El Dorado County Deputy Public Defender Susan Gellman said in legal papers made public Friday that she needs more time to prepare for the proceedings.
The hearing in which a jury will be asked to determine if Phillip Garrido is fit to stand trial is scheduled to begin Feb. 28.
Gellman says she wants it delayed "for a reasonable time" so she can review a psychiatric evaluation that has not yet been completed. She also wants to inspect evidence from prosecutors and to gather information that would help her decide whether to seek a change of venue.
The Superior Court judge presiding over the case will consider Gellman's request on Feb. 3.
