People v. Smullin , 2020 IL App (3d) 190628-U ( 2020 )

NOTICE: This order was filed under Supreme Court Rule 23 and may not be cited as precedent
by any party except in the limited circumstances allowed under Rule 23(e)(1).
2020 IL App (3d) 190628-UOrder filed December 17, 2020
____________________________________________________________________________
IN THE
APPELLATE COURT OF ILLINOIS
THIRD DISTRICT
2020
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF ) Appeal from the Circuit Court
ILLINOIS, ) of the 10th Judicial Circuit,
) Tazewell County, Illinois.
Plaintiff-Appellee, )
) Appeal No. 3-19-0628
v. ) Circuit No. 17-CF-593
)
SONIA SMULLIN, ) Honorable
) Michael D. Risinger,
Defendant-Appellant. ) Judge, Presiding.
____________________________________________________________________________
PRESIDING JUSTICE LYTTON delivered the judgment of the court.
Justice Daugherity concurred in the judgment.
Justice McDade dissented.
____________________________________________________________________________
ORDER
¶1 Held: Trial court did not err in finding that defendant needed involuntary inpatient
mental health treatment.
¶2 Defendant, Sonia Smullin, was charged with two counts of aggravated battery (720 ILCS
5/12-3.05(d)(4) (West 2016)). In a stipulated bench trial, she was found not guilty by reason of
insanity (NGRI) and involuntarily committed to the Department of Human Services (DHS) on an
inpatient basis. Smullin appeals from the order of commitment, claiming the trial court erred in
finding that she was in need of inpatient mental health treatment. We affirm.
¶3 I. BACKGROUND
¶4 On December 5, 2017, defendant confronted staff at the Salvation Army. She yelled at
them, and they asked her to leave. Officers responded to the scene and spoke with defendant in her
vehicle a few blocks away. She said she did not like the Salvation Army because they hurt her
children. The officers reminded her that she was barred from patronizing the store and warned her
to stay away. Within an hour, a Salvation Army employee reported that defendant had returned to
the store. Officers arrested her and transported her to the Tazewell County Jail. During intake,
defendant lashed out at the correctional officers. She said that they were “witches” and that they
would “burn in hell for [their] sins.” Defendant struck one intake officer in the arm and was
charged with two counts of aggravated battery.
¶5 After conferring with defendant, defense counsel moved for a fitness evaluation.
Psychologist Jean Clore reported that defendant was 59 years old and suffered from bipolar I
disorder, with mood-congruent psychotic features. She stated that defendant was not fit to stand
trial but was likely to attain fitness within 12 months with medication. At the review hearing, the
parties stipulated to the finding in Clore’s report. The trial court entered an order finding defendant
unfit to stand trial, but likely to attain fitness within 12 months. In the interim, the trial court
ordered that defendant be placed in the custody of DHS for mental health treatment.
¶6 On October 24, 2018, DHS filed a report stating that defendant was fit to stand trial.
Counsel requested that defendant be evaluated for mental health services, and the State did not
object. The trial court ordered a revised fitness evaluation and directed that defendant be evaluated
as to her criminal responsibility at the time of the offense.
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¶7 Clore evaluated defendant again and filed her report with the court on February 25, 2019.
In her report, she concluded that defendant lacked substantial capacity to appreciate the criminality
of the alleged offenses due to mental disease, which she primarily diagnosed as schizoaffective
disorder, bipolar type. The trial court reviewed the report, and, following a stipulated bench trial,
found defendant NGRI. The court ordered that defendant be remanded to the custody of DHS on
an inpatient basis for further evaluation and treatment. Defendant was subsequently admitted to
the Alton Mental Health Center (Alton).
¶8 DHS staff evaluated defendant on April 17, 2019, and submitted an initial report to the
court on May 23, 2019. The report noted that defendant had a primary diagnosis of schizoaffective
disorder, bipolar type, and a secondary diagnosis of opioid, stimulant, alcohol, and cannabis use
disorder with remission in a controlled environment. It also noted that defendant had a long history
of mental illness, which included psychiatric hospitalizations and multiple episodes of
homelessness. Defendant reported past hospitalizations beginning in 1976. In 2016, she was
hospitalized at Methodist Unity Point in Peoria and diagnosed with bipolar I disorder. Defendant
had a history of striking staff and peers during her hospitalizations. She frequently misinterpreted
her surrounding, which caused “inappropriate aggressive responses.” Her prior criminal conduct
included battery charges in Florida and Illinois. The report also noted that defendant had a history
of noncompliance with outpatient care and had “limited insight into her mental illness and her need
for ongoing treatment.”
¶9 On June 5, 2019, psychiatrist Claudia Kachigian filed a psychiatric progress report in which
she determined that defendant was in need of inpatient treatment. She stated that defendant
appeared delusional and frequently referenced conversations with God and witches. Kachigian
noted that, in response to treatment, defendant was not swallowing her pills and her medication
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had to be switched to liquid to stabilize her moods. Defendant was not cooperative with her
evaluations and would not engage in discussion. She yelled and cursed at those attempting to treat
her if they did not tell her what she wanted to hear or deviated from her beliefs. Kachigian’s report
indicated that defendant refused to cooperate with cognitive assessment but was aware of person,
place, and situation.
¶ 10 The parties reconvened on September 16, 2019, for a commitment hearing to determine
whether defendant should receive mental health treatment on an inpatient or outpatient basis.
Rebecca Melloy testified that she was the intake officer who processed defendant when she arrived
at the county jail. She described defendant as violent, emotional, and uncooperative. Defendant hit
her arm while attempting to knock a taser gun out of her hand. During the altercation, defendant
ranted and seemed to be speaking in tongues; she chanted continuously and was incoherent. After
processing, defendant was detained in isolation for several days. Melloy testified that throughout
her stay, defendant was erratic, violent, and frequently hysterical. She yelled and chanted
constantly, and she would go for days without sleeping. Defendant also tried to harm herself by
banging her head multiple times against the wall or the window.
¶ 11 On cross-examination, Melloy stated that defendant often refused to take her medication,
but when she was medicated, her behavior improved slightly. She behaved less violently and was
less erratic when she took her medication. Defendant did not physically injure anyone during her
stay at the jail, nor did she injure Melloy when she attempted to knock the taser out of her hand.
¶ 12 Pursuant to stipulation by the parties, Dr. Kachigian testified as an expert in the field of
psychiatry. She had been treating defendant at Alton since June 2019. She stated that defendant
suffered from mood symptoms and psychotic symptoms. Her psychotic episodes involved beliefs
in religious beings, such as witches and demons. Dr. Kachigian diagnosed defendant with
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schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type, and prescribed several medications, including Olanzapine,
Divalproex, Topiramate, and Lorazepam. She noticed marked improvement in defendant’s mental
health as a result of the medication. Now, she could have a conversation with defendant without
defendant becoming aggressive or angry or requiring restraints as in the past. She could not recall
any recent episodes in which defendant had acted out violently or had physically harmed herself
or an Alton employee.
¶ 13 Regarding treatment, Dr. Kachigian recommended ongoing medication management. She
testified that, in her medical opinion, defendant needed close medication supervision to monitor
the effects of different medications and find the optimal treatment dosage. Dr. Kachigian was
concerned that defendant might not remain compliant if she was released from care. She also
expressed concern that defendant might physically harm herself or others, noting “I think she
could pose a risk of harm to others if she does feel like she is threatened, which she can feel
frequently.” She described defendant’s beliefs as harmful. In defendant’s mind, her beliefs
justified a violent response toward others, which had resulted in harm to defendant. Dr.
Kachigian’s primary concern was whether defendant would remain compliant with her
medication if she were released. She stated that there was “not a lot” that could be done to ensure
defendant complied with an outpatient medication regime.
¶ 14 When asked if she had a medical opinion as to whether inpatient or outpatient treatment
would be better for defendant, Dr. Kachigian opined that the inpatient setting would be more
appropriate. Specifically, she stated:
“There are benefits to both. However, given what I’ve said, I think she does still
pose a risk in the community. I don’t think it’s a major risk of harm to others, but I
do think she still could become aggressive with minimal triggers.”
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Based on her evaluations, she believed that an “inpatient setting at this time is the most appropriate
place for her.” Following Kachigian’s testimony, the trial court took judicial notice of the court
file, including the progress reports and the psychiatric evaluations from DHS.
¶ 15 Defense counsel moved for a directed verdict, arguing that Dr. Kachigian had not
testified that defendant posed a “major” risk of harm. He maintained the State failed to present
clear and convincing evidence that defendant posed a serious risk of inflicting bodily harm to
others and required inpatient treatment. The trial court denied the motion, finding that the State
established a prima facie case. Defendant rested without presenting any witnesses.
¶ 16 The trial court found that defendant was in need of inpatient mental health services and
remanded her to the care of DHS. The court noted that based on defendant’s reported aggressive
behavior and psychotic beliefs there was a reasonable expectation that she would seriously harm
herself or others. The court found Dr. Kachigian’s testimony that defendant was improving with
inpatient treatment but lacked commitment to outpatient treatment was unequivocal and warranted
continuation of inpatient services. At the conclusion of the hearing, the court stated:
“She is improving. There’s no way I’m giving up on that, so I will make the
commitment, finding that by clear and convincing evidence, the standard has been
met. The maximum out date will be May 5th, 2021.”
¶ 17 II. ANALYSIS
¶ 18 Defendant argues that the trial court erred in determining that she needed involuntary
inpatient mental health services. She claims that the State failed to prove, by clear and convincing
evidence, that she was reasonably expected to inflict serious physical harm on herself or others.
¶ 19 After a finding of NGRI, section 5-2-4 of the Unified Code of Corrections directs the trial
court to enter an order instructing DHS to determine if the defendant is in need of mental health
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services. 730 ILCS 5/5-2-4(a) (West 2018). DHS has to provide the court with a written report of
its evaluation. Id. The trial court must then hold a hearing to determine if defendant is “(a) in need
of mental health services on an outpatient basis; (b) in need of mental health services on an
inpatient basis; (c) a person not in need of mental health services.” Id. The phrase “in need of
mental health services on an inpatient basis” is defined as “a defendant who, due to mental illness,
is reasonably expected to inflict serious physical harm upon [herself] or another and who would
benefit from inpatient care or is in need of inpatient care.” Id. § 5-2-4(a-1)(B). Commitment under
section 5-2-4 serves two purposes: (1) it allows for the treatment of the individual’s mental illness,
and (2) it protects the individual and society from potential danger. People v. Youngerman, 342
Ill. App. 3d 518, 524 (2003). Once a NGRI defendant has been involuntarily admitted for mental
health services, she may only be treated on an inpatient basis so long as she is both mentally ill
and dangerous. People v. Bethke, 2014 IL App (1st) 122502, ¶ 18.
¶ 20 Clear and convincing evidence is required to establish that a defendant needs mental health
treatment on an inpatient basis. People v. Bailey, 2016 IL App (3d) 150115, ¶ 21. “Such a finding
‘must be based on an explicit medical opinion regarding the defendant’s future conduct and cannot
be based upon a mere finding of mental illness.’ ” Id. (quoting People v. Grant, 295 Ill. App. 3d
750, 758 (1998)). Factors to consider in determining whether a defendant is reasonably expected
to inflict serious harm include: (1) prior hospitalization and the underlying facts surrounding the
hospitalization; (2) refusal to take medication in the past; and (3) refusal to recognize the value of
continued medical treatment. See People v. Robin, 312 Ill. App. 3d 710, 718 (2000). Although a
reasonable expectation of serious physical harm is required, there does not need to be an
expectation of immediate danger. Bailey, 2016 IL App (3d) 150115, ¶ 21.
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¶ 21 A trial court’s conclusion that a defendant is in need of mental health services on an
inpatient basis will not be reversed unless it is manifestly erroneous. Id. at ¶ 22. A ruling is
manifestly erroneous only “if it contains error that is clearly evident, plain, and indisputable.”
People v. Hughes, 329 Ill. App. 3d 322, 325 (2002).
¶ 22 Here, the trial court’s determination that defendant required inpatient mental health
services was not manifestly erroneous. Dr. Kachigian described defendant’s behavior as delusional
and aggressive with psychiatric symptoms. She noted that defendant’s mood swings were “most
concerning,” as they included irritability and anger issues that were fueled by defendant’s belief
in witches and demons. While Dr. Kachigian acknowledged that defendant was currently taking
her medication and her symptoms had improved, she still found that defendant was in need of
mental health services on an inpatient basis. Specifically, she testified that, based on her opinion
as an expert in psychiatry, defendant could be aggressive with “minimal triggers” and was a risk
in the community. The DHS progress reports noted that defendant had been hospitalized for
psychiatric reasons in the past and had a history of noncompliance with medications on an
outpatient basis. Dr. Kachigian’s report also indicated that defendant initially refused to take her
pills and was not fully compliant with her therapy sessions. Dr. Kachigian testified that defendant’s
behavior had markedly improved while in inpatient treatment, but she expressed concern that
medication management was responsible for her success and that her treatment would suffer in an
outpatient setting. Further, the DHS psychiatric evaluation revealed that defendant has limited
insight into her mental illness or the need for ongoing treatment. Based on Dr. Kachigian’s
testimony and the psychiatric reports and evaluations, the trial court’s ruling is not clearly, plainly,
or indisputably erroneous.
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¶ 23 Defendant argues that Dr. Kachigian’s testimony does not support the trial court’s finding
that defendant was reasonably expected to inflict serious physical harm on herself or others.
Although Dr. Kachigian could not recall any recent acts of violence while defendant was an
inpatient at Alton, the totality of her testimony overwhelmingly supports the trial court’s
determination of a reasonable expectation of physical harm. She testified that defendant’s mood
symptoms were concerning, that defendant was easily irritated, and that her anger issues and
aggressive behavior often lead to a violent response. She further reported that defendant’s
aggressive behavior had resulted in violent outbursts and harm to defendant. She testified that,
even with medication, defendant could still become aggressive with “minimal triggers.” The trial
court also reviewed defendant’s prior psychiatric hospitalizations, the reports of aggressive
behavior during those hospitalizations, and her noncompliance with outpatient care. These factors
demonstrated that defendant is a person who, due to her mental illness, was reasonably expected
to seriously harm herself or others and would benefit from continued inpatient care.
¶ 24 III. CONCLUSION
¶ 25 The judgment of the circuit court of Tazewell County is affirmed.
¶ 26 Affirmed.
¶ 27 JUSTICE McDADE, dissenting:
¶ 28 The majority holds that the trial court did not err in finding that the State had presented
clear and convincing evidence that defendant Sonia Smullin was “in need of involuntary inpatient
treatment.” Instinctually I agree that inpatient treatment is in her best interest, but I do not believe
that conclusion is compliant with the statute or finds adequate support in the evidence. I, therefore,
respectfully dissent.
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¶ 29 The statute contains two requirements for involuntary commitment for inpatient treatment:
(1) a reasonable expectation that the person will inflict serious physical harm on him-/herself or
another, and (2) the person would benefit from or is in need of inpatient care. 730 ILCS 5/5-2-4(a-
1)(B) (West 2018). As these are stated in the conjunctive, both are required.
¶ 30 Looking at the second requirement first, there seems little doubt from the testimony and
the record that Ms. Smullin would benefit from consistent treatment with appropriate medications,
as they appear to mitigate the negative effects of her mental illness. Dr. Kachigian testified that
the medical providers at Alton Mental Health Center were still in the process of attempting to settle
on the right combination of medicines and the appropriate dosages to give Smullin the ability to
control her symptoms and her behavior. Because, left unsupervised, the patient is non-compliant
with her treatment plan, even if she does not need inpatient care, she obviously could benefit from
it. I believe the second requirement has therefore, been satisfied.
¶ 31 The problem I have with the majority’s analysis of the first requirement is that there is
nothing in the record before us that indicates Smullin has ever seriously injured herself or anyone
else. Nor do I see anything that suggests such a level of escalation should reasonably be expected.
Smullin had suffered from her mental illnesses and their manifestations since at least 1976—a
minimum of 43 years. During that time, she had made risky choices related to use of alcohol and
other substances and her hospitalization history included striking out at staff and other patients
and, on occasion, “inappropriate aggressive responses.” What is conspicuously absent from this
history is any evidence that she has done serious injury to herself or others.
¶ 32 Notably, the aggravated battery charge of which Smullin was ultimately found not guilty
by reason of insanity arose from an incident that occurred when she was taken to the Tazewell
County jail after creating a disturbance at the Salvation Army. The county jail intake officer
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Rebecca Melloy characterized Smullin’s conduct as “violent,” reported that she had been struck
on the arm when Smullin attempted to knock a taser from her hand, and described Smullin
repeatedly banging her head against a wall and window. Yet with all of this, Melloy confirmed in
her testimony that Smullin did not cause any physical injury to anyone.
¶ 33 Similarly, Dr. Kachigian expressly acknowledged Smullin did not pose “a major risk of
harm to others” even though “she still could become aggressive with minimal triggers.” Supra ¶
14. While she opined that an inpatient setting would be more appropriate, she did not testify that
Smullin was dangerous because she posed a threat of inflicting serious physical injury and was,
therefore, “in need of mental health services on an inpatient basis.” 730 ILCS 5/5-2-4(a-1)(B)
(West 2018).
¶ 34 Finally, I would note that the trial court’s finding that Smullin was improving with inpatient
treatment but lacked commitment to outpatient treatment, while undoubtedly accurate, was not the
clear and convincing evidence of dangerousness needed to warrant involuntary commitment for
inpatient treatment.
¶ 35 For these reasons, I would reverse the circuit court’s order of involuntary commitment.
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