People v. Reid

The trial court properly exercised its discretion in denying defendant’s applications for a competency examination; the court’s observations and the totality of the circumstances supported the conclusion that an examination was not necessary (see, People v Washington, 223 AD2d 478). Contrary to defendant’s contention, defense counsel’s representations alone that defendant could not meaningfully assist in his defense did not mandate examination (see, People v Morgan, 87 NY2d 878). Nor is there merit to defendant’s contention that he was improperly precluded from impeaching a witness whom he…