United States v. John Morgan Meeks

A jury found that Meeks had violated federal firearms law because he possessed a revolver and a rifle and had been convicted previously of second degree burglary in Missouri.

Two issues, one of first impression in this circuit, are dispositive of his appeal. First, we must decide whether Missouri substantially restored Meeks’ civil rights after his release from prison when it prohibited him from serving on a jury and as a law enforcement officer. Second, we must determine whether Meeks was denied his Sixth Amendment right to counsel when the district court found that, by his dilatory behavior, Meeks had waived that right. We hold that his civil rights were not substantially restored and that his right to counsel was denied. We reverse.

I

The government charged Meeks with being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922 (g)(1) (1988). Meeks has a history of institutionalization for mental problems. He underwent a psychiatric evaluation of his competency to stand trial. Doctors concluded that “[h]e has the capacity to understand the proceedings against him and is able to assist his attorney in his defense.” The court found him competent to stand…