Newman v. State

Summary

The court reversed the denial of Newman’s petition for writ of error coram nobis and remanded for a new trial because the circuit court clearly erred in finding that Newman was competent to stand trial. Although the circuit court credited the State’s expert, that expert’s reasoning did not adequately address Newman’s rational ability to assist counsel, while the defense experts’ opinions were supported by the record of Newman’s self-destructive conduct and inability to pursue a meaningful defense.