People v. Townsend CA5

INTRODUCTION

Appellant Rebio Townsend appeals from an order requiring him to submit to involuntary administration of psychotropic medication. In his appeal, appellant argues the superior court erred by concluding he lacked the capacity to refuse medical treatment. We affirm.

FACTS

On March 19, 2013, appellant was civilly committed to the Department of State Hospitals-Coalinga as a Mentally Disordered Offender. (Pen. Code, § 2972.) On November 12, 2013, the People filed a petition seeking an order to compel involuntary treatment with psychotropic medication. At the hearing on the petition, Dr. Joyce Brown testified that appellant suffers from schizoaffective disorder with a history of treatment and incarceration for that condition, but denies both his condition and his prior history of treatment. According to Brown, appellant exhibits symptoms of mental thought disorder, mental confusion, hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia. Appellant also displays an inability to control his mood, as evidenced by a history of angry, unprovoked outbursts. Brown further testified appellant denies the need for any antipsychotic medications, and believes the hospital staff manufactures evidence…