CHARLOTTE — Di-Quan Hunt is set to appear in court on Monday after being released from a mental health facility following his arrest for violently attacking a woman in Dilworth.
Hunt was ordered held without bond due to his previous convictions and provisions under Iryna’s Law.
In addition to the Dilworth assault, Hunt is accused of recording and posting videos showing similar attacks against other women online.
His release from the treatment facility followed standard medical evaluation procedures required by law.
Kim Best, an attorney and former judge who supervised mental health courts, detailed the legal steps Hunt underwent prior to his scheduled appearance.
“What the public can generally be comfortable in knowing is he’s had step 1, which is the involuntary commitment. He’s had step 2, which is examination by a physician. He’s had step 3, which is that within 24 hours of being admitted. And he was examined by a 2nd physician,” Best said.
Best noted that Hunt should be able to navigate the initial court proceedings, though his defense team will need to evaluate his legal competence. “This first initial step he should be able to proceed with it,” Best said.
She highlighted the legal distinction between an underlying diagnosis and legal fitness for trial.
“Keep in mind there is a difference between a mental health condition and having the mental capacity to assist yourself in your own defense,” Best said.
Hunt’s family shared that they have attempted to get him mental health assistance for years. Best expressed that such struggles are common within the legal and health care systems.
“It’s a giant circle: they go to the courts, they call the police, they go to the mental health institution, the person is given medication and the person refuses to take it, and they can’t be forced,” Best said.
If Hunt’s defense attorneys determine he is incapable of assisting with his defense, they may request that the presiding judge order an extensive forensic examination.