United States v. Kimble

Bobby Lee Kimble and others (defendants) were charged with conspiracy and fraud. At a competency hearing under 18 U.S.C. § 4241, evidence showed Kimble had low intelligence, a mild-to-moderate developmental disability, and impaired functioning in school and society. Both a psychiatrist and a psychologist agreed Kimble didn't understand his constitutional rights or the roles of courtroom participants. The psychiatrist testified his cognitive and concentration impairments were not remediable, while the psychologist thought Kimble could stand trial only with medication, short hearings in the simplest possible language, and repeated confirmation that Kimble understood any rights-affecting statement.