Salter

I

INTRODUCTION

Defendant Tracy DeAnn Salter struck and killed a bicyclist with her car and fled the scene. She was charged with hit and run causing death (Veh. Code, § 20001, subd. (a); count 1) and vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence (Pen. Code, § 192, subd. (c)(2); 1 count 2). Defendant pled not guilty to the charges. During pretrial proceedings, defense counsel expressed a doubt as to defendant’s competency. The trial court ordered defendant evaluated, held a competency hearing, and determined defendant incompetent to stand trial. Defendant appeals from the trial court’s orders suspending criminal proceedings and committing her to a mental institution for up to three years.

Defendant contends she was denied her due process rights by depriving her of the opportunity to be heard on her competence. Specifically, that the trial court erred in not appointing a second attorney to represent her interest in not being committed to a mental institution, and by depriving her of the opportunity to confront and cross-examine witnesses. We reject defendant’s contentions. Defendant’s due process and confrontation rights were not violated. The trial court was not…