In re B.B. CA5 ( 2013 )

Filed 11/7/13 In re B.B. CA5
NOT TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE OFFICIAL REPORTS
California Rules of Court, rule 8.1115(a), prohibits courts and parties from citing or relying on opinions not certified for
publication or ordered published, except as specified by rule 8.1115(b). This opinion has not been certified for publication
or ordered published for purposes of rule 8.1115.
IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
FIFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
In re B.B., a Person Coming Under the Juvenile
Court Law.
THE PEOPLE, F065556
Plaintiff and Respondent, (Kern Super. Ct. No. JW127061-00)
v.
ORDER MODIFYING OPINION
B.B., AND DENYING PETITION FOR
REHEARING
Defendant and Appellant. [NO CHANGE IN JUDGMENT]
THE COURT:
It is ordered that the opinion filed herein on October 11, 2013, be modified in the
following particulars:
1. On page 9, the first paragraph beginning “The record reflects” is deleted.
2. On page 15, the second full paragraph beginning “The record further
undermines” is deleted and the following paragraph inserted in its place:
The record further undermines appellant’s claim that he signed the
waiver and admitted the allegations because he was promised his
immediate release. At the evidentiary hearing on his motion to withdraw,
appellant admitted he signed the waiver and verbally admitted the
allegations in court, which occurred on August 12, 2011. However, he
claimed he only made those admissions because his attorney promised he
would be released from juvenile hall if he waived his rights, he did not read
the waiver form, and he signed the form because he wanted to be released
from juvenile hall. Appellant was not immediately released from custody
after he signed the waiver form and made the admissions on August 12,
2011. Even though he remained in custody pending the DEJ evaluation, he
did not immediately move to withdraw his waiver and admissions, or claim
he was supposed to be released after he signed the waiver and admitted the
allegations at the August 12, 2011, hearing.
There is no change in the judgment. Appellant’s petition for rehearing is denied.
_____________________
DETJEN, J.
WE CONCUR:
_____________________
LEVY, A.P.J.
_____________________
KANE, J.
2.
Filed 10/11/13 (unmodified version)
NOT TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE OFFICIAL REPORTS
California Rules of Court, rule 8.1115(a), prohibits courts and parties from citing or relying on opinions not certified for
publication or ordered published, except as specified by rule 8.1115(b). This opinion has not been certified for publication
or ordered published for purposes of rule 8.1115.
IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
FIFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
In re B.B., a Person Coming Under the Juvenile
Court Law.
THE PEOPLE, F065556
Plaintiff and Respondent, (Kern Super. Ct. No. JW127061-00)
v.
OPINION
B.B.,
Defendant and Appellant.
THE COURT*
APPEAL from a judgment of the Superior Court of Kern County. Jon E. Stuebbe,
Judge.
Linda K. Harvie, under appointment by the Court of Appeal, for Defendant and
Appellant.
Kamala D. Harris, Attorney General, Dane R. Gillette, Chief Assistant Attorney
General, Michael P. Farrell, Assistant Attorney General, Julie A. Hokans and Robert
Gezi, Deputy Attorneys General, for Plaintiff and Respondent.
* Before Levy, Acting P.J., Kane, J. and Detjen, J.
-ooOoo-
INTRODUCTION
Appellant B.B. admitted multiple allegations in a juvenile wardship petition (Welf.
& Inst. Code, § 602, subd. (a)). He was found eligible and suitable for Deferred Entry of
Judgment (DEJ) and placed in the program subject to specific terms and conditions of
probation. One year later, he was found in violation of the terms of DEJ. At that time,
appellant moved to withdraw his admissions to the original petition and claimed his
admissions were involuntary, and he was never advised by his attorney or the court as to
how he could violate the terms of DEJ. The court denied his motion.
On appeal, appellant argues the court should have granted his motion to withdraw
his original admissions because his admissions were not knowing and voluntary, and he
was never advised about the nature and circumstances of the DEJ program. Appellant
also argues the court failed to find a factual basis for his admissions, and the court abused
its discretion when it found two of the offenses were felonies and not misdemeanors. We
affirm.
FACTS1
On July 28, 2011, officers from the Bakersfield Police Department responded to a
burglary dispatch. A witness reported she saw three suspects in the backyard of a
residence, and they were breaking a window. There was damage to the residence’s door
and windows. Another witness contacted the officers and pointed out the three suspects,
who were still in the area.
The police detained appellant, D.W., a documented member of the Westside Crips,
and D.P., a documented member of the Country Boy Crips. The officers found a loaded
firearm in close proximity to where the three suspects were detained. Appellant was
wearing a hat with the letter “W” on it. An officer reported the hat was significant
1 Given appellant’s admissions, the following facts are from the probation report.
2.
because it represented the Westside Crips. The attempted burglary occurred within the
traditional boundaries of the Westside Crips.
PROCEDURAL HISTORY
On August 1, 2011, a juvenile wardship petition was filed in the Superior Court of
Kern County which alleged appellant, who was 16 years old, committed count I,
attempted residential burglary (Pen. Code,2 §§ 664/460, subd. (a)); count II, carrying a
loaded firearm (§ 12031, subd. (a)(2)(F)); count III, active participation in a criminal
street gang (§ 186.22, subd. (a)); and count IV, misdemeanor vandalism (§ 594, subd.
(b)(2)(A)). Appellant was in custody in juvenile hall.
Determination of DEJ Eligibility
The appellate record contains a copy of Form JV-750, “Determination of
Eligibility, Deferred Entry of Judgment—Juvenile.” There is no file stamp to indicate
when Form JV-750 was filed. The form reflects the prosecutor determined appellant was
eligible for DEJ. The following preprinted boxes were checked: he was 14 years of age
or older; he was alleged to have committed at least one felony; there was no allegation he
committed an offense described in Welfare and Institutions Code section 707, subdivision
(b); he had not previously been declared a ward of the court based on the commission of
a felony; he had never been committed to the California Youth Authority; he had
successfully completed a previous informal probation; and his probation had never been
revoked.
At the bottom of Form JV-750, there is a checkbox to indicate whether Form JV-
751, “Citation and Written Notification for Deferred Entry of Judgment—Juvenile” was
attached. This box was not checked.
Even though that box was not checked, the record also contains Form JV-751,
“Citation and Written Notification for Deferred Entry of Judgment—Juvenile.” This
2 All further statutory references are to the Penal Code unless otherwise indicated.
3.
document was filed on August 1, 2011. It provides notice to appellant and his parent or
guardian of the hearing date. It also contains the lengthy, preprinted notification about
the nature of and circumstances of the DEJ program, what type of probation conditions
could be imposed, and the circumstances under which the juvenile could be found in
violation of probation and DEJ.
The instant record does not contain proofs of service for either Form JV-750, on
appellant’s eligibility for DEJ; or Form JV-751, the notice of hearing and notification of
the DEJ’s terms and conditions, to indicate whether one or both of these forms were
served on appellant, his parent or guardian, or his attorney. As we will explain, however,
the record shows that appellant, his parent, and his attorney were well aware that
appellant had been found eligible for DEJ.
On August 2, 2011, appellant appeared for the detention hearing with his father
and his attorney. He denied the allegations, and the court ordered appellant to remain in
juvenile hall.
The Waiver of Rights Form
On August 12, 2011, an “Advisal and Waiver of Rights” Form was filed which
was initialed and signed by appellant. It stated that he would admit all four allegations in
the petition; his attorney had explained his constitutional rights to him; he understood his
constitutional rights; he knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily waived each of those
rights “in order to make the admissions and to take advantage of any promises made to
me”; and he had not been promised anything to waive his rights “[o]ther than receiving
D.E.J. acceptance.” Appellant initialed each statement.
Appellant also initialed the following advisement:
“I understand what I am accused of doing and what the charge(s) are in the
count(s) I am admitting. I understand what might happen to me based on
my admission(s), including the possibility of probation, commitment to
Juvenile Hall, Avenues to Change …, commitment to Camp Erwin Owen
…, commitment to Kern Crossroads Facility …, or the Department of
Corrections and Rehabilitation Division of Juvenile Justice .…”
4.
Appellant initialed the advisement that he had talked to his attorney about the
charges, his rights, possible defenses, and possible sentences, and the maximum term of
confinement was four years four months.
Appellant’s attorney signed the form and declared he explained each provision and
was satisfied appellant understood. He further declared that he joined in appellant’s
waiver and he stipulated “to a factual basis for each admission.”
Appellant’s Admissions
Also on August 12, 2011, appellant appeared in court with his brother and his
attorney. Appellant’s attorney stated appellant’s father had previously been present but
had to leave because of health issues.
The court reviewed the waiver of rights form, showed it to appellant, and asked if
he initialed each line himself. Appellant said yes. The court stated that appellant’s
initials indicated he understood his rights, and asked him if that was true. Appellant said
yes. The court asked appellant if he signed the form himself, and understood he was
signing a waiver of rights form, and he said yes.
The court asked appellant if anyone made any promises to get him to sign the
form, other than the DEJ referral. Appellant said no. Appellant’s attorney clarified:
“[T]hat waiver and admission is conditioned upon his being accepted into
the deferred entry of judgment program. And he reserves the right to
withdraw that waiver in the event he’s not found suitable and admitted.”
The court acknowledged appellant had only been referred to DEJ and not yet
found suitable, and asked appellant if that was correct. Appellant said yes. The court
asked appellant if he was waiving his rights of his own free will, and appellant said yes.
The court asked appellant’s attorney if he stipulated to a factual basis for
appellant’s admissions to all of the allegations. Appellant’s attorney said yes,
“conditioned upon his being accepted” into DEJ.
The court advised appellant of the allegations in the juvenile petition, and
appellant admitted all four allegations. The court again asked appellant if anyone
5.
promised any special favors to him in exchange for his admissions, “other than what’s
been stated as far as DEJ is concerned,” and appellant said no.
The court found appellant knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily waived his
rights and entered his admissions, and there was a factual basis for the admissions.
Appellant’s attorney asked the court to release appellant from custody to a suitable
relative. The court declined to do so. It ordered appellant to remain in custody and set
the dispositional hearing.
Probation Report
On August 26, 2011, the probation report was filed, which contained a summary
of the facts regarding the criminal allegations, as set forth in the factual statement above.
The report stated that appellant had requested DEJ based on his admissions to the
allegations in the petition, he was eligible and suitable for DEJ, and recommended certain
terms and conditions of probation. The report stated appellant lived with one of his two
brothers. Appellant and his father had a good relationship, but the father was unable to
care for appellant because of health problems.
In the course of the report, the probation officer stated that appellant had been
extensively interviewed about his substance abuse issues, his attendance problems at
school, his expressed motivation to change his behavior, and that he knew it was
important for him to succeed in the DEJ program.
“The minor appears to know what he needs to do in order to be successful
and complete the Deferred Entry of Judgment program; however, he is
going to have to look beyond his current situation and live up to his whole
potential. The minor was informed if [he] fails Deferred Entry of
Judgment, a commitment program may be recommended.” (Italics added.)
Dispositional Hearing
On August 26, 2011, the court conducted the dispositional hearing. Appellant was
present with his brother, his father, and his attorney.
The court read the probation report and noted appellant admitted the allegations so
he could be considered for DEJ. The court advised the parties that appellant had been
6.
found eligible and suitable for the DEJ program. The court asked appellant’s attorney if
there was any reason not to proceed. Appellant’s attorney replied:
“I continue to believe that the application for [DEJ] is appropriate, and I
think that [appellant], given the appropriate support, will be successful in
the program. I think he has the substance that it is going to take to
complete the program. He’ll have this case dismissed in relatively short
order. [¶] His father is adamantly opposed to [appellant] taking the
deferred entry of judgment. [Appellant] … having discussed this matter
with me, was initially confused with regard to whether he wanted to take
the deferred entry of judgment or not. And I told him that it was his
decision. I was clear that I was not trying to compel him to do anything or
shove something down his throat that he did not want to do. He vacillated
as to what he wanted to do and/or not to do. And I believe at this point it’s
his decision to proceed with the deferred entry of judgment disposition. [¶]
So that being the case, I don’t see a reason not to proceed.” (Italics added.)
The court advised appellant that it did not care whether or not his case went to a
hearing or he went into the DEJ program. The court explained that the “upside” of DEJ
was that he would get out of custody, and the charges would be dismissed and eliminated
from his record if he followed the court’s orders.
“[THE COURT]: Down side, of course, is if you cannot follow the terms
and conditions, then you got this record later on, and then you get locked
up because you violated the terms of your probation. That’s the down side.
“On the other hand, if you say, ‘I do not want to do that deferred entry of
judgment. I want to go to trial,’ you stay in custody and who knows what
will happen at the trial, who knows whether you’re guilty, who knows
whether you’re not guilty. I have no idea how that’s going to turn out. If
you’re not guilty, the day you’re found not guilty, you go home. The day
you’re found guilty, you stay in custody for awhile.
“Again, it doesn’t make a difference to me what you choose to do, but it’s
your choice, ultimately.
“Do you want to go with the deferred entry of judgment program, or do you
want to have your case go to trial?
7.
“[APPELLANT]: I’ll go way.” 3 (Italics added.)
Thereafter, the court found appellant eligible for DEJ pursuant to Welfare and
Institutions Code section 790, placed him on probation, and released him to the custody
of his father and/or his brother. The court imposed several terms and conditions,
including the completion of 80 hours in the juvenile court work program and to work as
assigned; attend and satisfactorily complete Blanton Academy, obey all rules and
regulations, and immediately enroll; not to possess or use any weapons; not to possess,
use, or consume any illegal drugs or intoxicants; and attend school regularly and obey all
school rules.
At the conclusion of the hearing, the court advised appellant:
“[Y]ou know the things you’ve got to do: 80 hours in the work program;
can’t be in possession of dope, stolen property, or weapons; got to go to
school; got to obey the law. You do all that, a year from now, none of this
happened.” (Italics added.)
Neither appellant nor his attorney objected to the court’s DEJ orders.
The record reflects that appellant was not immediately released from custody on
the day of the dispositional hearing and spent a few more days in juvenile hall.
PROBATION VIOLATION
On April 6, 2012, the Kern County Probation Department filed a memorandum
that appellant violated the terms of the DEJ program (Welf. & Inst. Code, § 793) as
follows: he tested positive for marijuana in September 2011 and January 2012; he failed
to complete the juvenile work program; he failed to attend school regularly, and he was
3 Appellant concedes that his response amounted to his acceptance of DEJ.
Appellant does not argue that his response was equivocal or constituted a refusal of DEJ.
Appellant believes the truncated nature of his response is a result of a typographical error
in the reporter’s transcript. As we will discuss in sections I and II, post, appellant instead
contends that he only accepted DEJ because he believed he would be immediately
released from juvenile hall, and he was never advised how he could violate the terms and
conditions of DEJ.
8.
dropped from Blanton Academy because he failed to comply with attendance
requirements.
On April 13, 2012, appellant denied the allegations.
On April 30, 2012, the court convened a hearing regarding appellant’s possible
exclusion from the DEJ program. Appellant failed to appear and a bench warrant was
issued.
MOTION TO WITHDRAW
On May 3, 2012, the bench warrant was returned, and appellant appeared in court
with his father. Appellant orally moved to withdraw his original admissions to the four
counts, as entered on August 12, 2011.
On May 9, 2012, appellant’s attorney filed a written motion for appellant to
withdraw his admissions to the original petition. The motion asserted that at the August
26, 2011, dispositional hearing, appellant did not thoroughly understand the
circumstances or consequences of his admissions, and “the significance of what may be
and was a minor violation of the terms of the [DEJ] program.” The motion also asserted
that appellant “apparently” was not allowed to speak to his father, “who vehemently”
opposed his entry into DEJ.
On May 14, 2012, the prosecution filed opposition, and asserted appellant’s
motion should be denied because he signed the written plea form, and the court fully
advised him of his constitutional rights.
Continued Hearing
On May 15, 2012, the court released appellant to his father’s custody on “no
slack” terms, that he was limited to going between his home and school. On June 7,
2012, the court lifted the no slack terms. On July 11, 2012, the probation department
filed a report that appellant repeatedly left his home without permission, failed to attend
school, and his whereabouts were unknown.
9.
The Court’s Hearing on Appellant’s Motion
On July 11, 2012, the court conducted an evidentiary hearing on appellant’s
motion to withdraw and his alleged violation of DEJ. Appellant testified that he initially
denied all the charges, but his attorney “kept trying to coerce me to take DEJ” and
appellant “didn’t understand it.” Appellant did not understand that he was giving up his
constitutional rights to present a defense and call witnesses. His attorney promised he
would get out of juvenile hall if he waived his rights.
Appellant testified he did not read any of the language on the waiver of rights
form, he knew his father did not want him to accept DEJ, but he signed the form anyway
because he wanted to be released from juvenile hall. On cross-examination, appellant
admitted he initialed each part of the waiver form and signed the document, but insisted
he did not read anything and just signed his name so he could be released from juvenile
hall.
The Court’s Denial of the Motion to Withdraw
After appellant testified, the prosecutor argued he failed to meet his burden to
withdraw his admissions. The prosecutor noted that appellant’s release from juvenile hall
was part of the bargain in exchange for his admissions.
Appellant’s attorney argued appellant did not understand the ramifications of
waiving his rights and admitting the allegations, and he only signed the advisement form
so he could get out of juvenile hall.
The court denied appellant’s motion and found he failed to carry his burden of
proof to withdraw his admissions.
“I do note that he didn’t get out on the day he made the admission. He had
to wait for the DEJ suitability report, which was from the 8th to the 26th [of
August 2011]. And on the date he made the admission, the record doesn’t
reflect that his father was here. The record reflects his brother was here.
His father wasn’t here until the disposition, the deferred entry of judgment
10.
disposition date, so the testimony is inherently unbelievable.” (Italics
added.)4
The Probation Violation
The court then conducted an evidentiary hearing on appellant’s alleged probation
violations. Robert Espinosa, appellant’s probation officer, testified he met with appellant
both before and after he entered his admissions and was placed in the DEJ program.
Espinosa testified that on August 15, 2011, he explained the terms and conditions of DEJ
to appellant, consistent with his practices of informing minors about DEJ.
“Every time I talk to a minor about deferred entry of judgment, I pretty
much tell them you pretty much have to be perfect for that one full year.
You know, you can’t make any mistakes. You can’t do anything. If you do,
all of the charges are going to come up against you at your review hearing.
[¶] … [¶] … I tell them what, most likely, my recommendations will be.
You know, obey your parents, attend school regularly, obey all school
rules. If you have drug orders, you will be randomly drug tested. You
cannot test dirty for anything. If he’s going to go to Blanton Academy, he
has to successfully complete Blanton Academy. I told him the
ramifications, if you will, or what the possible other dispositions or options
that you were to face if you were to fail DEJ.” (Italics added.)
Espinosa testified appellant was advised that he was subject to drug testing orders;
had to complete 80 hours in the juvenile court work program; enroll in and successfully
complete Blanton Academy; and enroll in and attend school. Appellant tested positive
for marijuana in September 2011 and January 2012; failed to regularly attend school;
failed to perform the required hours in the work program; and he was dropped from
Blanton Academy for failing to attend.
4 The court’s statements about the presence of appellant’s father are not accurate.
The record reflects that on August 12, 2011, the day that appellant entered his waivers
and admissions, appellant’s attorney stated that appellant’s father had previously been
present but had to leave before the hearing began because of health issues. As we will
explain, however, this discrepancy does not alter the correctness of the court’s denial of
appellant’s motion to withdraw.
11.
The Court’s Orders
The court found appellant had failed DEJ and excluded him from the program.
On July 23, 2012, the court concluded the dispositional hearing; set aside the prior
probation orders; and adjudged appellant a ward of the court. The court set appellant’s
maximum confinement time at four years eight months, and found that counts II and III
in the original petition were felonies. The court committed appellant to Camp Erwin
Owen.
DISCUSSION
I. Denial of Appellant’s Motion to Withdraw
Appellant contends the court should have granted his motion to withdraw.
Appellant asserts his admissions were not knowing, intelligent, and voluntary because he
just wanted to get out of custody. Appellant also asserts he was criminally
unsophisticated; the court’s advisements were incomplete; he entered the plea against his
father’s wishes; and his attorney did not explain the nature and consequences of his plea.
We will review the standard of review for a motion to withdraw an admission in a
juvenile case.
A. Motion to Withdraw
“Penal Code section 1018, which governs the standards for withdrawal of a plea in
criminal cases, is not expressly applicable to admissions in juvenile court, and it does not
have a statutory counterpart in delinquency proceedings. However, the principles that
underlie the statute have been imported into delinquency proceedings in other respects.
[Citations.]” (In re Matthew N. (2013) 216 Cal.App.4th 1412, 1420, italics in original.)5
These principles include the following. Guilty pleas and admissions may be
withdrawn before judgment and for good cause shown. (§ 1018; People v. Superior
5Under Welfare and Institutions Code section 775, juvenile courts “routinely
entertain motions to withdraw admissions.” (People v. Mortera (1993) 14 Cal.App.4th
861, 865.)
12.
Court of San Francisco (Giron) (1974) 11 Cal.3d 793, 796.) “Mistake, ignorance or any
other factor overcoming the exercise of free judgment is good cause for withdrawal of a
guilty plea. [Citations.]” (People v. Cruz (1974) 12 Cal.3d 562, 566.) The moving party
has the burden to produce evidence of good cause by clear and convincing evidence.
(People v. Wharton (1991) 53 Cal.3d 522, 585.)
“[S]ection 1018 … requires liberal construction of its provisions to promote
justice. However, the promotion of justice includes a consideration of the rights of the
prosecution, which is entitled not to have a guilty plea withdrawn without good cause.
[Citation.]” (People v. Hightower (1990) 224 Cal.App.3d 923, 928.) “Guilty pleas
resulting from a bargain should not be set aside lightly and finality of proceedings should
be encouraged. [Citations.]” (People v. Hunt (1985) 174 Cal.App.3d 95, 103.)
The withdrawal of a plea or admission rests in the sound discretion of the trial
court, and will not be disturbed on appeal unless an abuse of discretion is clearly
demonstrated. The reviewing court must adopt the trial court’s factual findings if
supported by substantial evidence. (People v. Wharton, supra, 53 Cal.3d at p. 585;
People v. Fairbank (1997) 16 Cal.4th 1223, 1254.)
B. Analysis
The court did not abuse its discretion when it denied appellant’s motion to
withdraw based on whether he was properly advised of and waived his constitutional
rights. As set forth in the procedural history, ante, appellant initialed and signed each
line in the formal written advisement and waiver of rights. At the hearing, the court
carefully reviewed the advisement form and repeatedly asked appellant if he initialed and
signed the document, whether he understood his rights and that he was waiving his rights,
and whether any promises had been made to induce his waivers and admissions. In
response to each question, appellant responded that he understood and waived his rights,
and no promises had been made to him.
13.
On appeal, in order to defeat the impact of his written and verbal waivers and
admissions, appellant acknowledges that he signed the form, responded to the court’s
advisements, and admitted the allegations. However, he insists that his “free and clear
judgment” was overcome because the court promised that he would be immediately
released from custody once he entered his admissions and agreed to DEJ.
The procedural history refutes this assertion. Appellant waived his rights and
entered his admissions during the August 12, 2011, hearing. Appellant acknowledged
that he was entering his admissions based on his eligibility for DEJ, and conditioned on
the determination of whether he was found suitable for DEJ. Neither the court nor his
attorney made any statements that he was going to be immediately released upon
admitting the allegations in the petition.
At the August 26, 2011, dispositional hearing, the court advised appellant that he
was eligible for DEJ. Appellant’s attorney explained that appellant’s father was opposed
to DEJ, but that appellant had decided to accept the terms and conditions and enter the
program. The court asked appellant whether he wanted to accept DEJ, and appellant said
yes.
During this exchange, the court addressed appellant’s custodial status, and
explained the “upside” of DEJ was that he would get out of custody, and the charges
would be dismissed and eliminated from his record if he followed the court’s orders. But
the court also advised appellant about the “[d]own side” of DEJ, that if he failed to
“follow the terms and conditions, then you get this record later on, and then you get
locked up because you violated the terms of your probation. That’s the down side.” The
court also advised him that he would remain in custody if he decided that he wanted a
trial on the allegations. (Italics added.)
The entirety of the exchange demonstrates that the court did not induce appellant
to admit the allegations on August 12, 2011, or accept DEJ on August 26, 2011, based on
any promises of leniency or the immediate release from custody. The court advised
14.
appellant that while he would be released, he had to comply with the terms and
conditions of DEJ or he would “get locked up” for violating probation. As we will
discuss in section II, post, the court specifically advised appellant about those terms and
conditions.
The record further undermines appellant’s claim that he agreed to DEJ because he
was promised his immediate release. As the court later noted, appellant was not
immediately released from custody after the court found he was suitable and he agreed to
DEJ on August 26, 2011. Even though he remained in custody, he did not move to
withdraw his admissions based on the allegation that he was supposed to be immediately
released after the August 26, 2011, hearing.
Appellant also complains that he did not receive any benefits from his admissions
since he admitted all the allegations in the petition. To the contrary, appellant received
the benefit of the DEJ program—that the entirety of the petition would be dismissed and
his record cleared if he complied with the terms and conditions. As we will discuss in
section II, post, the terms and conditions were not particularly onerous in this case.
Finally, appellant argues his attorney was prejudicially ineffective for failing to
“properly investigate” his motion to withdraw. Appellant asserts that if his attorney had
conducted a proper investigation, “he would have learned [that appellant] was correct in
testifying that he immediately agreed to the DEJ program when the court promised
release from custody. Such a promise amounted to good cause for the motion to have
been granted.”
Appellant’s ineffective assistance claim is meritless in light of the record. At the
probation violation hearing, appellant’s attorney verbally advised the court that appellant
wanted to withdraw his admissions. His attorney filed an extensive written motion to
withdraw, he requested and obtained an evidentiary hearing, appellant testified at that
hearing that he only agreed to DEJ because he thought he would get out of custody, and
15.
his attorney relied on that testimony to argue that the motion to withdraw should be
granted. Appellant’s attorney was not ineffective based on the record before this court.
II. Motion to Withdraw Based on DEJ Advisements
We next turn to appellant’s contention that his motion to withdraw should have
been granted because he never received the proper advisements about the DEJ program,
the terms and conditions, and what conduct would result in violation of DEJ. Appellant
asserts he was never advised about “what [he] must do or—more importantly—what he
must not do if he wanted to complete the DEJ program,” and he did not understand “the
consequences of what was essentially a minor violation of the terms of the DEJ
program.”
A. DEJ Advisements
We begin with the requirements for the DEJ program. The determination of
whether to grant DEJ requires consideration of “two distinct essential elements of the
[DEJ] program,” which are “eligibility” and “suitability.” (In re Sergio R. (2003) 106
Cal.App.4th 597, 607, fn. 10, italics in original; Welf. & Inst. Code, § 790, subds. (a)(1)-
(6).)
The prosecuting attorney has the duty to assess a minor’s eligibility for DEJ: “The
prosecuting attorney shall review his or her file to determine whether [the eligibility
requirements set forth above] apply.” (Welf. & Inst. Code, § 790, subd. (b), italics added;
Cal. Rules of Court,6 rule 5.800(b).)
If the minor is found eligible for DEJ, the prosecuting attorney “shall file a
declaration in writing with the court or state for the record the grounds upon which the
determination is based, and shall make this information available to the minor and his or
her attorney.” (Welf. & Inst. Code, § 790, subd. (b), italics added.) Upon finding the
minor eligible, the prosecuting attorney “must file” a form entitled “Determination of
6 All further references to rules are to the California Rules of Court.
16.
Eligibility-Deferred Entry of Judgment-Juvenile (form JV-750),” at the time that the
section 602 wardship petition is filed. (Rule 5.800(b), first italics added.)
If the prosecutor determines the minor is eligible for DEJ, the prosecutor must
serve “written notification to the minor” of his or her eligibility. This notification may be
provided in Form JV-751, entitled “Citation and Written Notification for Deferred Entry
of Judgment—Juvenile.” (See, e.g., In re C.W. (2012) 208 Cal.App.4th 654, 659-661
(C.W.); Welf. & Inst. Code, §§ 790, 791) This notice “shall also include” notice of the
hearing, “ ‘[a] full description of the procedures for deferred entry of judgment’ [citation]
and ‘[a] clear statement that, in lieu of jurisdictional and disposition hearings, the court
may grant a deferred entry of judgment with respect to any offense charged in the
petition, provided that the minor admits each allegation contained in the petition and
waives time for the pronouncement of judgment’ [citation].” (C.W., supra, 208
Cal.App.4th at p. 660; § 791, subds. (a)(1)-(a)(3), italics added.)
By comparison, “[i]f it is determined that the child is ineligible for deferred entry
of judgment, the prosecuting attorney must complete and provide to the court, the child,
and the child’s attorney” the form JV-750, so stating. (Rule 5.800(e), italics added.)
Once the minor’s eligibility is established, the juvenile court has the discretion to
determine if the minor is suitable for DEJ after consideration of certain statutory factors.
(In re Usef S. (2008) 160 Cal.App.4th 276, 283-284 (Usef S.); In re Luis B. (2006) 142
Cal.App.4th 1117, 1123 (Luis B.).)
However, the juvenile court is not required to conduct a suitability hearing if the
prosecutor determines the minor is eligible for DEJ, and the minor receives the requisite
notice of his or her eligibility, but he or she nevertheless denies the allegations of the
petition and requests a contested hearing. (In re Kenneth J. (2008) 158 Cal.App.4th 973,
976-980 (Kenneth J.); Usef S., supra, 160 Cal.App.4th at pp. 281-283.) In such
circumstances, the minor’s denial of the allegations and insistence on a contested hearing
17.
are “tantamount to a rejection of DEJ.” (Kenneth J., supra, 158 Cal.App.4th at p. 980;
Usef S., supra, 160 Cal.App.4th at p. 286, fn. 3.)
B. Analysis
The instant record reflects the prosecutor completed and filed Form No. JV-750,
and determined appellant was eligible for DEJ. The prosecutor also completed and filed
Form No. JV-751, written notification as to DEJ. The instant record does not contain
proofs of service for either document.
This case, however, does not involve a situation where the prosecutor found the
minor eligible for DEJ and failed to comply with the notice requirements, so that the
minor denied the petition and requested a hearing without realizing that such conduct
effectively waived his right to DEJ. (See, e.g., C.W., supra, 208 Cal.App.4th at pp. 660-
662.) Nor does it involve the situation where the minor denied the petition and requested
a hearing, while the prosecutor completely failed to determine the minor’s eligibility, in
the absence of any argument that the minor was ineligible. (See, e.g., Luis B., supra, 142
Cal.App.4th at pp. 1121-1123.) Instead, the record reflects that all relevant parties were
well aware that appellant was eligible for DEJ before he entered his admissions, he
entered his admissions on condition that he would be found suitable for DEJ, he was
advised of his suitability for DEJ, and he agreed to the terms and conditions of the DEJ
program.
Appellant complains that he was forced to accept DEJ against the wishes of his
father. His arguments on this point are inconsistent. First, the record indicates that at the
August 12, 2011, hearing, his father was initially present but then had to leave the
courtroom because of health problems before appellant admitted the allegations. At the
dispositional hearing of August 26, 2011, appellant’s attorney stated that his father was
present and against appellant’s acceptance of DEJ, but neither appellant nor his attorney
explained the reason for his father’s opposition.
18.
Appellant’s motion to withdraw his admissions asserted that he “apparently” was
not allowed to speak to his father, “who vehemently” opposed his entry into DEJ. At the
evidentiary hearing, however, appellant testified he knew his father did not want him to
accept DEJ, but again claimed he agreed just to be released from custody. In any event,
appellant did not testify that he was not allowed to speak to his father, or offer any details
about the reasons for his father’s opposition to DEJ.
Next, appellant asserts he was never advised about the nature of the terms and
conditions of his DEJ probation, what he had to do to comply with the program, or how
he could violate the terms and conditions. This argument is again refuted by the entirety
of the record. Appellant was repeatedly advised by the court and his probation officer
about the terms and conditions of DEJ, that he had to comply with those terms and
conditions, and he would be returned to custody if he violated those terms and conditions.
Indeed, the terms and conditions of appellant’s DEJ program were simple and
straightforward: the completion of 80 hours in the juvenile court work program and to
work as assigned; attend and satisfactorily complete Blanton Academy, obey all rules and
regulations, and immediately enroll; not to possess or use any weapons; not to possess,
use, or consume any illegal drugs or intoxicants; and attend school regularly and obey all
school rules. The court advised him that if he could not follow those terms and
conditions, “then you get this record later on, and then you get locked up because you
violated the terms of your program.” At the conclusion of the dispositional hearing, the
court reiterated these points:
“[Y]ou know the things you’ve got to do: 80 hours in the work program;
can’t be in possession of dope, stolen property, or weapons; got to go to
school; got to obey the law. You do all that, a year from now, none of this
happened.” (Italics added)
At the hearing on his probation violation, his probation officer testified he met
with appellant before he entered the DEJ program, explained the terms and conditions,
and also explained that he “pretty much [had] to be perfect” for one full year to comply
19.
with DEJ. “You know, obey your parents, attend school regularly, obey all school rules.
If you have drug orders, you will be randomly drug tested. You cannot test dirty for
anything. If he’s going to go to Blanton Academy, he has to successfully complete
Blanton Academy. I told him the ramifications, if you will, or what the possible other
dispositions or options that you were to face if you were to fail DEJ.” (Italics added)
Appellant violated probation because he tested positive for marijuana in
September 2011 and January 2012; he failed to complete the juvenile work program; he
failed to attend school regularly, and he was dropped from Blanton Academy because he
failed to comply with attendance requirements. These violations were hardly “minor,”
they did not involve grey areas or unexplained consequences of his probation conditions,
and instead reflect his failure to comply with the most basic requirements of his
probation.
The entirety of the record thus indicates appellant was fully advised of his
eligibility and suitability for DEJ, the terms and conditions of his continuation in the DEJ
program, what he had to do to successfully complete probation, and what conduct would
result in violating probation and DEJ.
III. Determination of the Factual Basis for Appellant’s Admissions
Appellant next contends his admissions are invalid because the court failed to find
a factual basis for the four counts alleged in the juvenile petition. Appellant concedes his
attorney stipulated to a factual basis, but asserts the court was required to conduct an
independent review of the record to determine if there was a factual basis for each
allegation. Appellant further asserts the court’s failure to conduct an independent review
was prejudicial because there was no factual basis for any of the allegations in the
petition.
A. Factual Basis
Rule 5.778(f)(6) (formerly rule 1487(f)(6)) provides that when a minor admits or
enters a no contest plea to the allegations in a juvenile petition, the court must make a
20.
finding that there is a factual basis for the admission or plea. This procedural is
analogous to the factual basis requirement in adult criminal pleas, as set forth in section
1192.5.
“[T]he trial court must garner information regarding the factual basis either from
the defendant or defense counsel. If the trial court examines the defendant regarding the
factual basis for the plea, the court may have the defendant describe the conduct that gave
rise to the charge [citation], or may question the defendant regarding the detailed factual
basis described in the complaint or written plea agreement. [Citation.] If the trial court
inquires of defense counsel regarding the factual basis, counsel may stipulate to a
particular document that provides an adequate factual basis, such as a complaint, police
report, preliminary hearing transcript, probation report, grand jury transcript, or written
plea agreement.” (People v. Holmes (2004) 32 Cal.4th 432, 442.)
“[A] trial court possesses wide discretion in determining whether a sufficient
factual basis exists for a guilty plea [or admission]. The trial court’s acceptance of the …
plea, after pursuing an inquiry to satisfy itself that there is a factual basis for the plea, will
be reversed only for abuse of discretion. [Citation.] A finding of error under this
standard will qualify as harmless where the contents of the record support a finding of a
factual basis for the … plea. [Citations.]” (People v. Holmes, supra, 32 Cal.4th at p.
443; People v. Wilkerson (1992) 6 Cal.App.4th 1571, 1576.)
For example, in In re Michael B. (1980) 28 Cal.3d 548, the trial court failed to
enter a finding that there was a factual basis for the minor’s admission of forgery
allegations. The California Supreme Court found there was no reasonable likelihood of
prejudice because the probation report set forth the details of the offense, the court read
the charging allegations to the minor at the hearing, and the minor admitted the
allegation. (Id. at p. 556.) “Under the circumstances, the trial court unquestionably
would have found that there was a factual basis for [the minor’s] admission.” (Ibid.)
21.
In People v. Mickens (1995) 38 Cal.App.4th 1557, the attorneys stipulated to a
factual basis for the defendant’s guilty plea. On appeal, however, the defendant argued
the stipulation was insufficient. Mickens concluded any error was harmless because the
probation report “could have supported a factual basis finding.” (Id. at pp. 1564-1565.)
B. Analysis
Appellant’s argument that the court failed to make the appropriate finding for a
factual basis is meritless. Appellant’s attorney stipulated to a factual basis in both the
written advisement and waiver and before the court. The probation report provided an
extensive narrative of facts and circumstances of the allegations in the petition, as
summarized above, and the court later stated it had reviewed that report.
Appellant acknowledges these circumstances, but asserts a juvenile court must
disregard a stipulation from the juvenile’s attorney and conduct an independent review of
the entire record to determine the existence of a factual basis for a juvenile’s admissions.
Appellant’s novel argument is based on an opinion from the Third District, but the
California Supreme Court granted review in that case, and it may not be cited. (In re
Alonzo J., review granted Jan. 23. 2013, S206720.)
In any event, there was no evidence of any tension or disagreement between
appellant and his attorney. While his attorney explained appellant’s initial equivocation
about DEJ, appellant indicated his decision to accept the program. The juvenile court
accepted the stipulation about the factual basis from appellant’s attorney, and later
reviewed the probation report, which set forth the circumstances of the allegations in the
juvenile petition. To the extent the court should have conducted a more extensive
inquiry, any error is harmless given the existence of the probation report’s factual
statement.
22.
IV. Designation of Offenses as Felonies
Appellant’s final issue is that the juvenile court abused its discretion when it found
two counts alleged in the petition, and admitted by appellant, were felonies instead of
misdemeanors.
A. Background
As set forth, ante, appellant admitted the four allegations in the juvenile petition:
count I, attempted residential burglary (§§ 664/460, subd. (a)); count II, carrying a loaded
firearm (§ 12031, subd. (a)(2)(F)); count III, active participation in a criminal street gang
(§ 186.22, subd. (a)); and count IV, misdemeanor vandalism (§ 594, subd. (b)(2)(A)).
(CT 1-4, RT 5-7) The parties agree that counts II and III were “wobbler” offenses, i.e.,
punishable alternatively as felonies or misdemeanors if committed by an adult.
On July 23, 2012, after the court found appellant in violation of DEJ, it adjudged
him a ward of the court, set his maximum confinement time, and committed him to Camp
Erwin Owen. The court stated it had reviewed appellant’s case in “some detail,” and
found that counts II and III were felonies and not misdemeanors.
B. Analysis
Welfare and Institutions Code section 702 provides, in part: “If the minor is found
to have committed an offense which would in the case of an adult be punishable
alternatively as a felony or a misdemeanor, the court shall declare the offense to be a
misdemeanor or felony.” Thus, a decision to treat an offense punishable as either a
misdemeanor or a felony is within the court’s broad discretion. (See § 17, subd. (b).)
Although the juvenile court must declare a wobbler offense as either a misdemeanor or
felony (In re Manzy W. (1997) 14 Cal.4th 1199, 1209), the court need not state its reasons
for making its determination. (In re Jacob M. (1989) 210 Cal.App.3d 1178, 1180-1182.)
On appeal, the burden is on the party attacking the court’s determination of a
wobbler offense “ ‘to clearly show that the sentencing decision was irrational or arbitrary.
[Citation.] In the absence of such a showing, the trial court is presumed to have acted to
23.
achieve legitimate sentencing objectives, and its discretionary determination to impose a
particular sentence will not be set aside on review.’ [Citation.]” (People v. Superior
Court (Alvarez) (1997) 14 Cal.4th 968, 977-978.)
Appellant apparently concedes the court complied with Manzy W., supra, 14
Cal.4th 1199 since it expressly found counts II and III were felonies and not
misdemeanors, and was thus aware of its discretion. However, appellant insists the court
abused its discretion when it made those findings because there was no evidence to
support the two counts. In making this argument, however, appellant solely relies on his
previous assertions addressed in section III, ante, which in turn were based on Alonzo
J.—that the juvenile court was required to independently review the entire record to
determine if there was a factual basis for appellant’s admissions. He does not cite to any
authorities regarding the juvenile court’s duties under Welfare and Institutions Code
section 702. We have already rejected appellant’s Alonzo J. arguments, and similarly
reject appellant’s renewed application of those arguments.
DISPOSITION
The dispositional order is affirmed.
24.