop. He, and another witness, saw Imoudu get in the vehicle and drive off. The two men raced to the witness’s truck and sped away after Imoudu. During the high speed chase, Imoudu turned into oncoming traffic, crashing head on into an oncoming vehicle. The driver of the other vehicle was killed. Imoudu was arrested and charged with felony murder and manslaughter. He eventually pled guilty to the two charges in exchange for a 17-year sentence with an affirmative finding of a deadly weapon. 1/

Appellant was initially represented by a court-appointed attorney. This changed after Imoudu’s father visited him in the county jail where the father found his son not acting normally. The father spoke to a jail social worker who informed him that she had noticed his son’s mental health deteriorating. The social worker had attempted to contact Imoudu’s court-appointed attorney, but the attorney had not returned any of her calls. The social worker suggested that the father retain another attorney to represent his son. 2/

The father accepted the social worker’s suggestion. In March 2006 Imoudu’s father retained a new attorney and the court-appointed attorney was dismissed. The retained attorney visited Imoudu in jail and found him staring “into space” and striking “an odd pose with his fingers on his chin” and mumbling incoherently. The attorney’s co-counsel also met with Imoudu and left feeling there was “something wrong” with him. 3/

Quite naturally the new attorney filed for a competency examination after these two separate attorney/client meetings. The trial court appointed a psychiatrist to evaluate Imoudu and followed up by conducting a competency hearing. The court-appointed expert testified at the hearing that he believed Imoudu was competent to stand trial. Imoudu, who was taking anti-psychotic medication at the time, also testified at the hearing. After hearing his client testify, Imoudu’s attorney conceded that his client was competent to stand trial. A month later Imoudu at his attorney’s suggestion accepted a plea deal offered by the state and pled guilty in exchange for the 17-year sentence. 4/

Once in prison Imoudu obtained a new attorney who filed an application for writ of habeas corpus charging that Imoudu’s trial attorney failed to investigate whether his client was insane at the time of the offense and failed to inform him about a possible insanity defense before advising him to plead guilty. Imoudu’s family hired a psychiatrist to review Imodu’s medical records and this expert concluded that the inmate had a “chronic mental illness, probably schizophrenia, and was likely insane at the time of the offense.” 5/

Imoudu’s habeas attorney argued before the trial court that had Imoudu’s trial attorney obtained those medical records and hired a psychiatrist to review them, the expert would probably have drawn the same conclusion as the habeas psychiatrist that Imoudu was insane at the time of the offense. The habeas attorney also suggested that had Imoudu and his family known about a possible insanity defense, the defendant would have rejected the plea deal and stood trial.

There was no evidence that Imoudu had ever received mental health treatment in the free world, but he had compiled an extensive mental health record during periods when he was in jail. In 2005, some six months before he was arrested for the felony murder, he was arrested and placed in jail on a misdemeanor theft offense. During that early 2005 incarceration, he was prescribed Stelazine, an anti-psychotic drug used to treat schizophrenia. The theft charge was dismissed and Imoudu was released after spending a month in jail. After his arrest on the felony murder charge, he compiled an even more extensive mental health record and eventually had to be assigned to a wing in the jail where mentally ill inmates were housed. Jail mental health personnel monitored his behavior and determined he suffered from “significant … mental illness.” They prescribed the drugs Haldol and Depakote to handle their “possible diagnosis of schizophrenia.” 6/

After reviewing all the foregoing information, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (“CCA”) on June 3, 2009 reversed Imoudu’s convictions and sentence, finding that he had been denied his Sixth Amendment right to effective assistance of counsel. 7/ The CCA offered the following reasons for its finding:

”In his affidavit, one of Applicant’s attorneys stated that he received a letter from Applicant: ‘Much of it was gibberish. However, he wrote that he was attending programs for illness’ and taking various prescription medications.’ This led the attorneys to request a competency examination, but they never investigated whether he was insane at the time of the offense, did not review his jail medical records or speak to any of the jail personnel who had contact with him after his arrest, did not request an insanity evaluation or hire a psychiatrist to evaluate Applicant’s mental condition at the time of the offense, and did not advise him of the insanity defense.

”Given Applicant’s odd behavior when the attorneys met him, the concerns expressed to the attorneys by his family, and the fact that the attorneys were retained on the advice of the social worker who had observed Applicant’s decline in mental-health, Applicant’s attorneys should have been alerted that his mental health at the time of the offense may have been in question and thus, they should have looked into past medical records from the jail. Applicant’s other attorney filed an affidavit stating, ‘I explained the [plea] offer to [Applicant] and his family and recommended that he accept it due to my concerns about how [Applicant] would act and what he might say during the punishment hearing in any attempt at mitigation.’ If the attorney was so concerned about Applicant’s bizarre behavior that he recommended that Applicant accept the State’s plea offer, he should have considered that the bizarre behavior could indicate that Applicant may have been insane at the time of the offense–at least enough to have looked into it.

”Thus, we feel that counsel had a duty to investigate the possibility that Applicant was insane at the time of the offense given the likelihood of mental illness noted in reports from jail medical personnel. Instead, counsel failed to even obtain Applicant’s medical records. If they had, it would have been clear from even a cursory reading of the documents that Applicant was suffering from some mental problems while he was incarcerated. This leads us to conclude that counsel was ineffective for failing to investigate whether Applicant was insane at the time of the offense.” 8/

Having determined that Imoudu had received ineffective assistance of counsel, the CCA had to next determine under U.S. Supreme Court precedent whether Imoudu suffered “prejudice” as a result of the ineffective representation. This required the CCA to find that had Imoudu known about the possible insanity defense, he would not have pled guilty. In finding that Imoudu had in fact been prejudiced by the ineffective representation of trial counsel, the CCA relied upon affidavits from Imoudu and his family. 9/

In his affidavit, Imoudu stated: “The lawyers did not discuss an insanity defense with me. Had they hired a psychiatrist to evaluate me, the psychiatrist concluded that I was insane at the time of the offense, and the lawyers explained the insanity defense to me, I would have rejected the plea bargain, pled not guilty by reason of insanity, and gone to trial.”

The affidavit by Imoudu’s father echoed the same sentiments, saying: “[t]he lawyers did not advise me of the insanity defense or request funds to hire a psychiatrist to determine whether [Applicant] was insane at the time of the offense. I would have provided funds upon request. Had a psychiatrist concluded that [Applicant] was insane at the time of the offense, and the lawyers advised me of the insanity defense, I would have encouraged [Applicant] to plead not guilty by reason of insanity and go to trial.”

This was a difficult case for Imoudu’s trial attorneys and underscores the complexities involved in insanity cases. The CCA was particularly critical of Imoudu’s attorneys because they had observed the strange and bizarre behavior Imoudu exhibited during their initial interviews with him. But as Chief Judge Sharon Keller pointed out in dissent in the Imoudu case, individuals suffering from “mental problems” does not necessarily mean they are legally insane. “Legal insanity involves a failure to appreciate the illegality of one’s conduct,” Judge Keller observed, “and very few people with mental illness are actually insane.” 10/

Imoudu’s attorneys had observed their client testify in a rational manner at the competency hearing, and only after that testimony did they concede the point that Imoudu was competent to stand trial. While it certainly would have been preferable for Imoudu’s attorneys to have secured their client’s jail mental health records, neither Imoudu or his family had offered any indication that Imoudu suffered from mental illness while in the free world. The mental illness, and symptoms of schizophrenia, apparently surfaced only when Imoudu found himself in jail.

For example, Judge Keller also pointed to Imoudu’s testimony at the competency hearing as a basis for finding him competent to stand trial: “Okay, Juan was out, you know, with the car running and I was in the parking lot plaza over here southeast. The car was started and I went inside the car, got inside the passenger’s seat and then I went to the driver’s seat and then I sped off the parking lot and then I went to, like, the freeway, the highway exit, and I was in traffic. And then when I exited the highway, I kept going straight. I was on the freeway and I kept on going straight. And then they said that there was a T-bone collision. By that time, Juan already followed me. He got into another car. He was hitchhiking. Well, not hitchhiking. He got into another car and he was chasing me. They were on the phone trying to get the police. By the time the accident happened, the police, they showed up.”

It was that kind of coherent testimony, both on direct and cross-examination, given by Imoudu at the competency hearing that prompted his trial attorneys to concede his competency to stand trial, and no doubt influenced their tactical decision not to request his jail mental health records.

Having determined that an insanity defense was not a viable strategic choice, Imoudu’s attorneys worked to secure the best possible plea deal they could for their client. And in that regard they were successful. Imoudu committed a serious felony murder. He stole a car and killed an innocent person with it. He was facing life imprisonment. His attorneys negotiated a relatively lenient 17-year plea deal. By any reasonable barometer, that was a favorable outcome.

Imoudu is now back at square one. He is facing felony murder and manslaughter charges. His only defense is insanity; and Texas juries are not inclined to accept that defense. If a jury rejects the insanity defense and finds Imoudu guilty of felony murder, the jury (or the judge) could more assess a punishment far more severe than 17 years.

The Imoudu case actually underscores the complexities associated with the insanity defense. It is a difficult—if not virtually impossible in most cases—defense to establish. That’s because mental illness per se does not constitute legal insanity; therefore, the only safe way to navigate through this complex issue is that once an attorney determines there is a need for a competency examination, every facet of the defendant’s mental health history should be thoroughly investigated and vetted with the defendant prior to any strategic decision about whether to proceed to trial or opt for a plea deal, if one is on the table. In hindsight, that is what Imoudu’s attorneys should have done, even though many would argue the end result of their representation produced a favorable outcome for their client.

SOURCES:

1/Ex parte Spencer, 2009 Tex.Crim.App. LEXIS 730 (Tex.Crim.App. June 3, 2009)
2/Id.
3/Id.
4/Id.
5/Id.
6/Id.
7/Id.
8/Id.
9/Id.

By: Houston Criminal Defense Attorney John Floyd and Paralegal Billy Sinclair

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    Very informative
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  • Avatar Haley Danielle Lummus ★★★★★ 3 years ago
  • Avatar Eddie Villarreal ★★★★★ 3 years ago
  • Avatar Neil Productions ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Had the pleasure speaking with John Floyd on a personal matter, he was very responsive, nothing but exceptional, and he really cares about you with sincerity and most importantly knows … More what is he talking about! No games or bs, his approach to my situation even though I knew it was probably way smaller then what he normally takes on, he was extremely helpful and didn't care about the size of the matter like other attorneys do. He really looked out for my best interests. You can tell he has decades of experience doing what he does just by chatting with him. I would highly recommend him.
  • Avatar S A ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Words can’t describe how grateful I am for working with John, he went above and beyond my expectation. I was wrongly accused and hired many lawyers before hiring John Floyd but they … More all disappointed me, I had lost hope until a friend of mine referred me to John. From the start he had my best interest in mind and gave helpful advice, he explained the process and guided me. He put more work and time than all my previous lawyers that cost me thousands of dollars. He was constantly communicating with court and defended me more than all lawyer i had hired before him. Don’t waste your time and money like I did, believe me when I say I hired countless lawyers before him and no one came close to John. I’m forever thankful for him for fighting for my innocence and getting my case dismissed. Thank you so much🙏🏼🙏🏼
  • Avatar Gary Watch ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    I called Mr Floyd and left a message, with in the hour I received a call back with much more information then I could have ever expected. Mr Floyd was very informative on every question … More I had for him. He seemed like he cared, instead of like most attorneys that you talk to that are just out for a quick buck. If you want someone that is going to shoot strait with you, and has your best interest in hand, this is you guy. This was the best experience that I have ever had with an lawyer.
  • Avatar Saman Daftarian ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    I can state with confidence that Mr. Floyd and his team are the most competent and professional lawyers one can hope for. My case was quite complex and I admit that as a law student … More I was not the most patient client. Mr. Floyd did a phenomenal job of managing the bench, prosecution and myself! The result was above expectation, and I will never hesitate to recommend this firm regardless of the caliber of the case at issue.
  • Avatar calvin robinson ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    It was a pleasure working with Mr. Floyd. I contacted him regarding a legal matter and he was extremely knowledgeable about the law, and responded in a timely manner. I appreciated … More the fact I did not feel rushed, and he made sure he thoroughly answered all questions I had. I would highly recommend him!Positive
    Responsiveness, Professionalism …More
  • Avatar Alan Howk ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Spoke with John Floyd about a 45 year old criminal case I was involved in. I had very little information about the case and John helped me search what records were available and gave … More me guidance to find more information. He was very professional and took his time helping me. I may need to hire a lawyer on this case and Mr. Floyd will be the man.Thanks John.
  • Avatar CMCustom Cycles ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Very professional and straight forward. He's not going to waste your time or money. Very knowledgeable in a large range of possible matters one could face living in these days … More and times. If ever you need legal assistance, this is who I would suggest. Awesome!Positive
    Responsiveness, Quality, Professionalism, Value …More
  • Avatar Greg Page ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    I called about some legal questions I needed to get clarified and John was able to give me clarification and sound advice. I will definitely contact John for all future legal questions … More and issues.Thank you John!Positive
    Responsiveness, Professionalism, Value …More
  • Avatar Kristen Rankin ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Knows his stuff and well respected with DA and judges. I have referred him a couple times and every client has been satisfied
  • Avatar Kedar Puranik ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    John is beyond knowledgeable! If I decide to pursue my case any further I would only have him represent me.
  • Avatar Joseph Sivadon ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    What a great attorney, this guy really took time out of his day to answer my questions and explain my case to me. Very grateful, thank you so muchPositive
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  • Avatar Lex Strider ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Absolutely a very professional lawyer. Very well read in the current law and more than willing to help if needed.
  • Avatar karim khalifa ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Mr. John he’s a professional he knows what he’s doing and he’s patient they recommend Him stronglyPositive
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  • Avatar James Haggard ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Great service, very knowledgable and happy to help with any questions I had
  • Avatar David Sustaita ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Quick to action and helpful and knowledgeable with entertainment industry based issues!
  • Avatar Chad Groves ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Responded on a holiday week. Very knowledgeable and reassuring.
  • Avatar Mark Fein ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Very professional
  • Avatar Bthomason903 Bthomason903 ★★★★★ 4 years ago
  • Avatar Anton Jasser ★★★★★ 4 years ago
  • Avatar Alma Garza ★★★★★ 4 years ago
  • Avatar Victory 2020 ★★★★★ 6 years ago
    I want to thank John T. Floyd and all of his team. He is the best lawyer who cares aboutHis clients and fights really hard to get the best outcome. He is a fighter and he is awesome!!!I … More recommend if any one needs criminal defense , he is the BEST. We had a really serious caseAnd we are very thankful for the outcome. Thank you John!!!!! God bless you!!!!!!
  • Avatar Alma Garcia Cunningham ★★★★★ 6 years ago
    The attorneys at John T. Floyd Law Firm work diligently to achieve the best possible results for their clients. They are caring and knowledgeable professionals. Their expertise in the … More law and their experience as trial attorneys makes them the right choice as a defense attorney. I recommend this law firm highly.
  • Avatar Rajiv Patel ★★★★★ 6 years ago
    From beginning to end this firm handled my case like the top tier professionals they are. I would not trust ANYONE else with my legal needs after having less than stellar experiences … More with other teams. Thank you Floyd!!!
  • Avatar Jose Tapia ★★★★★ 6 years ago
    I really felt like the team cared about my case and am super satisfied with the outcome. Would not recommend anyone else!
  • Avatar Sagar Patel ★★★★★ 6 years ago
    These guys do amazing work and have phenomenal service! Hands down best in the Houston area!!
  • Avatar RAYNINN ★★★★★ 6 years ago
    John and Chris are true professionals! Love those guys like family!
  • Avatar Virginia Martin ★★★★★ 6 years ago
    Mr. Floyd and his team are very knowledgeable, informative, and helpful.
  • Avatar Darla Latham ★★★★★ 6 years ago
    A team you can depend on to stand up and fight for you to prove the truth the whole truth!
  • Avatar Veronica Elorza ★★★★★ 6 years ago
  • Avatar Karetta Lux ★★★★★ 7 years ago
    Mr. John T. Floyd represented me.I couldn't be happier with the outcome he managed to achieve on an VERY Important case that was dismissed the day of Trial. He is patient & … More very knowledgeable of the legal system. I HIGHLY recommend him to anyone in need of a lawyer!John, I am forever grateful & satisfied with the effort you put forth & all you did for me. Thank you isn't enough!God bless you & your family!
  • Avatar GM ★★★★★ 8 years ago
    The John T. Floyd Law Firm assisted me, and I can tell you that the attorney took the time to answer my questions, and I didn't feel rushed or dismissed as I have experienced in … More the past with attorneys. The attorney was very nice and extremely knowledgeable. Initial impressions and continued excellent customer service are big factors for me and as such I would highly recommend this firm.
  • Avatar Sandra Bivens ★★★★★ 8 years ago
    I thank you for your efforts to help Felons regain their Civil rights, and for the information on possession , I am A convicted Felon, no violent history. I am an expert shot, I am … More 76 yoa, and very concerned about the present lake of Security in our State and Country. God Bless and Prosper you in your efforts, Your friend, Sonny Bivens
  • Avatar Mike Kittelson ★★★★★ 8 years ago
    I really appreciated both Chris and John helping with my legal questions and concerns. Both are good guys and I would not hesitate to recommend them.
  • Avatar Robert Hair ★★★★★ 8 years ago
    Extremely helpful!!! Helping me understand the law.

John T. Floyd is Board Certified in Criminal Law By the Texas Board of Legal Specialization

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