Frazier v. State

Citations: 216 Ga. App. 111; 452 S.E.2d 803; 95 Fulton County D. Rep. 301; 1995 Ga. App. LEXIS 31Docket: A95A0365

Court: Court of Appeals of Georgia; January 19, 1995; Georgia; State Appellate Court

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Louis Thomas Frazier was convicted of aggravated battery, armed robbery, and three counts of aggravated assault, but found guilty but mentally ill. On appeal, Frazier argued that the trial court incorrectly permitted Dr. Ralph Allsopp, a psychologist, to testify about his mental condition during the commission of the crimes, claiming that Dr. Allsopp was unqualified because Frazier was medicated during their interview but not during the crimes. Frazier cited OCGA 17-7-130.1, which mandates that a qualified expert must examine a defendant if an insanity defense is raised. 

Dr. Allsopp, appointed by the court, was a licensed psychologist who conducted forensic evaluations. He acknowledged Frazier's medication status during their interview and confirmed that Frazier had stopped taking his medication prior to the offenses. His testimony was focused on Frazier’s mental state at the time of the crimes, based on Frazier’s own accounts of his feelings. 

Frazier referenced Chandler Exterminators v. Morris to support his claim that Dr. Allsopp lacked the qualification to provide an opinion on mental conditions. However, the court distinguished this case, noting that Dr. Allsopp did not address the cause of any mental disorder but rather evaluated Frazier's mental condition relevant to the crimes. Furthermore, Frazier’s own psychiatrist also testified about his mental state and the impact of medication. The court concluded that there was no abuse of discretion in allowing Dr. Allsopp's testimony, affirming the judgment. Judges McMurray and Andrews concurred with the decision.