People v. Lightsey

Summary

The court held that the trial court erred by finding a retrospective competency hearing feasible nearly two decades after the original competency proceeding. The prosecution failed to show by a preponderance of the evidence that the available record, diminished by the absence of counsel at the original hearing, unavailable witnesses, and incomplete medical evidence, would provide Lightsey a fair and reliable opportunity to prove incompetence. The court therefore reversed the reinstated judgment, subject to retrial if Lightsey is then competent to stand trial.