1561

Competency-Utilization of Federal Facility

In seeking commitment of a defendant for psychiatric evaluation, the holding in In re Newchurch, 807 F.2d 404 (5th Cir. 1986) may need to be distinguished; a defendant intending to rely on a defense of insanity was held to be entitled to a court determination of whether commitment to a remote facility for evaluation, rather than less intrusive outpatient evaluation or shorter confinement at a closer facility, was necessary, in view of the impact of extended remote commitment upon access to counsel, continued employment, and family contact. [cited in USAM 9-65.463]