People v. Mendez

The law is well settled that the determination of whether a defendant is fit to stand trial is accorded great deference (see People v Martin, 291 AD2d 459, Iv denied 98 NY2d 653; People v Cox, 196 AD2d 596; People v Childress, 177 AD2d 498, affd 81 NY2d 263; People v Orama, 150 AD2d 505; People v Bolling, *292114 AD2d 416). On this record, contrary to the conclusion of the dissenting Justice, we find that the hearing court (Leavitt, J.), correctly determined that the defendant was competent to stand trial. The testimony of three experts finding the defendant competent was uncontroverted and…