William Duke Andrews v. United States

Under questioning by the court near the close of appellant’s defense in his trial for violations of 18 U.S.C. §§ 495 and 1708, appellant stated that he was collecting total disability payments because of dementia praecox related to head injuries received in the armed services.

In response to the court’s inquiry, appellant’s appointed counsel stated that he had not been aware of appellant’s condition; that appellant said “he was getting a Government check but never told me what for.”

Appellant’s counsel told the court that appellant had insisted upon trial against counsel’s advice. Counsel continued:

Appellant’s counsel then rested for the defense.

The case was submitted without argument. The judge, sitting without a jury, found appellant guilty. The court ordered a presentence report and continued the case for sentence for approximately thirty days, to September 18, 1967.

On that date the court, on its own motion, ordered the defendant “examined as to his competency,” and continued the case to October 9, 1967, “for hearing on competency and all further proceedings.”

On September 20 the court appointed a psychiatrist, Dr. Marcus Crahan, to examine appellant and determine…