Hamilton v. Davis

COWART, Judge.

Petitioner here seeks a writ of mandamus from this court compelling the respondent to appoint a psychiatric expert to examine the defendant and to assist the defense in exploring the possibility of an insanity defense.

Petitioner is charged with attempted murder and aggravated battery and is presently represented by the public defender. Petitioner’s counsel filed an “application for defense psychiatric expert” requesting the court to appoint a psychiatric expert pursuant to Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.216 alleging that counsel was court appointed and that “he has reason…