Hearing on May 31st to Determin Competency of Marshfield Man
Tuesday, April 10th, 2012 -- 11:39 AM
-A federal magistrate set a May 31 hearing if necessary to determine whether Ralph Lang of Marshfield is competent to stand trial for allegedly threatening workers at a Madison abortion clinic last year.According to the Marshfield News Herald, although a government expert determined Lang, 52, was competent to stand trial last fall, "bureaucratic delays" since have delayed defense efforts to examine Lang for his ability to understand the nature of the charges pending against him and assist in his defense.
Lang initially was charged with two misdemeanors after he allegedly told Madison police last May that he came to the city with a handgun and intended to kill a doctor at a Planned Parenthood Clinic. After authorization from the U.S. Attorney General, Lang was indicted last month on felony charges for allegedly attempting to interfere or intimidate by force those participating in a program receiving federal financial assistance and using or carrying a firearm in relation to the crime.
If convicted, Lang faces maximum penalties of 10 years to life in prison.
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