People v. Davidson CA6 ( 2015 )

Filed 2/9/15 P. v. Davidson CA6
NOT TO BE PUBLISHED IN OFFICIAL REPORTS
California Rules of Court, rule 8.1115(a), prohibits courts and parties from citing or relying on opinions not certified for
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or ordered published for purposes of rule 8.1115.
IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
SIXTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
THE PEOPLE, H037751
(San Benito County
Plaintiff and Respondent, Super. Ct. No. CR-10-00879)
v.
RICHARD CARLTON DAVIDSON,
Defendant and Appellant.
Defendant Richard Carlton Davidson was convicted by jury trial of child abuse
(Pen. Code, § 273a, subd. (a); count 1),1 two counts of aggravated assault (former § 245,
subd. (a)(1); counts 2 & 3),2 and two counts of misdemeanor vandalism (§ 594, subd. (a);
counts 6 & 7). On appeal, defendant argues: (1) insufficient evidence supports his
conviction for felony child abuse, (2) the trial court failed to instruct the jury that
defendant’s knowledge of the victim’s age is a necessary element of child abuse, (3) the
trial court failed to instruct the jury on the lesser included offenses of misdemeanor child
abuse and simple assault, (4) a pervasive pattern of prosecutorial misconduct warrants
reversal of his convictions, (5) cumulative error requires reversal of his convictions, (6)
1
Further unspecified statutory references are to the Penal Code.
2
“Effective January 1, 2012 former subdivision (a)(1) of section 245 was divided
into two separate and distinct subdivisions: section 245, subdivision (a)(1), now prohibits
assault with a deadly weapon or instrument other than a firearm, and new subdivision
(a)(4) prohibits assault by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury. (Stats.
2011, ch. 183, § 1.)” (People v. Brown (2012) 210 Cal. App. 4th 1, 5, fn. 1.)
his sentence for one of his convictions for misdemeanor vandalism was statutorily
unauthorized, (7) his two assault convictions were based on alternate legal theories and
therefore one conviction must be vacated, (8) one of his sentences for misdemeanor
vandalism must be stayed pursuant to section 654, (9) the court erred in calculating his
restitution and parole revocation fines, and (10) he is entitled to additional conduct credit.
For the reasons set forth below, we reverse the judgment. On remand, the trial
court is directed to resentence defendant for his conviction for misdemeanor vandalism
(count 6), vacate his conviction for assault with force likely to produce great bodily
injury (count 3), stay his sentence for misdemeanor vandalism (count 7), recalculate the
restitution and parole revocation fine, and award defendant a total of 202 days conduct
credit.
FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND
The Complaint
On May 20, 2010, the San Benito County District Attorney’s office filed a
complaint charging defendant with a count of felony child abuse of Amber V. (§ 273a,
subd. (a); count 1), two counts of felony aggravated assault of Amber V. (former § 245,
subd. (a)(1); counts 2 & 3), two counts of felony aggravated assault of Shawn Little
(former § 245, subd. (a)(1); counts 4 & 5), a count of felony vandalism of Little’s truck (§
594, subd. (a); count 6), and a count of misdemeanor vandalism of Vanessa Valdez’s car
(ibid.; count 7). The complaint also alleged defendant had served three prior prison terms
(§ 667.5, subd. (b)) and had suffered two prior strike convictions (§§ 667, subds. (b)-(i)).
Trial began on July 11, 2011. On July 12, 2011, the trial court reduced count 6 to
a misdemeanor.
2
The Prosecution’s Evidence
Amber V.’s Testimony
Amber V. testified at defendant’s trial. Amber V., 15 years old at the time, was
friends with Valdez, who lived in a trailer with Little. On February 22, 2010, Valdez and
Amber V. were sitting inside Valdez’s car, which was parked in front of Little’s trailer.
Defendant drove up to the trailer in a white Ford Expedition, exited his car, and began
smashing Little’s truck, which was parked near the trailer, with a metal bat while yelling.
Amber V. and Valdez locked the doors of the car they were in. Defendant walked
over, made eye contact with Amber V., and said: “Do you want some of this, too, bitch?”
Defendant then struck the passenger side car window where Amber V. was sitting with
the bat, shattering the glass on impact. Amber V. moved to avoid being hit and said she
believed if she had not moved the bat would have struck her face. The bat touched her
shoulder but did not cause her injury. She sustained cuts on her face from the shattered
glass. Amber V. said she did not know defendant before the incident.
Amber V. testified that after a while, Little came out of the trailer and yelled at
defendant. Defendant then proceeded to chase Little around while swinging the bat.
Little avoided being hit. Defendant returned to his car and drove away shortly after.
Amber V. said the entire incident took place over the course of approximately two
minutes, with the attack on Valdez’s car lasting around five seconds. A neighbor called
the police.
Officer Vining’s Testimony
Hollister Police Department Officer Steven Vining arrived at Little’s trailer shortly
after defendant left. Vining took photographs of the scene and of Amber V.’s facial
injuries and conducted interviews with Amber V., Valdez, and Little. Amber V. told
Vining that the bat had not struck her. At trial, Amber V. asserted she did not tell Vining
the bat touched her shoulder because it had not injured her, and she was more concerned
3
about the cuts on her face. Vining testified he did not recall Amber V. telling him that
defendant had chased Little with the bat.
That same day, Officer Vining drove to a house where defendant was reportedly
living. No one answered the door, and Vining did not see defendant’s car nearby.
Vining drove to defendant’s workplace but did not find defendant or his car there. A day
later, Vining returned to defendant’s house and saw defendant standing outside next to a
Ford Expedition. Defendant explained that he used to live in Little’s trailer but had
moved out because Little was a “tweaker,” which Vining understood meant he used
methamphetamine. Defendant denied being at Little’s trailer the previous day and denied
vandalizing any property or assaulting anyone. Vining looked into defendant’s car and
did not see a bat.
Officer Vining took an older booking photograph of defendant and created a six-
photo lineup, which he presented to Amber V. after giving her an admonishment. Amber
V. identified defendant from the lineup.
The Defense’s Evidence
Defendant testified on his own behalf. He denied any wrongdoing and insisted he
was home at the time of the incident.
Defendant said he had lived at Little’s trailer for a month and a half but had moved
out because there were drugs. He denied ever using drugs at the trailer. Defendant may
have met Valdez at some point but did not know Amber V.
Defendant acknowledged he had previous convictions for dissuading a witness and
being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Verdict and Sentencing
On July 14, 2011, the jury returned guilty verdicts on count 1 (felony child abuse),
count 2 (aggravated assault of Amber V.), count 3 (aggravated assault of Amber V.),
count 6 (misdemeanor vandalism of Little’s truck), and count 7 (misdemeanor vandalism
4
of Valdez’s car), and a not guilty verdict on counts 4 and 5 (aggravated assault of Little).
The trial court found true the allegations that defendant had suffered two prior strike
convictions (§ 667, subds. (b)-(i)) and served three prior prison terms (§ 667.5, subd. (b))
after a bifurcated bench trial.
On December 9, 2011, the court sentenced defendant to a term in prison of 25
years to life plus 13 years each for counts 1, 2, and 3. The sentences for counts 2 and 3
were stayed pursuant to section 654. The court also imposed a term of 25 years to life
plus 13 years for count 6 (misdemeanor vandalism), to be served consecutively to the
term imposed on count 1. For count 7, the court imposed a term of one year in county
jail to be served concurrently with defendant’s aggregate indeterminate term of 50 years
to life plus a determinate term of 26 years.
Defendant was awarded 486 days of presentence credit consisting of 405 actual
days and 81 days conduct credit. The court also imposed various fines and fees,
including an $800 restitution fine pursuant to section 1202.4, subdivision (b), with a
matching $800 parole revocation fine (§ 1202.45) that was imposed but suspended.3
Defendant appealed.
DISCUSSION
1. Sufficiency of Evidence for Felony Child Abuse Conviction
First, defendant challenges the sufficiency of the evidence supporting his
conviction for felony child abuse (§ 273a, subd. (a)). Specifically, he claims there was
insufficient evidence he knew Amber V. was a child.
3
During the sentencing hearing, the court stated: “There will be a restitution fine
of two hundred dollars for Count 1, 6, four hundred dollars total, with an additional
parole revocation of four hundred dollars . . . The Counts 2 and 3, those which I have
stayed, there would be a two hundred dollar restitution fee for each of those, and a parole
revocation restitution fine of two hundred dollars each.” This amounts to a total
restitution fine of $800 and a total parole revocation fine of $800.
5
“In reviewing a challenge to the sufficiency of the evidence, we do not determine
the facts ourselves. Rather, we ‘examine the whole record in the light most favorable to
the judgment to determine whether it discloses substantial evidence--evidence that is
reasonable, credible and of solid value--such that a reasonable trier of fact could find the
defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.’ [Citations.] We presume in support of the
judgment the existence of every fact the trier could reasonably deduce from the evidence.
[Citation.] [¶] The same standard of review applies to cases in which the prosecution
relies primarily on circumstantial evidence . . . .” (People v. Guerra (2006) 37 Cal. 4th
1067, 1129; see also People v. Meza (1995) 38 Cal. App. 4th 1741, 1745.)
Section 273a, subdivision (a) provides: “Any person who, under circumstances or
conditions likely to produce great bodily harm or death, willfully causes or permits any
child to suffer, or inflicts thereon unjustifiable physical pain or mental suffering, or
having the care or custody of any child, willfully causes or permits the person or health of
that child to be injured, or willfully causes or permits that child to be placed in a situation
where his or her person or health is endangered, shall be punished . . . .”
Defendant reads a knowledge element into section 273a, subdivision (a). He
argues that in order for his conviction to stand, there must be sufficient evidence he knew
Amber V. was a child. We disagree.
Defendant acknowledges there is no case law construing a knowledge element into
section 273a, subdivision (a). Therefore, we must determine whether the statute should
be interpreted as requiring, as an element of the offense, that a defendant know his victim
is a child.
The rules of statutory interpretation are well-settled. “Our fundamental task in
construing a statute is to ascertain the intent of the lawmakers so as to effectuate the
purpose of the statute. [Citation.] We begin by examining the statutory language, giving
the words their usual and ordinary meaning.” (Day v. City of Fontana (2001) 25 Cal. 4th
6
268, 272.) “If the language is clear and unambiguous there is no need for construction,
nor is it necessary to resort to indicia of the intent of the Legislature (in the case of a
statute) or of the voters (in the case of a provision adopted by the voters).” (Lungren v.
Deukmejian (1988) 45 Cal. 3d 727, 735.) “If there is no ambiguity, then we presume the
lawmakers meant what they said, and the plain meaning of the language governs.” (Day
v. City of Fontana, supra, at p. 272.)
We find no ambiguity inherent in the statute. Given the plain language of section
273a, in order for a defendant to be convicted of the crime of child abuse it must be
established that the victim was in fact a child. Therefore, the victim’s age is an element
of the crime that must be proven by the prosecution. However, defendant’s argument that
the prosecution must also prove an additional element--that the perpetrator of the abuse
knew the victim’s age--is unavailing. There is no language in the statute that suggests
this is an element of the offense.
Indeed, if the Legislature had intended for a defendant’s knowledge of the victim’s
age to be a required element, it would have included such wording in the statute. For
example, section 368, the statute that criminalizes elder abuse, was modeled after section
273a. In pertinent part, it states that “[a]ny person who knows or reasonably should know
that a person is an elder or dependent adult and who, under circumstances or conditions
likely to produce great bodily harm or death, willfully causes or permits any elder
dependent adult to suffer, or inflicts thereon unjustifiable physical pain or mental
suffering . . .” shall be punished. (§ 368, subd. (b)(1), italics added.)4 Accordingly, a
defendant’s knowledge of the victim’s age is an essential element of the offense of elder
4
When drafting the legislation enacting section 368, the author “lifted the
language of the child abuse statutes in its entirety, replacing the word ‘child’ with
‘dependent adult’ throughout.” (People v. Heitzman (1994) 9 Cal. 4th 189, 202-203.)
7
abuse, as expressly stated in section 368. This language is conspicuously absent from
section 273a.
“Because the wording of these statutes shows the Legislature, if it wishes, knows
how to express its intent that knowledge be an element of an offense, the absence of such
a requirement . . . indicates it intended no such requirement. [Citation.] ‘It is a settled
rule of statutory construction that where a statute, with reference to one subject contains a
given provision, the omission of such provision from a similar statute concerning a
related subject is significant to show that a different legislative intent existed with
reference to the different statutes.’ ” (In re Jennings (2004) 34 Cal. 4th 254, 273.) Here,
the language of section 368 tracks that of section 273a. By adding a knowledge
requirement to section 368, it seems the Legislature impliedly acknowledged the lack of a
similar requirement in section 273a. Otherwise, the addition of the knowledge element to
section 368 would have been superfluous and unneeded.
Nonetheless, defendant insists the statute’s declaration that a defendant must
“willfully” cause harm to a child should be construed as a requirement that the defendant
know the victim’s age.5
Defendant notes that in People v. Valdez (2002) 27 Cal. 4th 778, our Supreme
Court stated that the “mens rea for the crime [of child abuse] was the intent to perform
the underlying injurious act on a child.” (Id. at p. 786, italics added.) Valdez, however,
did not consider whether “willfully” imparted a requirement that a defendant know his
victim’s age. Valdez discussed the appropriate mens rea needed for a defendant to be
convicted of indirect infliction of harm on a child in violation of section 273a. “[I]t is
5
Section 7, subdivision 1, states in pertinent part: “The word ‘willfully,’ when
applied to the intent with which an act is done or omitted, implies simply a purpose or
willingness to commit the act, or make the omission referred to. It does not require any
intent to violate law, or to injure another, or to acquire any advantage.”
8
axiomatic that cases are not authority for propositions not considered.” (People v.
Alvarez (2002) 27 Cal. 4th 1161, 1176.) Defendant’s reliance on Valdez is unavailing.
Defendant is correct that “the meaning of the term ‘willfully’ varies depending on
the statutory context.” (People v. Garcia (2001) 25 Cal. 4th 744, 753 (Garcia).)
Certainly, in criminal statutes involving a failure to act--such as a violation of section 290
for failing to register as a sex offender--our Supreme Court has interpreted the term to
require the defendant actually know of the duty to act. (Garcia, supra, at pp. 752-754.)
This is because in the context of a defendant’s failure to register, one cannot logically
“purposefully fail to perform an act without knowing what act is required to be
performed.” (Id. at p. 752.) However, the Garcia court’s interpretation of “willfully” is
readily distinguishable, because section 273a does not criminalize a failure to act in a
certain manner. Therefore, we reject defendant’s claim that “willfully” in this context
imparts a knowledge requirement.6
Indeed, we find that the term “willfully” in section 273a does not mandate the
prosecution prove knowledge of the victim’s age; it requires the prosecution prove the
defendant acted with the requisite criminal intent.
Section 273a is not a strict liability offense, and the criminal intent needed to
support a conviction under section 273a is established. Section 273a, subdivision (a) “ ‘is
an omnibus statute that proscribes essentially four branches of conduct.’ [Citation.]
These four branches or prongs are: ‘ “Any person who, under circumstances or
conditions likely to produce great bodily harm or death, [1] willfully causes or permits
any child to suffer, or [2] inflicts thereon unjustifiable physical pain or mental suffering,
6
Furthermore, we do not find that “willfully” should be read to apply a knowledge
requirement to all elements of the crime. Our Supreme Court has already held in People
v. Sargent (1999) 19 Cal. 4th 1206, 1221, that “[s]ection 273a does not provide that a
defendant must ‘know or reasonably should know that his or her actions occur under
circumstances or conditions likely to produce great bodily harm or death.’ ”
9
or [3] having the care or custody of any child, willfully causes or permits the person or
health of that child to be injured, or [4] willfully causes or permits that child to be placed
in a situation where his or her person or health is endangered . . . .” ’ ” (In re L.K. (2011)
199 Cal. App. 4th 1438, 1444-1445.)
The second category of offenses has been described by our Supreme Court as
“direct infliction,” whereas the first, third, and fourth categories are “indirect infliction.”
(People v. Valdez, supra, 27 Cal.4th at p. 786.) For a “direct infliction” offense, a
defendant must possess a “general criminal intent, similar to battery or assault with a
deadly weapon.” (In re L.K., supra, 199 Cal.App.4th at p. 1445.) The intent for the other
three categories of “indirect infliction” offenses is criminal negligence. (Ibid.)
Therefore, “willfully” in this context is best understood as requiring a defendant possess
either a general criminal intent or criminal negligence.
We note that our conclusion that section 273a does not require the prosecution to
prove knowledge of age is consistent with other criminal statutes involving minors. (See
People v. Zeihm (1974) 40 Cal. App. 3d 1085, 1089 [concluding that “belief as to age is a
matter of defense and is not a part of the prosecution’s burden of proof” for crime of
unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor (§ 261.5)], disapproved of on other grounds in
People v. Freeman (1988) 46 Cal. 3d 419, 428, fn. 6; In re Jennings, supra, 34 Cal.4th at
pp. 260, 276, 279-280 [mistake of age defense may be raised by defendant, but
prosecution need not prove knowledge of age to establish offense of purchasing alcohol
for persons under the age of 21].) Furthermore, this interpretation is also consistent with
the statute’s purpose to protect children, who are “ ‘members of a vulnerable class,’ ”
from situations where serious injury or death is likely to occur. (People v. Toney (1999)
76 Cal. App. 4th 618, 622.)
In sum, defendant’s offense is best characterized as a “direct infliction” offense
under the statute, and he does not argue there is insufficient evidence he possessed a
10
general criminal intent. He merely insists the prosecution failed to present evidence he
knew Amber V. was a minor. Since we determine a defendant’s knowledge of the
victim’s age is not a required element of a violation of section 273a, we find sufficient
evidence supports his conviction on this count.
2. Failure to Instruct on Knowledge of Age as an Element of Section 273a
Defendant argues the court erred by failing to instruct the jury that a defendant’s
knowledge of the victim’s age is a necessary element of section 273a. A court is required
to provide instructions on every material element of an offense. (People v. Flood (1998)
18 Cal. 4th 470, 480.) However, based on our conclusion that a defendant’s knowledge of
the victim’s age is not an element of section 273a, the court did not err by not instructing
the jury on this matter.
3. Failure to Instruct on Lesser Included Offenses of Misdemeanor Child Abuse and
Simple Assault
Next, defendant insists the trial court was required to instruct the jury on the lesser
included offenses of misdemeanor child abuse and simple assault.
“ ‘ “It is settled that in criminal cases, even in the absence of a request, the trial
court must instruct on the general principles of law relevant to the issues raised by the
evidence. [Citations.] The general principles of law governing the case are those
principles closely and openly connected with the facts before the court, and which are
necessary for the jury’s understanding of the case.” [Citation.] That obligation has been
held to include giving instructions on lesser included offenses when the evidence raises a
question as to whether all of the elements of the charged offense were present [citation],
but not when there is no evidence that the offense was less than that charged. [Citations.]
The obligation to instruct on lesser included offenses exists when as a matter of trial
tactics a defendant not only fails to request the instruction but expressly objects to its
being given. [Citations.] Just as the People have no legitimate interest in obtaining a
11
conviction of a greater offense than that established by the evidence, a defendant has no
right to an acquittal when that evidence is sufficient to establish a lesser included
offense.’ ” (People v. Breverman (1998) 19 Cal. 4th 142, 154-155.)
Therefore, “[a] trial court must instruct on a lesser included offense if substantial
evidence exists indicating that the defendant is guilty only of the lesser offense.” (People
v. Manriquez (2005) 37 Cal. 4th 547, 584.) “In deciding whether evidence is ‘substantial’
in this context, a court determines only its bare legal sufficiency, not its weight.” (People
v. Breverman, supra, 19 Cal.4th at p. 177.) On appeal, we apply a de novo standard of
review and independently determine whether the court erred in failing to instruct on a
lesser included offense. (Ibid.) Failure to instruct requires reversal only if we conclude
that it is reasonably probable the erroneous instruction affected the outcome. (People v.
Watson (1956) 46 Cal. 2d 818, 836.)
Misdemeanor Child Abuse
Preliminarily, we note that “[m]isdemeanor child abuse (§ 273a, subd. (b)), is a
lesser included offense of felony child abuse (§ 273a, subd. (a)).” (People v. Moussabeck
(2007) 157 Cal. App. 4th 975, 980.) The difference between misdemeanor child abuse and
felony child abuse is whether the abuse was committed “under circumstances or
conditions likely to produce great bodily injury or death.” (Ibid.) Accordingly, at issue
here is whether there was substantial evidence from which a jury could have found
defendant committed child abuse under circumstances or conditions that were not likely
to produce great bodily injury or death and therefore committed misdemeanor child
abuse, not felony child abuse. In the absence of such evidence, the court did not err by
not instructing on the lesser included offense of misdemeanor child abuse. (People v.
Blair (2005) 36 Cal. 4th 686, 744-745, overruled on a different point in People v. Black
(2014) 58 Cal. 4th 912.)
12
Defendant insists People v. Racy (2007) 148 Cal. App. 4th 1327 (Racy) is
instructive. The Racy defendant appealed his conviction of felony elder abuse in
violation of section 368, subdivision (b)(1), arguing in part that the trial court erred in
failing to instruct on the lesser included offense of misdemeanor elder abuse (§ 368, subd.
(c)). (Racy, supra, at p. 1330.) The Racy defendant “ ‘zapped’ ” the 74-year-old victim
with a stun gun, which the victim described as pain similar to a “ ‘poke’ ” from an ice
pick. (Id. at pp. 1330-1331.) The victim was able to retreat to his bedroom where he
tried to lock the door, but the defendant followed so closely behind that the victim was
unable to do so. However, the victim was able to get in a defensive position on the bed.
The defendant asked the victim for money, “ ‘zapped’ ” the stun gun “ ‘in the air’ ” and
tipped the victim over, exposing his wallet. The victim struggled with the defendant, but
the defendant was able to take the wallet. The victim tripped at some point, and the
defendant ran out of the house. The victim called the police but did not seek medical
attention because there was no evidence of burns or other injuries to his leg. (Id. at p.
1331.)
The appellate court concluded the trial court should have instructed the jury on the
lesser included offense of misdemeanor elder abuse. (Racy, supra, 148 Cal.App.4th at
pp. 1335-1336.) The court noted the victim “did not suffer great bodily harm during the
incident, so the jury was left to draw inferences about whether the circumstances or
conditions under which defendant inflicted physical pain or mental suffering were likely
to produce great bodily harm or death.” (Id. at p. 1335.) Furthermore, the court opined
that “it is reasonable the jury could have viewed [the victim] as a rather large man who
was not likely to suffer great bodily injury or death during the incident despite his age
and physical limitations.” (Id. at p. 1336.) Additionally, the victim, despite being zapped
with the stun gun, was able to retreat to his room, call 911, and get in a defensive position
on the bed. He emerged “unscathed after being tipped and tripped.” (Ibid.) Therefore,
13
the court concluded that based on this evidence there was a “ ‘reasonable chance’
defendant ‘would have obtained a more favorable outcome’ had the jury been instructed
on misdemeanor elder abuse.” (Ibid.)
We find Racy distinguishable. The Racy defendant used a stun gun, “tripped,” and
“tipped” the victim, conditions that were not necessarily likely to cause great bodily
injury or death to the elder victim. Here, defendant swung a bat at Valdez’s passenger
car window where Amber V. was sitting with enough force that the glass shattered. The
only reasonable finding a jury could have made if it concluded defendant was responsible
for the crime was that the offense was committed under circumstances or conditions
likely to produce great bodily harm or death. It is well-settled that “instructions on lesser
included offenses are not required when the evidence shows that, if guilty at all, [the]
defendant committed the greater crime.” (People v. Lema (1987) 188 Cal. App. 3d 1541,
1545.)
Additionally, it is not dispositive that Amber V. did not sustain more serious
injuries during the incident aside from the cuts on her face from the shattered window.
The issue is whether defendant’s act of hitting the car window is a condition likely to
produce great bodily injury. The fact that defendant’s actions did not actually cause great
bodily injury does not necessarily warrant instruction on the lesser included offense.
People v. Rupert (1971) 20 Cal. App. 3d 961, cited by defendant, does not dictate a
different result. The Rupert court concluded the trial court erred when it failed to instruct
on the lesser included offense of simple assault after the defendant was convicted of
assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury. (Id. at pp. 968-969.) The court
recognized an instruction on a lesser included offense is only necessary when “the
evidence would support such a determination.” (Id. at p. 968.) In contrast, there is no
such evidence here.
14
People v. Roman (1967) 256 Cal. App. 2d 656, also relied on by defendant, is
similarly distinguishable. The Roman defendant argued on appeal that the trial court
erred in failing to instruct the jury on the misdemeanor provision of section 273a.
(People v. Roman, supra, at p. 661.) The evidence established the child “had blood
around its nostrils, red marks on its face, neck, back, legs, and arms, discoloration on one
arm, apparently as the result of blows, but that it had not sustained any serious injury
requiring medical treatment.” (Ibid.) The defendant testified he had spanked the child
with a belt but had not struck the child on the head or face and had not seen any marks on
the child after the spanking. (Ibid.) The appellate court concluded a jury could have
found the beating was one likely to produce great bodily harm or could have accepted the
defendant’s testimony and determined it was a beating under any other circumstance and
therefore only a misdemeanor. (Ibid.) The court noted the defendant’s testimony “raised
the issue of the severity of the beating, and the jury should have passed on that issue.”
(Id. at p. 662.)
Defendant claims Roman is analogous, because Amber V.’s testimony cast doubt
on the amount of force used by defendant since she asserted the bat merely touched her
shoulder and did not cause her injury. Defendant is incorrect. This testimony does not
cast doubt on the amount of force used by defendant. Rather, it concerns the extent of
injuries suffered by Amber V. as a result of the attack. There was no conflicting
testimony about the severity of the force used by defendant when he swung the bat. The
only evidence presented was that defendant was forceful enough to shatter the car
window. This action unequivocally placed Amber V. in a condition likely to produce
great bodily harm or injury. Amber V.’s testimony does not warrant an instruction on a
lesser included offense. Therefore, the trial court did not err.
15
Simple Assault
Defendant also argues the court erred when it failed to sua sponte instruct the jury
of simple assault (§ 240), which is a lesser included offense of aggravated assault (former
§ 245, subd. (a)(1)). (See People v. McDaniel (2008) 159 Cal. App. 4th 736, 747.)
All of the elements of simple assault are included in the offense of aggravated
assault. However, unlike simple assault, aggravated assault is committed when a
defendant assaults a victim using a deadly weapon (former § 245, subd. (a)(1)) or if the
defendant assaults a victim “by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury”
(ibid.). If the weapon used is not inherently deadly, it must be found the defendant used
the weapon in such a way as to be capable of and likely to produce great bodily injury or
death. (In re Brandon T. (2011) 191 Cal. App. 4th 1491, 1496.)
As we previously discussed, “instructions on lesser included offenses are not
required when the evidence shows that, if guilty at all, [the] defendant committed the
greater crime.” (People v. Lema, supra, 188 Cal.App.3d at p. 1545.) Here, if defendant
was guilty of the assault, he was necessarily guilty of assault with a deadly weapon in
violation of former section 245, subdivision (a)(1). A bat is not an inherently deadly
weapon within the meaning of the statute. However, defendant swung the bat at the car
with enough force to shatter the window. Based on the evidence, the bat was used in
such a way that no reasonable jury could have concluded it was not a deadly weapon and
was not capable of or likely to produce great bodily injury or death.
Additionally, defendant was necessarily guilty of aggravated assault on the
alternate theory that the assault was committed with force likely to produce great bodily
injury. “Section 245 ‘prohibits an assault by means of force likely to produce great
bodily injury, not the use of force which does in fact produce such injury. While . . . the
results of an assault are often highly probative of the amount of force used, they cannot
be conclusive.’ [Citation.] . . . ‘ “The issue, therefore, is not whether serious injury was
16
caused, but whether the force used was such as would be likely to cause it.” ’ [Citation.]
The focus is on the force actually exerted by the defendant, not the amount of force that
could have been used.” (People v. McDaniel, supra, 159 Cal.App.4th at p. 748.) A jury
could not have reasonably concluded that defendant’s actions were not likely to cause
great bodily injury. The same reasoning set forth in our prior section discussing the trial
court’s alleged failure to instruct on the lesser included offense of misdemeanor child
abuse is applicable here.
Accordingly, we conclude the court did not err in failing to instruct on simple
assault.
4. Prosecutorial Misconduct
Next, defendant argues his convictions must be reversed, because a pervasive
pattern of prosecutorial misconduct undermined the fairness of his trial. We address each
category of challenged statements separately.
Forfeiture
Preliminarily, the People insist defendant forfeited his claims of prosecutorial
misconduct, because he failed to object to the statements at trial.7 Defendant insists the
record reflects any objection would have been futile. Regardless, even if we assume
defendant forfeited his claims, we must reach the merits of his arguments, because he
alternatively argues his trial counsel rendered ineffective assistance for failing to object to
the alleged misconduct. We therefore address the substance of his claims.
7
Typically, “ ‘[t]o preserve for appeal a claim of prosecutorial misconduct, the
defense must make a timely objection at trial and request an admonition; otherwise, the
point is reviewable only if an admonition would not have cured the harm caused by the
misconduct.’ ” (People v. Silva (2001) 25 Cal. 4th 345, 373.)
17
Overview of Ineffective Assistance of Counsel Claims
In order to establish his trial counsel was ineffective, defendant must show his
counsel’s performance fell below an objective standard of reasonableness under the
prevailing professional norms, and his counsel’s deficient representation subjected him to
prejudice. (Strickland v. Washington (1984) 466 U.S. 668, 687.) Prejudice in this
context means that but for his counsel’s deficiencies, the result of the proceedings would
have been favorable to the defendant. (Ibid.) A reasonable probability is one that is
sufficient to undermine confidence in the verdict. (Id. at p. 694.)
“We presume that counsel rendered adequate assistance and exercised reasonable
professional judgment in making significant trial decisions.” (People v. Holt (1997) 15
Cal. 4th 619, 703.) Therefore, we reverse “ ‘only if the record on appeal affirmatively
discloses that counsel had no rational tactical purpose for his act or omission.’ ” (People
v. Zapien (1993) 4 Cal. 4th 929, 980.) We may dispose of an ineffectiveness claim if
defendant fails to demonstrate prejudice without determining whether his trial counsel’s
performance was deficient. (Strickland v. Washington, supra, 466 U.S. at p. 697.)
We review each category of statements to determine if there was misconduct
amounting to reversible error. In the absence of such misconduct, defendant’s ineffective
assistance of counsel claim would fail for lack of prejudice.
Legal Principles Governing Prosecutorial Misconduct Claims
Misconduct involves the use of deceptive or reprehensible methods to attempt to
persuade either the trial court or the jury. (People v. Haskett (1982) 30 Cal. 3d 841, 866.)
It is misconduct for a prosecutor to mischaracterize the evidence (People v. Hill (1998)
17 Cal. 4th 800, 823), misstate the law (People v. Bell (1989) 49 Cal. 3d 502, 538 (Bell)),
or appeal to the passion of the jurors (People v. Pensinger (1991) 52 Cal. 3d 1210, 1250).
“[A] prosecutor commits reversible misconduct if he or she makes use of
‘deceptive or reprehensible methods’ when attempting to persuade either the trial court or
18
the jury, and when it is reasonably probable that without such misconduct, an outcome
more favorable to the defendant would have resulted. [Citation.] Under the federal
Constitution, conduct by a prosecutor that does not result in the denial of the defendant’s
specific constitutional rights--such as a comment upon the defendant’s invocation of the
right to remain silent--but is otherwise worthy of condemnation, is not a constitutional
violation unless the challenged action ‘ “so infected the trial with unfairness as to make
the resulting conviction a denial of due process.” ’ ” (People v. Rundle (2008) 43 Cal. 4th
76, 157, disapproved on a different ground in People v. Doolin (2009) 45 Cal. 4th 390,
421, fn. 22.) Reversal is required “only if, ‘after an examination of the entire cause,
including the evidence’ (Cal. Const., art. VI, § 13), it appears ‘reasonably probable’ the
defendant would have obtained a more favorable outcome had the error not occurred.”
(People v. Breverman, supra, 19 Cal.4th at p. 178.)
“When, as here, the claim focuses on comments made by the prosecutor before the
jury, a court must determine at the threshold how the remarks would, or could, have been
understood by a reasonable juror. [Citations.] If the remarks would have been taken by a
juror to state or imply nothing harmful, they obviously cannot be deemed objectionable.”
(People v. Benson (1990) 52 Cal. 3d 754, 793.)
Disparagement of Defense Counsel
First, defendant claims the prosecutor committed misconduct by disparaging
defense counsel. We disagree.
During closing argument, in reference to a diagram drawn by Amber V. during
cross-examination, the prosecutor made the following statement: “The way she draws it,
the car’s right up against the house. . . . It doesn’t make sense. Look at the drawing.
Very skillful manipulation. And that’s [defense counsel’s] job, to confuse you. [¶] He
does his job if he confuses just one of you enough so that you can’t make a decision in
this case. I was a defense attorney for many years; I know what the job is about. . . . [¶] .
19
. . [¶] . . . Again, he tried to confuse [Amber V.].” Additionally, when addressing the
testimony of Officer Vining, the prosecutor made another statement about the defense
counsel, reiterating: “[D]on’t let [defense counsel] confuse the facts. Don’t let him. I
told you I used to be a defense attorney and I know what you do in a case like this.”
On rebuttal, the following colloquy ensued: “[PROSECUTOR]: And let me tell
you something else. I was a defense attorney. Now I’m working for the State of
California. I’m doing justice. I’m not getting paid very good money to defend convicted
felons. [¶] [DEFENSE COUNSEL]: Your Honor, I’m going to object to that statement.
[¶] [THE COURT]: It’s noted. Keep in mind, first of all, Ladies and Gentlemen, what
the attorneys say is not evidence. It’s just their view of the case. You can go back to
your view of the case, though, please. [¶] [PROSECUTOR]: Thank you, Your Honor.
I’m just saying that in response to the comment that I’m doing defense now and I used to
be a prosecutor, there’s the contrast. Like the truth hurts Mr. Davidson, but the fact is, I
have no axe to grind in this action. My job is to do justice. Not to win, not to confuse
just one of you so that my client can walk. . . . [¶] I elicited the truth from the witnesses. .
. . He [defendant’s attorney] confused the witnesses, because that’s his job. And I know
you guys noticed this, too. He tried to confuse you right now. Did you hear some of the
stuff that he said? Some of the leaps in logic that he drew in trying to argue to you his
case? [¶] . . . [¶] . . . He’s [defense counsel] being disingenuous right off the bat. Again,
he is a good attorney and he’s doing his job, but he’s doing that and it’s obvious.”
In general, a prosecutor cannot attack defense counsel’s integrity or cast
aspersions on defense counsel. (People v. Hill, supra, 17 Cal.4th at p. 832.) However, “
‘ “ ‘a prosecutor is given wide latitude during argument. The argument may be vigorous
as long as it amounts to fair comment on the evidence, which can include reasonable
inferences, or deductions to be drawn therefrom. [Citations.] . . .’ . . . ‘A prosecutor may
“vigorously argue his case and is not limited to ‘Chesterfieldian politeness’ ” [citation],
20
and he may “use appropriate epithets . . . .” ’ ” ’ ” (Id. at p. 819.) Thus, a prosecutor may
give his or her opinion on the state of the evidence and focus on deficiencies in defense
counsel’s tactics and factual account. (People v. Redd (2010) 48 Cal. 4th 691, 735; see
also People v. Wharton (1991) 53 Cal. 3d 522, 567.)
Contrary to defendant’s claims, we find the challenged statements do not amount
to an improper attack on defense counsel’s character. Rather, the prosecutor was
denigrating defense counsel’s choice of tactics. While his words may have been poorly
chosen, the prosecutor did nothing more than reiterate to the jury that it should not be
confused or swayed by the defense’s arguments, which courts have consistently found to
be appropriate. (See, e.g., People v. Taylor (2001) 26 Cal. 4th 1155, 1166-1167 [finding
no misconduct when prosecutor made comments referring to defense “tricks” or “moves”
to demonstrate a witness’ confusion or credibility]; People v. Goldberg (1984) 161
Cal. App. 3d 170, 190 [no misconduct where prosecutor told jurors that defense counsel
was “ ‘trying to get you confused about what some of the issues are’ ” and was “ ‘trying
to sidetrack you’ ”]; People v. Medina (1995) 11 Cal. 4th 694, 759 [comments that “ ‘any
experienced defense attorney can twist a little, poke a little, try to draw some speculation’
” was not a personal attack on defense attorney’s credibility and was not misconduct].)
We also find the prosecutor did not commit misconduct when he asserted defense
counsel was being “disingenuous” during rebuttal. Typically, statements where the
prosecutor “characterized defense counsel as ‘liars’ or accused counsel of lying to the
jury” are impermissible. (People v. Young (2005) 34 Cal. 4th 1149, 1193.) However, if
the prosecutor’s statements were a response to a statement made by defense counsel, we
must “view the prosecutor’s comment in relation to the remarks of defense counsel, and
inquire whether the former constitutes a fair response to the latter.” (People v. Frye
(1998) 18 Cal. 4th 894, 978, disapproved of on a different ground in People v. Doolin,
supra, 45 Cal.4th at p. 421, fn. 22.)
21
The prosecutor commented that defense counsel was being disingenuous in
response to defense counsel’s earlier statement that he had taken on defendant’s case
because he thought it was fundamentally unfair. Defendant’s counsel had stated that he
had read the charging document and had seen there were three alleged victims.
Defendant’s counsel then explained that although neither side is required to call all
witnesses, he wanted to remind the jury that two of the alleged victims did not testify in
this case. In response, the prosecutor stated defense counsel was being “disingenuous”
for insinuating he knew the prosecution was not going to call all three alleged victims to
testify when he read the charging document. Therefore, the crux of the prosecutor’s
argument was not that defense counsel was lying or fabricating evidence but was that
defense counsel lacked evidentiary support for his earlier assertion. Reading this
statement in context, it was a fair comment on defense counsel’s statements and was not
misconduct.
Disparagement of Defense Bar
Defendant also contends the prosecutor made persistent unfavorable
generalizations about the defense bar. We find the prosecutor may have arguably
committed misconduct based on his statements.
In this case, during closing argument the prosecutor commented: “My job as the
Deputy District Attorney is to do justice; to seek the truth and do what’s right. [¶] . . . I
want what’s right because that’s my job. That’s my obligation. [¶] The defense are here--
[defense counsel], I’m not going to take anything away from him. He’s [defense counsel]
a fine attorney. He did a good job. But the truth is, his job is to do the best he can to
make sure that his client is not convicted.” The prosecutor also made comments about
how his job was to help the witness think straight, not to confuse the witness or to
confuse the jury. Defendant claims that the clear insinuation from these statements was
22
that defense attorneys in general lie, distort the facts, and camouflage the truth to confuse
the jury.
Defendant relies on People v. Hawthorne (1992) 4 Cal. 4th 43. In Hawthorne, our
Supreme Court determined the prosecutor committed misconduct when she impugned the
integrity of defense counsel by insinuating that “law enforcement has an obligation to
ascertain ‘the true facts surrounding the commission of the crime’ [citation], which
defense counsel do not.” (Id. at p. 59.) The trial court overruled the defense’s objections
to the statement. Our Supreme Court concluded that the trial court should not have
“sanctioned the prosecutor’s comments,” because “[t]he closing statements of counsel
should relate to the law and the facts of the case as each side interprets them.” (Id. at p.
60.)
We find Bell, supra, 49 Cal. 3d 502 instructive. In Bell, the prosecutor stated:
“ ‘It’s a very common thing to expect the defense to focus on areas which tend to confuse.
That is--and that’s all right, because that’s [defense counsel’s] job. If you’re confused
and you’re sidetracked, then you won’t be able to bring in a verdict.’ He also said: ‘It’s
his job to throw sand in your eyes, and he does a good job of it, but bear in mind at all
times, and consider what [defense counsel has] said, that it’s his job to get his man off.
He wants to confuse you.’ ” (Id. at p. 538.) The court concluded that “[h]ere the
prosecutor acknowledged that defense counsel’s comments were proper and that he was
just doing his job. His remarks could be understood as a reminder to the jury that it
should not be distracted from the relevant evidence and inferences that might properly
and logically be drawn therefrom. Nonetheless, to the extent that the remarks might be
understood to suggest that counsel was obligated or permitted to present a defense
dishonestly, the argument was improper. (See former Rules Prof. Conduct, rule 7-105 [a
member of the State Bar ‘shall not seek to mislead the . . . jury by an artifice or false
statement of fact or law.’].)” (Ibid.)
23
Like Bell, the prosecutor’s statements can be interpreted as a reminder to the jury
not to be persuaded by defense tactics and the defense evidence. However, the
statements were improper to the extent the jury may have understood them as asserting
that defense attorneys in general are allowed to lie and distort the facts. Whether any
misconduct occurred is arguable. Nonetheless, even where there was misconduct we
would conclude it was harmless. (People v. Medina (1990) 51 Cal. 3d 870, 896.) As we
will explain later, there was no prejudicial effect on defendant’s trial.
Mischaracterization of the Voir Dire Process
Next, defendant claims the prosecutor committed misconduct when he improperly
characterized the voir dire process. During closing argument, the prosecutor stated: “But
if you also remember, I chose you. [¶] When we go to the end, [defense counsel] had no
choices left but to accept you guys because he didn’t have any more chances to say, I
want to get rid of you. I did. The judge said, You have one challenge left. And I said,
No, this is the jury I want because this is the jury that’s going to do justice in this case. [¶]
This is the jury who’s going to listen to the facts, listen to the law and is not going to be
confused or misled.”
These statements were not improper considering their context. They were not an
impermissible appeal to the self-interest, passions, or prejudices of the jury. Rather, the
statements served as a reminder to the jury of their duty to examine the evidence, listen to
the facts, and apply the law as instructed.
Furthermore, even if we construe the statements as defendant argues we should--
that the prosecutor improperly insinuated he “chose” the jury over the defense’s
objections--there would be no prejudice. It is evident that all the jurors were present
during the voir dire process and would be able to recall that both the prosecutor and
defense counsel exercised their respective rights to challenge prospective jurors.
Additionally, the jury was instructed multiple times by the court that the attorney’s
24
arguments were not evidence. We presume the jury understood these instructions and
were able to distinguish evidence from argument in this case. (People v. Fauber (1992) 2
Cal. 4th 792, 823.)
Defendant’s Testimony
Defendant argues the prosecutor improperly argued the only reason he testified
was because he was guilty. During closing argument, the prosecutor stated: “And then
we heard from [defense counsel, who talked] about how [defendant] valiantly took the
stand despite the fact that we were going to hear about his convictions. That’s not about
being valiant; it’s being desperate. He said it himself. He could have sat back and not
taken the stand. He could have decided at that instant, The People are done; they didn’t
do enough. I’m not taking the stand. [¶] Do you know why he took the stand? Because
he knows he’s guilty and he knew you people already knew it. So he took the big risk--
the risk, remember that. Why would he take a big risk? Because he’s guilty and he
wants to put one over. Got nothing to lose. Give it a shot. No one else is going to stand
up and say, I wasn’t here. I’ve got to do it.”
Defendant contends the prosecutor’s argument improperly commented on his
exercise of his constitutional right to testify, relying on Griffin v. California (1965) 380
U.S. 609, 612-614. However, Griffin addresses the constitutional right not to incriminate
oneself and prohibits only a prosecutor’s argument that invites or allows a jury to infer
guilt from a defendant’s refusal to testify on his or her own behalf. (Ibid.) Here, we are
dealing with the opposite scenario: the prosecutor’s statement inferring guilt based on
the defendant’s testimony.
We question the prosecutor’s choice of words, but his statement was not
misconduct. The prosecutor was merely asserting that given the weight of the evidence
against defendant, any choice not to testify on his own behalf would have been tactically
ill-advised. With respect to argument, a “prosecutor is given wide latitude to vigorously
25
argue his or her case and to make fair comment upon the evidence, including reasonable
inferences or deductions that may be drawn from the evidence.” (People v. Ledesma
(2006) 39 Cal. 4th 641, 726.) Furthermore, a “ ‘prosecutor is permitted to urge, in
colorful terms, that defense witnesses are not entitled to credence, . . . [and] to argue on
the basis of inference from the evidence that a defense is fabricated . . . .’ ” (People v.
Tafoya (2007) 42 Cal. 4th 147, 182.) The prosecutor’s statement was a commentary on
the state of the evidence, which included defendant’s testimony on his own behalf. This
did not violate Griffin v. California, supra, 380 U.S. at pages 612 through 614.
Failure to Produce Witnesses
Defendant claims misconduct occurred when the prosecutor commented on his
failure to produce alibi witnesses. During his rebuttal argument, the prosecutor stated:
“Why didn’t someone come from [defendant’s] work and say he was working? Why
didn’t the people who lived in the front of the house come in here and say his truck was
parked right there in front of the house and he was in the house? Why not? Because it’s
not true.”
It is well settled that “[c]omment on the failure to call a logical witness is proper.”
(Bell, supra, 49 Cal.3d at p. 539.) However, defendant insists the prosecutor erred when
he explained why potential defense witnesses did not testify, citing to People v. Gaines
(1997) 54 Cal. App. 4th 821, 822, 825 (Gaines).
In Gaines, the appellate court concluded it was misconduct when a prosecutor
made statements about why a witness did not testify. The court held that “[a]lthough ‘a
prosecutor may argue to a jury that a defendant has not brought forth evidence to
corroborate an essential part of his defensive story’ [citation], the comments here were
not so limited.” (Gaines, supra, 54 Cal.App.4th at p. 825.) There, the prosecutor argued
the missing witness was going to testify contrary to what the defendant had testified, the
defense had somehow managed to get the witness “ ‘out of here,’ ” and the People had
26
attempted to get the witness on the stand after it was clear the defense was not going to
call the witness to the stand. (Ibid.) The court reasoned that “to say only that the
prosecutor got ahead of his evidence is far too benign. The prosecutor was in plain effect
presenting a condensed version of what he was telling the jury would have been [the
witness’] testimony. When this tactic is achieved in the guise of closing argument, the
defendant is denied Sixth Amendment rights to confrontation and cross-examination.”
(Ibid.)
Here, the prosecutor argued that defendant’s neighbors, coworkers, or employers
were all logical witnesses that could have supported his alibi. The implication in the
prosecutor’s statements--that the witnesses were not called because they would not have
aided his defense--is readily inferred whenever a prosecutor comments on a defendant’s
failure to produce a logical witness. In fact, Gaines provides direct support for a
prosecutor’s ability to comment on the unavailability of witnesses or evidence by noting
that “ ‘a prosecutor may argue to a jury that a defendant has not brought forth evidence to
corroborate an essential part of his defensive story.’ ” (Gaines, supra, 54 Cal.App.4th at
p. 825.) Unlike the flagrant misconduct in Gaines, the prosecutor did not state or imply
absent witnesses would have testified as to a particular fact and did not provide a
condensed version of what he believed the testimonies of those witnesses, if called,
would have been. Therefore, no misconduct occurred.
Bat as a Deadly Weapon
Lastly, defendant argues the prosecutor committed misconduct when he stated:
“No one’s questioning that the baseball bat was a deadly weapon in this case.” The
prosecutor revisited the issue a short while later, explaining: “And as I said, with respect
to the deadly weapon, there’s really no dispute that the bat was a deadly weapon. But to
clarify, if it’s a deadly weapon, you can have an actual deadly weapon, gun or knife,
27
which we don’t have in this case, but something inherently dangerous if it’s used a
certain way. The bat, the way it was used in this case is a deadly weapon.”
Defendant argues the People improperly misstated the law and shifted the burden
of proof by asserting that a bat is an inherently deadly weapon. We disagree. The
prosecutor was merely pointing to the fact that defendant had not disputed whether the
bat was used as a deadly weapon during the trial. Indeed, defendant did not present
evidence that the bat was not used as a deadly weapon; his defense was that he was not
the one who committed the assault. Accordingly, we reject defendant’s claim of
misconduct on this ground.
Reversibility
We conclude the prosecutor may have committed arguable misconduct when he
implied that defense counsel’s job was to confuse the facts and mislead the jury, while
the prosecutor’s role is to elicit the truth. However, we are not persuaded that this limited
incident of arguable misconduct warrants reversal of the jury’s verdict.
The statements challenged by defendant on appeal constitute only a fraction of the
prosecutor’s closing argument. Additionally, the jury was specifically instructed by the
court that the attorneys’ arguments were not evidence and that they were not to be
swayed by public opinion or public feeling. “The presumptions that jurors understand
and follow their instructions [citation] and do not draw the most damaging inferences
from ambiguous arguments [citation] minimize our concern that the instant jury’s verdict
was influenced by a misapplication of the prosecutor’s remarks.” (People v. Shazier
(2014) 60 Cal. 4th 109, 150-151.)
We also disagree with defendant’s assertion that there was a pattern of misconduct
so egregious that it infected the trial with a fundamental unfairness. The limited instance
of arguable misconduct does not give rise to a constitutional violation on the state or
federal level. No reversible error appears.
28
Accordingly, we also conclude that defendant’s trial counsel did not render
ineffective assistance for his failure to object to the alleged incidents of misconduct.
Defendant has failed to demonstrate he was prejudiced by his counsel’s alleged failures.
(Strickland v. Washington, supra, 466 U.S. at p. 697.)
5. Cumulative Error
Defendant argues cumulative error due to the court’s failure to instruct on the
lesser included offenses of misdemeanor child abuse and simple assault and the alleged
incidents of prosecutorial misconduct require reversal of his convictions for counts 1, 2,
and 3. Since we find no instructional error and no reversible prosecutorial misconduct,
we reject defendant’s claim of cumulative error. (People v. Stitely (2005) 35 Cal. 4th 514,
560.) “A defendant is entitled to a fair trial, not a perfect one.” (People v. Mincey (1992)
2 Cal. 4th 408, 454.)
6. Unauthorized Sentence for Misdemeanor Vandalism (Count 6)
Defendant was convicted of misdemeanor vandalism in count 6. The trial court
sentenced him to a term of 25 years to life plus 13 years for this conviction. Defendant
argues this sentence is unauthorized, because the Three Strikes law does not apply if the
current offense is a misdemeanor (see §§ 667, subd. (b), 1170.12, subd. (a); People v.
Trausch (1995) 36 Cal. App. 4th 1239, 1245), and the maximum sentence for a
misdemeanor conviction of vandalism is one year in county jail (§ 594, subd. (b)(2)(A)).
Furthermore, enhancements for prior serious felony convictions and prior prison terms
are inapplicable to misdemeanors. (§§ 667, subd. (a), 667.5, subd. (b).)
The People concede that defendant’s sentence of 25 years plus 13 years for his
conviction of misdemeanor vandalism is statutorily unauthorized, and we agree. We
therefore remand the matter to the trial court for resentencing on this count.
29
7. Dual Convictions and Sentences for Aggravated Assault (Counts 2 and 3)
Defendant was found guilty of aggravated assault on Amber V. in counts 2 and 3:
assault with a deadly weapon in violation of former section 245, subdivision (a)(1) (count
2) and assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury in violation of former
section 245, subdivision (a)(1) (count 3). Defendant argues these dual convictions are
unauthorized and violate the constitutional prohibition against double jeopardy. He also
claims his trial counsel rendered ineffective assistance for failing to object to the
convictions. The People agree that defendant’s two convictions for aggravated assault
against Amber V. are unauthorized and urge us to vacate the conviction and sentence on
count 3. We accept the People’s concession.
Section 954 provides in pertinent part: “An accusatory pleading may charge two
or more different offenses connected together in their commission, or different statements
of the same offense . . . . [t]he prosecution is not required to elect between the different
offenses or counts set forth in the accusatory pleading.” The People can obtain multiple
convictions based on a single criminal act or an indivisible course of conduct if the
charges allege separate offenses that are not lesser or greater included offenses. (People
v. Benavides (2005) 35 Cal. 4th 69, 97.)
However, a defendant cannot be convicted of multiple offenses based on different
legal theories of the same crime. In People v. Craig (1941) 17 Cal. 2d 453, 454-455, the
court held one conviction of rape was proper because there was evidence of only a single
act of sexual intercourse with a minor. People v. Coyle (2009) 178 Cal. App. 4th 209, 211,
217-218, held that only one conviction of murder was permissible because there was one
killing, even though the jury returned guilty verdicts on two counts of felony murder and
one count of second degree murder. Courts have also concluded that only a single
conviction can be sustained when there was merely one act alleged that violated multiple
30
subdivisions of the same criminal statute. (See People v. Muhammad (2007) 157
Cal. App. 4th 484, 486, 494; People v. Ryan (2006) 138 Cal. App. 4th 360, 369.)
Here, the prosecution only alleged a single incident of assault against Amber V.,
which occurred when defendant hit the bat against Valdez’s car window. Therefore,
defendant’s two convictions on two alternate theories of aggravated assault are
unauthorized. Accordingly, we vacate defendant’s conviction and sentence for count 3,
assault by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury in violation of section 245,
subdivision (a)(1).8
8. Sentence for Misdemeanor Vandalism (Count 7) Violated Section 654
Defendant argues the court violated section 654 when it did not stay his sentence
for misdemeanor vandalism of Valdez’s car (count 7). He argues the offense arose out of
the same physical act as his conviction for child abuse.9
Section 654 provides in pertinent part: “(a) An act or omission that is punishable
in different ways by different provisions of law shall be punished under the provision that
provides for the longest potential term of imprisonment, but in no case shall the act or
omission be punished under more than one provision. . . .”
8
Typically, courts reverse the less serious conviction. (See, e.g., People v. Moran
(1970) 1 Cal. 3d 755, 763.) Defendant and the People agree that his conviction for count
3, assault with the intent to produce great bodily injury, is less serious that his conviction
on count 2, assault with a deadly weapon, because assault with a deadly weapon is a
serious felony (§ 1192.7, subd. (c)(31)), while assault with the intent to produce great
bodily injury is not necessarily a serious felony.
Because we reverse the conviction on count 3, we need not address defendant’s
claims regarding the constitutional prohibition on double jeopardy and ineffective
assistance of counsel.
9
The trial court had stayed the sentences for counts 2 and 3 (aggravated assault of
Amber V.) under section 654 after concluding the offenses arose out of the same physical
acts as count 1 (child abuse of Amber V.). However, the court imposed a term of one
year in county jail for his conviction of misdemeanor vandalism of Valdez’s car (count
7), to run concurrently with his aggregate prison terms in counts 1 and 6.
31
Section 654 applies when there is a single criminal act or omission from which a
defendant suffers multiple punishments. (People v. Jones (2012) 54 Cal. 4th 350, 358
(Jones).) “[I]t is well settled that section 654 applies not only where there was but one
act in the ordinary sense, but also where there was a course of conduct which violated
more than one statute but nevertheless constituted an indivisible transaction. [Citation.]
Whether a course of conduct is indivisible depends upon the intent and objective of the
actor.” (People v. Perez (1979) 23 Cal. 3d 545, 551.) If all the offenses were incident to
one objective, the defendant may not be punished more than once, e.g., a defendant who
attempts murder by setting fire to the victim’s bedroom cannot be punished for both arson
and attempted murder, because his primary objective was to kill, and the arson was the
means of accomplishing that objective and thus merely incidental to it. (Ibid.) The
purpose of the protection against multiple punishments is to ensure the defendant’s
punishment will be commensurate with his criminal culpability. (Id. at p. 552, fn. 4.)
Whether a defendant’s crimes involved multiple objectives is generally a factual
question for the sentencing court, and we will uphold a court’s express or implied
determination on this matter if it is supported by substantial evidence. (People v.
Coleman (1989) 48 Cal. 3d 112, 162.)
Here the vandalism and child abuse crimes were committed contemporaneously.10
The evidence at trial established that defendant hit Valdez’s car once when he smashed
the passenger window where Amber V. was sitting. Therefore, defendant committed
10
The People argue that defendant committed two separate acts: (1) assaulting
Amber V. by swinging the bat towards her and (2) vandalizing Valdez’s car by breaking
the window. We find this characterization of the offense unavailing. All evidence points
to one act, not two. There is nothing to indicate there was any temporal pause between
the defendant swinging the bat toward Amber V. and defendant breaking the window.
Therefore, we are unconvinced that defendant’s act of shattering the car window actually
constituted two separate acts.
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felony child abuse at the same time he vandalized Valdez’s car. A single act can only be
punished once even if a defendant harbors separate intents. (Jones, supra, 54 Cal.4th at
p. 358.) Accordingly, the sentence for his misdemeanor vandalism conviction in count 7
must be stayed.
Furthermore, even if we were to find that the child abuse and vandalism were
separate acts, multiple punishments would only be proper if sufficient evidence supported
the trial court’s implied finding that they were committed with separate intents and
objectives. There is nothing in the record to support the inference of separate intents with
respect to the vandalism and child abuse counts. Indeed, it seems clear there was only an
intent to harm Amber V. Amber V. testified at trial that before defendant swung the bat,
he made eye contact with her and threatened her. He then swung the bat at the window
where she was sitting. No other evidence was introduced to show defendant harbored a
separate intent to vandalize the car. Accordingly, defendant’s sentence for misdemeanor
vandalism (count 7) must be stayed.
9. Fines and Fees
Defendant argues the court erred in calculating his restitution fine (§ 1202.4, subd.
(b)) and parole revocation fine (§ 1202.45), because it erroneously considered stayed
counts in its calculation. He also insists the court should not have imposed a parole
revocation fine for his misdemeanor vandalism conviction (count 6). He further contends
his trial counsel was ineffective for failing to object to the fines. For the reasons set forth
below, we conclude it is necessary to remand the matter to the trial court for a
recalculation of the fines.
Section 1202.4, subdivision (b) provides, in pertinent part, that a restitution fine
must be imposed “[i]n every case where a person is convicted of a crime.” Imposition of
a restitution fine is mandatory unless the sentencing court “finds compelling and
extraordinary reasons for not doing so and states those reasons on the record.” (Ibid.) In
33
every case where a court imposes a restitution fine under section 1202.4, subdivision (b),
imposition of a parole revocation fine in the same amount is also mandatory when a
defendant is subject to a period of parole. (§ 1202.45.) Furthermore, in every case where
a court imposes a restitution fine under section 1202.4, subdivision (b), and a defendant is
subject to a period of probation, a court must impose a probation revocation restitution
fine in the same amount. (§ 1202.44.)
Here, the trial court orally ordered the following restitution fines and parole
revocation fines: “There would be a restitution fine of two hundred dollars for Count 1,
6, four hundred dollars total, with an additional parole revocation of four hundred dollars,
a portion equally in the same manner as the restitution fine. . . . The Counts 2 and 3,
those which I have stayed, there would be a two hundred dollar restitution fee for each of
those, and a parole revocation restitution fine of two hundred dollars for each . . . .”
The court also orally imposed an $80 ($40 for each count) court operations
assessment fee under section 1465.8 for count 1 (child abuse) and count 6 (misdemeanor
vandalism). It also imposed a $60 ($30 for each count) criminal conviction assessment
under Government Code section 70373 for count 1 and count 6. It further imposed a
“criminal conviction assessment of thirty-four each” and “security fee of forty-four each”
for defendant’s convictions for aggravated assault in counts 2 and 3.
The criminal conviction assessment and “security fee” for counts 2 and 3 are not
reflected in the abstract of judgment. Additionally, although the court orally imposed
restitution fines totaling $800 and a matching parole revocation fine of $800 during
sentencing, the abstract of judgment reflects only a restitution fine of $400 and a
matching parole revocation fine of $400. When there is a discrepancy between the oral
pronouncement of a sentence and the minute order or the abstract of judgment, the oral
pronouncement governs. (People v. Mitchell (2001) 26 Cal. 4th 181, 185.) Therefore, the
fines and fees listed in the abstract of judgment are not controlling.
34
There are several issues with the fines and fees imposed by the trial court in
defendant’s case. We address each of the problems below and determine the most
appropriate remedy is to direct the trial court to reconsider the amount of fines to be
imposed on remand.
Stayed Conviction
First, it appears the trial court erroneously considered defendant’s stayed
conviction for count 2, assault with a deadly weapon, for purposes of calculating the
restitution fine under section 1202.4, subdivision (b) and the parole revocation fine under
section 1202.45.
The People contend defendant has forfeited this argument, because he failed to
object at the sentencing hearing. However, defendant’s failure to object does not
constitute forfeiture of the section 654 issue, because “[i]t is well settled . . . that the court
acts ‘in excess of its jurisdiction’ and imposes an ‘unauthorized’ sentence when it
erroneously stays or fails to stay execution of a sentence under section 654.” (People v.
Scott (1994) 9 Cal. 4th 331, 354, fn. 17.)11
Furthermore, defendant also challenges the restitution fine and parole revocation
fine on the ground of ineffective assistance of counsel. In order to prevail, defendant
must show that counsel’s performance fell below a standard of reasonable competence
and he was prejudiced by the deficient performance. (Strickland v. Washington, supra,
466 U.S. at pp. 687-688.)
As this court held in Le, “a restitution fine calculated under the formula provided
by section 1202.4, subdivision (b)(2), constitutes a criminal penalty . . . .” (People v. Le
(2006) 136 Cal. App. 4th 925, 933 (Le).) Therefore, “the section 654 ban on multiple
punishments is violated when the trial court considers a felony conviction for which the
11
Since we conclude defendant has not forfeited this argument, we need not
address his argument that his trial counsel was ineffective for failing to object.
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sentence should have been stayed pursuant to section 654 as part of the court’s
calculation of the restitution fine under the formula provided by section 1202.4,
subdivision (b)(2).” (Id. at p. 934.) Although here the court did not use the discretionary
formula under section 1202.4, subdivision (b)(2), it expressly stated it was relying on
defendant’s stayed convictions in its calculation of his restitution fine. The court erred in
this regard. (See People v. Sencion (2012) 211 Cal. App. 4th 480, 483; Le, supra, at pp.
932-933.)
Accordingly, we conclude defendant’s counsel’s failure to object was prejudicial,
as had he objected there was a reasonable probability the court would have reduced the
amount of the fines. On remand, the trial court will be directed not to consider stayed
counts in its calculation of defendant’s restitution fine and parole revocation fine.
Vacated Conviction
Furthermore, the court considered defendant’s conviction for count 3, assault by
means likely to produce great bodily injury, for purposes of calculating the restitution and
parole revocation fines. We vacated defendant’s conviction for count 3 in a previous
portion of this opinion. Therefore, the court should not consider this conviction when
calculating any restitution fines, probation revocation fines, or other fees. Accordingly,
we also strike the security fee and criminal conviction assessment imposed on this
conviction.
Misdemeanor Vandalism
Lastly, the court imposed a $200 parole revocation fine for defendant’s conviction
of misdemeanor vandalism (count 6). Defendant is not subject to a period of parole for
this misdemeanor. The People concede that a parole revocation fine should not be
imposed for this count.
However, simply striking the parole revocation fee attributed to defendant’s count
of misdemeanor vandalism (count 6) would result in a restitution fine and a parole
36
revocation fine that are not equal to each other. Section 1202.45 requires that the parole
revocation fine be the same amount as the restitution fine imposed under section 1202.4,
subdivision (b).
Indeed, the Third Appellate District considered a similar situation in People v.
Holmes (2007) 153 Cal. App. 4th 539 (Holmes). In Holmes, the trial court imposed a $400
restitution fine and a $400 parole revocation fine for Holmes’ felony conviction. (Id. at p.
546.) The trial court also imposed a $100 restitution fine and a $100 probation
revocation restitution fine for Holmes’ misdemeanor conviction. (Ibid.) On appeal, the
People argued the imposition of two restitution fines in one proceeding constituted an
unauthorized sentence. The appellate court found no error, noting that the trial court
“could not impose a restitution fine in the amount of $500 to cover both the felony and
the misdemeanor because the parole or probation revocation restitution fine had to be in
the same amount.” (Id. at pp. 547-548.) Therefore, the appellate court held the trial court
did not err in imposing separate restitution fines for the defendant’s felony and
misdemeanor convictions. (Id. at p. 548.)
As in Holmes, defendant was convicted of both felonies and misdemeanors.
Therefore, on remand the trial court should recalculate the applicable restitution (§
1202.4, subd. (b)) and parole revocation fine (§ 1202.45). The court should impose a
separate restitution fine (§ 1202.4, subd. (b)) for defendant’s misdemeanor conviction for
count 6.12 (Holmes, supra, 153 Cal.App.4th at pp. 547-548.) Because defendant was not
granted probation for his misdemeanor conviction for count 6, a probation revocation fine
(§ 1202.44) should not be imposed. Furthermore, because defendant is not subject to a
12
Typically, it is error for a court to impose separate restitution fines and parole
revocation fines as to each count. (See People v. Sencion, supra, 211 Cal.App.4th at pp.
482-483.) A court may only impose one restitution fine per case under section 1202.4,
subdivision (b)(1), and one parole revocation restitution fine under section 1202.45.
(People v. Sencion, supra, at pp. 482-483.)
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period of parole for his misdemeanor conviction, a parole revocation fine (§ 1202.45)
should not be imposed for that count.
Summary
Based on the number of errors with the fines and fees imposed in defendant’s case,
we find it appropriate to remand the issue to the trial court for reconsideration. On
remand, the trial court is directed to recalculate the restitution fine and parole revocation
fine in light of our vacating of defendant’s aggravated assault conviction for count 3 and
the staying of his aggravated assault conviction for count 2. The trial court should
impose a separate restitution fine for defendant’s misdemeanor conviction for count 6 as
articulated in Holmes, supra, 153 Cal. App. 4th 539. No parole revocation fine should be
imposed for his misdemeanor conviction. We strike the security fee and criminal
conviction assessment imposed for defendant’s conviction for count 3.
10. Presentence Credit
Lastly, defendant argues the trial court erred when it calculated his presentence
credit by erroneously applying the Three Strikes law’s 20-percent postsentence credit
limitation. (§§ 667, subd. (c)(5), 1170.12, subd. (a)(5).) The People concede this issue,
and we find the concession appropriate.
Defendant was given 81 days of presentence credit based on 405 actual days in
custody. Defendant’s presentence credit was calculated by multiplying his 405 actual
days by 20 percent, which resulted in 81 days. However, the 20 percent limitation on
credit under the Three Strikes law is inapplicable to presentence credit. Therefore, the
court erred when it only awarded him 81 days conduct credit, because his conduct credit
should have been calculated under section 4019, the statute that governs presentence
conduct credit. (People v. Thomas (1999) 21 Cal. 4th 1122, 1130; People v. Philpot
(2004) 122 Cal. App. 4th 893, 907.)
38
Defendant’s offenses were committed in February 2010. At that time, former
section 4019 allowed certain defendants to accrue conduct credit at the rate of two days
for every two days actual custody. (People v. Brown (2012) 54 Cal. 4th 314, 318, fn. 5.)
Defendants who were required to register as a sex offender, were committed for a serious
felony, or had a prior conviction for a serious or violent felony, were excluded from the
increased conduct credit calculation of two days for every two days actual custody. (Ibid.)
Instead, these defendants would earn conduct credit at a rate of two days for every four
actual days custody. (Stats. 2009-2010, 3d Ex. Sess., 2009-2010, ch. 28, § 50, eff. Jan.
25, 2010.)
One of defendant’s present convictions (assault with a deadly weapon, former §
245, subd. (a)(1)) is for a serious felony (§ 1192.7, subd. (c)(31)). Two allegations of
prior serious felony convictions were also sustained for first degree burglary (§ 459) and
dissuading a witness (§ 136.1, subd. (c)(1)). Therefore, defendant was not eligible to
earn conduct credit at the increased rate of two days for every two days of actual custody.
However, he was entitled to earn two days conduct credit for every four days of actual
custody under the applicable version of section 4019. (See Stats. 2009-2010, 3d Ex.
Sess., 2009-1010, ch. 28, § 50, eff. Jan. 25, 2010.) Accordingly, defendant must be
awarded a total of 202 days of conduct credit for his 405 days of actual custody.
DISPOSITION
The judgment is reversed.
On remand, the trial court is directed to resentence defendant for his conviction for
misdemeanor vandalism (Pen. Code, § 594, subd. (a)(1); count 6) for a term not to exceed
the statutory maximum of one year in county jail.
Defendant’s conviction for assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury
in violation of Penal Code section 245, subdivision (a)(1) (count 3) is vacated.
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The trial court is directed to stay defendant’s sentence for misdemeanor vandalism
(count 7) pursuant to Penal Code section 654.
The trial court is directed to reconsider defendant’s restitution fine (Pen. Code, §
1202.4, subd. (b)) and parole revocation fine (Pen. Code, § 1202.45) in light of the stay of
sentence for count 2 and our vacating of count 3. The trial court may impose a separate
restitution fine for defendant’s misdemeanor conviction for count 6 as articulated in
People v. Holmes (2007) 153 Cal. App. 4th 539. Because defendant was not granted
probation for his misdemeanor conviction for count 6, a probation revocation fine (Pen.
Code, § 1202.44) should not be imposed. Additionally, because defendant is not subject
to a period of parole for his misdemeanor conviction a parole revocation fine (Pen. Code,
§ 1202.45) should not be imposed. The security fee and criminal conviction assessment
imposed for count 3 are stricken.
Defendant is awarded a total of 202 days conduct credit.
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Premo, J.
WE CONCUR:
Rushing, P.J.
Elia, J.