People v. Fields

The People move to dismiss defendant’s appeal from an order adjudging him insane within the meaning of section 1368 of the Penal Code and committing him to the Atascadero State Hospital until he is pronounced sane. It is urged that the order is not appealable.

Defendant was charged with the crime of receiving stolen property in violation of section 496 of the Penal Code. Prior to the date set for trial the court, on the motion of defendant’s attorney, suspended the criminal proceedings and appointed two psychiatrists to examine defendant. Acting in his own behalf defendant then moved to set…