Department of Children & Families v. Lotton

The Department of Children and Families (“DCF”) seeks a writ of certiorari to quash the trial court’s orders adjudicating a criminal defendant, Becky Lotton (“Defendant”), incompetent and committing her to DCF’s custody. After Defendant repeatedly exhibited very unusual behavior in court, in jail, and in communication with her appointed attorney, the trial court entered a detailed order that adjudicated her incompetent to proceed and ordered her committed to DCF’s care. The ruling was made without benefit of any expert evaluations, reports or testimony. The trial court is commended for…