People v. Ogaz, 2020 WL 4581253 (Cal.App. 4 Dist., 2020) 07/14/2020; Modified 08/10/2020 Summary: Ignacio Ogaz appealed his conviction for and argued that his Sixth Amendment right to confront adverse witnesses was violated by the admission of drug testing evidence. The Court of Appeal held that the confrontation clause requires…
People v. Barton (Cal. Ct. App., Aug. 4, 2020, No. F076599) 2020 WL 4462790 Facts: Barton pleaded guilty to furnishing methamphetamine (Health & Saf. Code, § 11379, subd. (a)) and maintaining a place for the sale of a controlled substance (id., § 11366). Barton admitted to having twice been convicted of…
A Marin County Superior Court judge has ordered the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) to respond by August 4, 2020, in an expedited briefing schedule, to petitions requesting immediate release of 21 people at San Quentin State Prison. The petitions were filed by inmates at San Quentin in…
Robinson v. Lewis, 2020 WL 4045925, Supreme Court of California, S228137, July 20, 2020 A challenge to a state judgment of conviction through a petition for a writ of habeas corpus in state court must present each claim in a timely fashion. However, California law does not fix a determinate…
The Berkeley City Council approved a measure that would create a new Department of Transportation and remove police from traffic stops. The use of unarmed public works officials to enforce traffic laws is aimed at reducing racial profiling and law enforcement contacts that can escalate into violence, especially for Black…
People v. Stamps, 2020 WL 3525176 (California Supreme Court; S255843: June 25, 2020) Summary: Stamps agreed to a plea bargain that included a prior serious felony enhancement (Pen. Code, § 667, subd. (a)). While his appeal was pending, a new law went into effect that gave the trial court authority…
The California DMV resumed behind-the-wheel testing beginning Friday, June 26. Drivers and DMV instructors will be required to wear face masks and drivers will be asked to lower two windows to increase air flow in the car. Pre-test instructions will be given outside the car. DMV examiners will also wear…
The People, Plaintiff and Appellant, v. Lula Sophia Gong Cotsirilos et al., Defendants and Respondents., 2020 WL 3396240 (Cal.App. 4 Dist.) (Cal.App. 4 Dist., 2020) Summary: Two defendants cited for underage alcohol infractions filed a motion to suppress the evidence. The prosecution did not file an opposition or appear at…
People v. Hughes, 2020 WL 3071948 (Cal.App. 4 Dist., E069445; Filed 06/10/2020) Facts: After drinking, Michael Dwayne Hughes hit a PT Cruiser whose driver failed to yield to him, killing the driver and her two children, who were passengers. Hughes, who had a prior conviction for driving under the influence,…
If you have pending traffic violation in the San Mateo Superior Court you may have received a notice offering a reduction of the fine in exchange for a plea of guilty or no contest. These notices were sent to defendants and their attorney of record. This pilot program was announced…