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Habib ruled mentally ill, will not stand trial
A Superior Court judge determined that former Attorney Haim Habib is not able to stand trial at this time due to his mental state. During a competency hearing this morning psychologist Dr. James Kiffer told the court he diagnosed Habib as being mentally ill at this time.
The psychologist went into detail about Habib having developed paranoid delusions that are quite intricate, to include conspiracy theories and suicidal tendencies. The government however opposed the court's findings, believing Habib is competent enough to stand trial. Habib is accused of sexually assaulting two female minors at his Mangilao apartment and wanted to represent himself when he stands trial.
Judge Unpingco based his decision on Dr. Kiffer's diagnosis and Habib's prior drug use and ordered the defendant to be remanded to the custody of the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse. The court also ordered Mental Health to give an update on Habib's condition in three months and every six months thereafter.
Habib will stand trial for the charges when Mental Health certifies that the defendant regains his competency to stand trial and the court agrees with those findings. Dr. Kiffer indicated there is a substantial likelihood Habib can regain competency with proper psychiatric treatment.
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