People v. Bledsoe

PRESIDING JUSTICE DiVITO

delivered the opinion of the court:

The sole question in this appeal is whether section 5—2—4 of the Unified Code of Corrections (730 ILCS 5/5—2—4 (West 1992)) requires an independent examination by a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist for a petitioner, previously found not guilty by reason of insanity, who requests such an examination in seeking release from the custody of the Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities. For the reasons that follow, we hold that such an examination is required.

Petitioner Brian Bledsoe was acquitted by reason of…