Opinion
No. B180724.
June 27, 2006. [CERTIFIED FOR PARTIAL PUBLICATION]
Pursuant to California Rules of Court, rules 976(b) and 976.1, this opinion is certified for publication with the exception of part III.C.
Appeal from the Superior Court of Los Angeles County, No. BA260835, Paul M. Enright, Temporary Judged.
Pursuant to California Constitution, article VI, section 21.
Murray A. Rosenberg, under appointment by the Court of Appeal, for Defendant and Appellant.
Bill Lockyer, Attorney General, Robert R. Anderson, Chief Assistant Attorney General, Pamela C. Hamanaka, Assistant Attorney General, Robert F. Katz and Robert C. Schneider, Deputy Attorneys General, for Plaintiff and Respondent.
OPINION
I. INTRODUCTION
Defendant, Deric Monroe Mason, appeals from his convictions for carjacking (Pen. Code, § 215, subd. (a)) and firearm possession (§ 12021.1, subd. (a)), as well as the findings of personal firearm use (§ 12022.53, subd. (b)), a principal was armed with a firearm (§ 12022, subd. (a)(1)), and he had previously been convicted of serious felonies on three occasions. (§§ 667, subds. (b)-(i), 1170.12.) In the published portion of this opinion, we conclude: the trial court correctly denied the motion to dismiss the carjacking charge pursuant to section 1387.1, subdivision (a); the trial court should have dismissed the weapons possession charge as required by section 1387, subdivision (a); and there was substantial evidence to support defendant's carjacking conviction.
All further statutory references are to the Penal Code unless otherwise indicated.
II. FACTUAL BACKGROUND
We view the evidence in a light most favorable to the judgment. ( Jackson v. Virginia (1979) 443 U.S. 307, 319 [61 L.Ed.2d 560, 99 S.Ct. 2781]; People v. Osband (1996) 13 Cal.4th 622, 690 [ 55 Cal.Rptr.2d 26, 919 P.2d 640]; Taylor v. Stainer (9th Cir. 1994) 31 F.3d 907, 908-909.) On January 20, 2004, Jackie Long went to a private party at a Hollywood restaurant. At approximately 12:30 a.m., Mr. Long decided to leave. Mr. Long walked to his truck, which was parked on McCadden Street adjacent to the restaurant. Mr. Long got into his truck. Mr. Long put his key in the ignition and closed the door. Immediately thereafter, defendant opened the driver's-side door and said, "Get the fuck over, get the fuck over, get the fuck over." Mr. Long was very frightened and hesitated. Defendant began hitting Mr. Long in the face with an object that was covered in rubber. As Mr. Long moved over in the truck cab, another man appeared. Defendant went around to the passenger side of the truck. The second man got into the driver's seat. Defendant entered the truck cab and began to hit Mr. Long who by now had moved into the middle of the front seat. Mr. Long saw that both individuals had guns. Mr. Long began screaming, "Ya'll can take everything, help, help, help, ya'll can take everything you want." One of the men responded: "Shut the fuck up. Shut the fuck up. Shut the fuck up." Throughout the incident, Mr. Long could see defendant's face. Mr. Long could also see the face of the individual in the driver's seat. The interior light was on throughout the struggle.
The man in the driver's seat, defendant's unidentified accomplice, attempted to start the truck. However, the emergency brake was engaged. The truck moved approximately one foot before it stalled. Mr. Long saw a man on Hollywood Boulevard flag down a police car. The police car made a U-turn and drove down McCadden Street. Mr. Long's two assailants left his truck when the police car approached. The two suspects ran in opposite directions. Mr. Long later identified defendant from two separate photographic lineups on different occasions. Mr. Long also identified the gun used in the carjacking at the police station and at trial.
Los Angeles Police Officer Daniel Pesqueira was flagged down by a citizen on the corner of McCadden Street and Hollywood Boulevard. The citizen told Officer Pesqueira, "something is going down" and pointed toward McCadden Street. Officer Pesqueira made a U-turn and turned onto McCadden Street. Officer Pesqueira saw Mr. Long standing beside a black Ford Explorer. Mr. Long said, "Hey, this guy's trying to jack me." Defendant, who was near the passenger side of the truck, looked toward Officer Pesqueira and ran. Officer Pesqueira followed defendant in the patrol car. Defendant made a throwing motion as he was running up a ramp. Defendant was later found hiding behind a power-grid box. A subsequent search of the area revealed a large silver .44-caliber revolver in the area near the ramp.
Lawrence Toliver was working as a security guard at the Musician's Institute on McCadden Street on January 20, 2004. Shortly after midnight, a student came to the door and said, "I think there's a problem up the street, somebody looks like they're getting mugged in their car." Mr. Toliver walked toward Hollywood Boulevard. Mr. Toliver saw a black truck "shaking and rumbling." The brake lights on the truck went on and off. Mr. Toliver testified, "[I]t looked like somebody was trying to drive off." Mr. Toliver stated, "It lurched forward and then stopped and stalled." Mr. Toliver heard screams of, "Help," coming from the direction of the truck. Thereafter, the doors of the truck were opened and three people jumped out. One of the three ran toward Hollywood Boulevard. The other two ran towards Mr. Toliver. Mr. Toliver then saw a police car approach. One of the two men ran into an alley. The other man ran up a nearby ramp. The man that ran up the ramp was carrying a big silver gun.
III. DISCUSSION A. Defendant's Dismissal Motion 1. Factual and procedural background
Defendant argues the trial court improperly denied his sections 1387, subdivision (a) and 1387.1, subdivision (a) dismissal motion. This case involves two dismissals. The first dismissal occurred on February 19, 2004. The second dismissal occurred on July 9, 2004. When this case was initially scheduled for a preliminary examination on February 19, 2004, the prosecution was unable to proceed because the subpoenas had been sent to the investigating officer only the day before the hearing. But the subpoenas had not been served and the preliminary hearing could not proceed. The case was dismissed pursuant to section 1382, subdivision (a) at that time. The prosecution refiled the felony complaint on February 19, 2004. The preliminary hearing was finally held on March 2, 2004.
The information was filed on March 16, 2004. At the arraignment, the case was set for trial May 5, 2004. On April 20, 2004, defendant's continuance motion was granted. The May 5, 2004 trial date was vacated. The case was set for a pretrial conference on May 5, 2004. On May 5, 2004, the parties forgot that the trial date had been vacated. The trial was continued (although the trial date had previously been vacated) to June 7, 2004. On June 7, 2004, the trial was set for June 21, 2004. On June 21, 2004, the case was continued for trial until June 28, 2004. On June 28, 2004, defense counsel failed to appear. On June 29, 2004, the parties stipulated that the trial be continued to July 7, 2004. Defendant never filed a section 1050, subdivision (a) declaration seeking a continuance prior to any of the foregoing dates.
Deputy District Attorney Martha Zepeda was assigned to the case on July 7, 2004. On July 8, 2004, Ms. Zepeda announced ready for trial. On July 8, 2004, jury selection commenced. On July 9, 2004, Ms. Zepeda notified the court that she was unable to proceed because the victim, Mr. Long, was unavailable to testify. According to Ms. Zepeda: Mr. Long had been cooperative and made himself available through several continuances since he was first subpoenaed in the case; Mr. Long had provided his personal home and cellular telephone numbers as well as that of his grandparents; following a continuance on June 7 to 21, 2004, Mr. Long was contacted by the prosecutor's witness coordinator; and on June 23, 2004, Mr. Long was advised of "the new trailing period" by the witness coordinator. Mr. Long, an actor, had misunderstood that he remained on call to testify and had left the country to work on a film. Mr. Long left the country without notifying the prosecution witness coordinator. Ms. Zepeda's motion for a good cause continuance was denied. The parties stipulated that the case would proceed on the same accusatory pleading pursuant to section 1387.2. Defendant was rearraigned. Defendant did not object to the rulings of July 9, 2004.
On August 19, 2004, defendant filed a motion to dismiss pursuant to sections 1387, subdivision (a) and 1387.1, subdivision (a). The trial court denied the dismissal motion. The trial court found there was excusable neglect present on July 9, 2004, when the case was dismissed because Mr. Long did not appear to testify.
2. The dismissal motion was properly denied as to the carjacking charge a. Applicable law
Section 1387, subdivision (a) provides in pertinent part: "An order terminating an action pursuant to this chapter . . . is a bar to any other prosecution for the same offense if it is a felony . . . and the action has been previously terminated pursuant to this chapter. . . ." This commonly called in felony cases the two dismissal rule. (See Burris v. Superior Court (2005) 34 Cal.4th 1012, 1023 [ 22 Cal.Rptr.3d 876, 103 P.3d 276], People v. Posey (2004) 32 Cal.4th 193, 206-207 [ 8 Cal.Rptr.3d 551, 82 P.3d 755].) However, section 1387.1 provides: "(a) Where an offense is a violent felony, as defined in Section 667.5 and the prosecution has had two prior dismissals, as defined in Section 1387, the people shall be permitted one additional opportunity to refile charges where either of the prior dismissals under Section 1387 were due solely to excusable neglect. In no case shall the additional refiling of charges provided under this section be permitted where the conduct of the prosecution amounted to bad faith, [¶] (b) As used in this section, `excusable neglect' includes, but is not limited to, error on the part of the court, prosecution, law enforcement agency, or witnesses." Section 1387.1 is an exception to the so-called two-dismissal rule. (See Burris v. Superior Court, supra, 34 Cal.4th at p. 1019, fn. 6; People v. Superior Court (Martinez) (1993) 19 Cal.App.4th 738, 743-744 [ 23 Cal.Rptr.2d 733].)
b. Excusable neglect
As to the carjacking count, defendant argues that the court improperly denied his dismissal motion because neither of the two prior dismissals in this case was the result of excusable neglect. In Miller v. Superior Court (2002) 101 Cal.App.4th 728, 741 [ 124 Cal.Rptr.2d 591], our colleagues in the Court of Appeal for the Fourth Appellate District held: "The term `excusable neglect' in 1387.1 is given the same construction in criminal cases as it has been given in civil cases. [Citation.] `"Simply expressed, `[e]xcusable neglect is neglect that might have been the act or omission of a reasonably prudent person under the same or similar circumstances.'" [Citation.]' ( People v. Massey (2000) 79 Cal.App.4th 204, 211 [ 93 Cal.Rptr.2d 890].)" We review the trial court's section 1387.1 excusable neglect finding for an abuse of discretion. ( Miller v. Superior Court, supra, 101 Cal.App.4th at p. 741; see People v. Massey, supra, 79 Cal.App.4th at p. 211 ["section 1387.1 is generally a discretionary determination"].)
The trial court did not abuse its discretion when it ruled that the prosecution's inability to produce Mr. Long for trial on July 9, 2004, was the result of excusable neglect. Mr. Long had cooperated fully with the prosecution up to that point in time. Mr. Long advised the prosecution of his telephone number as well as contact information for his grandparents. Mr. Long kept the witness coordinator aware of his whereabouts through several continuances while defense counsel made successful efforts to delay the trial. The last trial date relayed to Mr. Long was June 21, 2004. Mr. Long was last contacted on June 23, 2004, and advised of the new "trailing period" by a witness coordinator. Apparently, when Mr. Long left the country to work in the filming of a movie, he was unaware of the fact that the trial would commence on July 9, 2004. This is a case with repeated continuances at the request of the defense. Once, the case was continued because defense counsel failed to appear for trial. None of the continuances were preceeded by the filing of a notice of motion to continue. It was through no fault of Ms. Zepeda's that the trial could not commence on that date. Ms. Zepeda had every reason to believe that Mr. Long would make himself available, as he had in the past. The trial court's excusable neglect finding and the ensuing order denying the motion to dismiss the carjacking charge was not an abuse of discretion.
3. The weapons possession charge should have been dismissed
Defendant argues and the Attorney General concedes that the violation of section 12021.1, subdivision (a), possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, was not a violent felony within the meaning of sections 667.5, subdivision (c) and 1387.1, subdivision (a). The July 9, 2004 order was the second dismissal of the firearms possession charge. The firearms possession charge is not a violent felony. Section 1387.1, subdivision (a), which allows for a third filing in the case of excusable neglect, does not apply to a nonviolent felony such as a violation of section 12021.1, subdivision (a). In assessing whether to dismiss, each count is evaluated individually. ( People v. Woods (1993) 12 Cal.App.4th 1139, 1155 [ 15 Cal.Rptr.2d 906]; Dunn v. Superior Court (1984) 159 Cal.App.3d 1110, 1114 [ 206 Cal.Rptr. 242].) The carjacking charge could be pursued after two dismissals, given the excusable neglect provisions of section 1387.1, subdivision (a). But the same is not true of the weapons possession count because it is not a violent felony.
Finally, the stipulated-to July 9, 2004, section 1387.2 termination has the same force and effect of a dismissal for purposes of the section 1387, subdivision (a) two-dismissal rule. There is some confusion because section 1382, subdivision (a) refers to a case that is dismissed. The so-called two-dismissal rule in section 1387, subdivision (a) refers to an order "terminating" a case. As will be noted, so do the stipulation provisions of section 1387.2. For the following reasons, we hold the terms dismissed and terminated are synonymous for purposes of this case.
Section 1387.2 states: "Upon the express consent of both the people and the defendant, in lieu of issuing an order terminating an action the court may proceed on the existing accusatory pleading. For the purposes of Section 1387, the action shall be deemed as having been previously terminated. The defendant shall be rearraigned on the accusatory pleading and a new time period pursuant to Section 859b or 1382 shall commence." (Italics added.) Section 1387.2 is part of chapter 8 of title 10 of part 2 of the Penal Code. Chapter 8 consists of sections 1381 through 1388. Section 1382, subdivision (a) refers to a charge that is dismissed under specified circumstances. As previously noted, section 1387, subdivision (a), commonly referred to as the two-dismissal rule, refers to an order terminating a criminal action. Common sense tells us the "order terminating an action" language in section 1387, subdivision (a) includes a dismissal as specified in section 1382, subdivision (a). (See Robles v. Superior Court (2003) 110 Cal.App.4th 1510, 1514 [ 2 Cal.Rptr.3d 861] [when an action is dismissed pursuant to a § 1387.2 stipulation, there is only one case for purposes of Code Civ. Proc., § 170.6, subd. (a)(3)]; Paredes v. Superior Court (1999) 77 Cal.App.4th 24, 35 [ 91 Cal.Rptr.2d 350] [an action refiled after a § 1382, subd. (a) dismissal is not a continuation of the original case for purposes of Code Civ. Proc., § 170.6, subd. (a)(3)].) The same is true as to the "two prior dismissals" language in section 1387.1, subdivision (a). Further, section 1387.2 expressly states the stipulated-to termination, such as occurred on July 9, 2004, has the same force and effect of an order terminating an action pursuant to section 1387, subdivision (a). For the limited purposes of chapter 8 of title 10 of part 2 of the Penal Code, the concepts of dismissal and termination, in their varying grammatical forms, are synonymous.
Section 1382, subdivision (a) states in part, "The court, unless good cause to the contrary is shown, shall order the action to be dismissed in the following cases. . . ."
Section 1387, subdivision (a) states in part, "An order terminating an action pursuant to this chapter . . . is a bar to any other prosecution for the same offense if it is a felony . . . and the action has been previously terminated pursuant to this chapter. . . ."
Our views are consistent with the limited legislatively promulgated documents prepared in 1992 for section 1387.2. Our colleagues in Division One of this appellate district, while analyzing a Code of Civil Procedure section 170.6, subdivision (a)(3) peremptory disqualification issue, discussed one Legislative committee report: "After noting that, under the usual procedures, `the case must start over if refiled,' the report quotes the California Judges' Association as stating that this bill would `allow for a case not to be dismissed, upon the express consent of both the prosecution and the defense, and go on, but the action considered as a "dismissal" for purposes of the "one-dismissal" rule. This would eliminate delays, rearrest, rebooking, refiling, and relitigation if there had already been hearings. Both sides of the lawsuit gain and the court would eliminate costly duplication of efforts.'" ( Paredes v. Superior Court, supra, 77 Cal.App.4th at p. 36, fn. 8 quoting Assem. Com. on Public Safety, Rep. on Sen. Bill No. 1721 (1991-1992 Reg. Sess.) June 16, 1992; see Robles v. Superior Court, supra, 110 Cal.App.4th at p. 1514.) The Legislative Counsel's Digest for Senate Bill No. 1721 states in part, "[F]or specified purposes, the action shall be deemed as having been previously terminated. . . ." (Legis. Counsel's Dig., Sen. Bill No. 1721 (1991-1992 Reg. Sess.) 4 Stats. 1992, Summary Dig. p. 99.)
For purposes of the section 1387, subdivision (a) two-dismissal rule applicable to nonviolent felonies under specified circumstances, the July 9, 2004, section 1387.2 termination constituted the second dismissal or order terminating an action. Because the weapons charge is a nonviolent felony, the second termination or dismissal order barred further prosecution of that one count. The conviction for violating section 12022.1 subdivision (a) is reversed. Upon issuance of the remittitur, the firearm possession conviction is to be dismissed.
B. Sufficient Asportation for Carjacking
Defendant argues that there was insufficient evidence to support his carjacking conviction. More specifically, defendant argues that there was insufficient evidence of asportation of Mr. Long's truck to satisfy the felonious taking requirement. In reviewing a challenge of the sufficiency of the evidence, we apply the following standard of review: "[We] consider the evidence in a light most favorable to the judgment and presume the existence of every fact the trier could reasonably deduce from the evidence in support of the judgment. The test is whether substantial evidence supports the decision, not whether the evidence proves guilt beyond a reasonable doubt." ( People v. Mincey (1992) 2 Cal.4th 408, 432 [ 6 Cal.Rptr.2d 822, 827 P.2d 388], fn. omitted; People v. Hayes (1990) 52 Cal.3d 577, 631 [ 276 Cal.Rptr. 874, 802 P.2d 376]; People v. Johnson (1980) 26 Cal.3d 557, 576 [ 162 Cal.Rptr. 431, 606 P.2d 738]; see also People v. Smith (2005) 37 Cal.4th 733, 738-739 [ 37 Cal.Rptr.3d 163, 124 P.3d 730]; People v. Gurule (2002) 28 Cal.4th 557, 630 [ 123 Cal.Rptr.2d 345, 51 P.3d 224].) Our sole function is to determine if any rational trier of fact could have found the essential elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. ( Jackson v. Virginia, supra, 443 U.S. at p. 319; People v. Bolin (1998) 18 Cal.4th 297, 331 [75 Cal.Rptr.2d 412, 956 P.2d 374]; People v. Marshall (1997) 15 Cal.4th 1, 34 [ 61 Cal.Rptr.2d 84, 931 P.2d 262]; People v. Ochoa (1993) 6 Cal.4th 1199, 1206 [ 26 Cal.Rptr.2d 23, 864 P.2d 103]; People v. Barnes (1986) 42 Cal.3d 284, 303 [ 228 Cal.Rptr. 228, 721 P.2d 110]; Taylor v. Stainer, supra, 31 F.3d at pp. 908-909.) The standard of review is the same in cases where the prosecution relies primarily on circumstantial evidence. ( People v. Rodriguez (1999) 20 Cal.4th 1, 11 [82 Cal.Rptr.2d 413, 971 P.2d 618]; People v. Stanley (1995) 10 Cal.4th 764, 792 [ 42 Cal.Rptr.2d 543, 897 P.2d 481]; People v. Bloom (1989) 48 Cal.3d 1194, 1208 [ 259 Cal.Rptr. 669, 774 P.2d 698]; People v. Bean (1988) 46 Cal.3d 919, 932 [ 251 Cal.Rptr. 467, 760 P.2d 996].) The California Supreme Court has held, "Reversal on this ground is unwarranted unless it appears `that upon no hypothesis whatever is there sufficient substantial evidence to support [the conviction].'" ( People v. Bolin, supra, 18 Cal.4th at p. 331, quoting People v. Redmond (1969) 71 Cal.2d 745, 755 [ 79 Cal.Rptr. 529, 457 P.2d 321].)
In People v. Lopez (2003) 31 Cal.4th 1051, 1062-1063 [ 6 Cal.Rptr.3d 432, 79 P.3d 548], the California Supreme Court held: "[B]ased on the language of [Penal Code section 215] and its legislative purpose, carjacking adapts and expands specific elements of robbery to address increasing auto theft incidents by perpetrators who may not intend to permanently deprive their victims of possession of their vehicles. . . . Yet the legislative history is silent as to whether the Legislature intended to further distinguish the crime of carjacking from the crime of robbery by eliminating the asportation requirement. In the absence of a contrary intent, we presume that in adopting the phrase, `felonious taking,' from the robbery statute, the Legislature intended that those same words within section 215 be given the same construction." We reached the same conclusion in People v. Vargas (2002) 96 Cal.App.4th 456, 462-463 [ 116 Cal.Rptr.2d 867] where we held, "[I]n order for the completed offense of carjacking to occur, there must be a felonious taking of the motor vehicle." In Lopez, the Supreme Court also noted: "`To satisfy the asportation requirement for robbery, "no great movement is required, and it is not necessary that the property be taken out of the physical presence of the victim." [Citations.]'" ( People v. Lopez, supra, 31 Cal.4th at p. 1060, quoting People v. Hill (1998) 17 Cal.4th 800, 852 [ 72 Cal.Rptr.2d 656, 952 P.2d 673].) In order for a "felonious taking" to occur, the property, in this case Mr. Long's truck, must be the subject of "slight" movement. ( People v. Cooper (1991) 53 Cal.3d 1158, 1165 [ 282 Cal.Rptr. 450, 811 P.2d 742]; People v. Vargas, supra, 96 Cal.App.4th at p. 463; People v. Pham (1993) 15 Cal.App.4th 61, 65-67 [ 18 Cal.Rptr.2d 636]; People v. Clark (1945) 70 Cal.App.2d 132, 133 [ 160 P.2d 553]; Witkin Epstein, Cal. Criminal Law (3d ed. 2000) Crimes Against Property, § 93, pp. 123-124.)
In this case, defendant and an unidentified accomplice physically took possession of Mr. Long's truck. During this portion of the incident, Mr. Long remained inside his truck. Defendant continued to beat Mr. Long. While this was transpiring, defendant's accomplice attempted to drive the truck away. When the accomplice started the truck, the parking brake was engaged. According to Mr. Long, the truck lurched forward approximately one foot and stalled. Mr. Toliver testified that the truck was "shaking and rumbling" and its brake lights went on and off. Although slight, this movement of Mr. Long's truck was sufficient on appeal to satisfy the carjacking asportation requirement.
C. Trial Court's Exercise of Discretion Pursuant to Section 1385
See footnote, ante, page 1190.
Defendant argues the trial court abused its discretion in refusing to strike his prior serious felony convictions pursuant to section 1385, subdivision (a). While the trial judge's order is subject to review for abuse of discretion, the California Supreme Court has made clear: "`. . . A court's discretion to strike [or vacate] prior felony conviction allegations [or findings] in furtherance of justice is limited. Its exercise must proceed in strict compliance with [Penal Code] section 1385[, subdivision] (a), and is subject to review for abuse. . . . [¶] "The trial court's power to dismiss an action under [Penal Code section 1385, subdivision (a)], while broad, is by no means absolute. Rather, it is limited by the amorphous concept which requires that the dismissal be `in furtherance of justice.'"'" ( People v. Williams (1998) 17 Cal.4th 148, 158-159, 162, quoting People v. Superior Court (Romero) (1996) 13 Cal.4th 497, 530-531; see also People v. Garcia (1999) 20 Cal.4th 490, 499-500.) In Romero, the Supreme Court noted that a trial court abuses its discretion if it strikes a sentencing allegation merely on the basis of the effect on defendant: ". . . Nor would a court act properly if `guided solely by a personal antipathy for the effect that the three strikes law would have on [a] defendant,' while ignoring `defendant's background,' `the nature of his present offenses,' and other `individualized considerations.' [Citation.]" ( People v. Superior Court (Romero), supra, 13 Cal.4th at p. 531.) The Supreme Court further clarified the standard for reviewing a ruling on whether to strike a prior serious felony conviction: "[T]he court in question must consider whether, in light of the nature and circumstances of his present felonies and prior serious and/or violent felony convictions, and the particulars of his background, character, and prospects, the defendant may be deemed outside the scheme's spirit, in whole or in part, and hence should be treated as though he had not previously been convicted of one or more serious and/or violent felonies. . . ." ( People v. Williams, supra, 17 Cal.4th at p. 161; see People v. Carmony (2004) 33 Cal.4th 367, 377; People v. Garcia, supra, 20 Cal.4th at pp. 4984-99.) Defendant's criminal history dates back to when he was 14 years old. On October 19, 1981, defendant was arrested for assault with intent to commit bodily harm. (§ 245, subd. (a)(1).) Defendant was committed to the California Youth Authority. Defendant was paroled on September 27, 1982. On January 13, 1983, defendant was again arrested for taking a vehicle without the owner's consent and committed to the California Youth Authority. (Veh. Code, § 10851, subdivision (a).) On May 16, 1986, defendant was arrested for robbery. (§ 211.) He was later convicted of attempted robbery. (§§ 211, 664.) He was later found in violation of probation and on December 21, 1989, defendant was sentenced to prison for two years. On April 3, 1989, defendant was convicted of possessing a firearm in his automobile. (§ 12034, subd. (a).) Defendant was placed on 24 months summary probation and ordered to serve 60 days in county jail. Also, on December 21, 1989, defendant was convicted of second degree robbery and sentenced to four years in state prison. Defendant was paroled on November 15, 1991. On July 30, 1993, defendant was convicted of second degree robbery. Defendant was sentenced to seven years in state prison. On November 17, 1998, defendant was convicted of felony petty theft with a prior conviction. (§§ 484, 666.) Defendant was sentenced to six years in state prison. Defendant was on parole at the time the current offense was committed. In this case, the trial court indicated it had read defendant's motion to strike his prior convictions. The moving papers did not set forth any specific criteria to support the trial court's exercise of discretion. The trial court further indicated it was familiar with the points and authorities cited by defense counsel. In denying the motion to strike, the trial court stated: "Vis-à-vis the Romero issue, I don't want to embarrass [defendant], but his record is very substantial. The charges in this case — I know about the court's power under Romero. Oftentimes if a person has a substantial record historically but the new case is relatively minor, I do strike strikes . . . [¶] But, frankly, this is not, based upon [defendant's] record and the facts in the new case, I think that it is outside of any Romero consideration. It's noted for the record. It's part of the appellate procedure, the denial of the Romero and motion for new trial, and it's denied at this time." There was no abuse of discretion in the trial court's reasoned factually based decision not to strike one or more prior serious felony conviction findings pursuant to section 1385, subdivision (a). ( People v. Cole (2001) 88 Cal.App.4th 850, 874; People v. Strong (2001) 87 Cal.App.4th 328, 346.)
At the disposition hearing, the court considered Eduardo's probation report which recommended that he be placed with the Youth Authority. In addition to the 2003 case in which Eduardo was on probation, the report disclosed that on August 23, 2003, he was arrested and charged with grand theft of an automobile, but the records did not disclose the result of the petition. The report disclosed that Eduardo admitted having joined a gang over a year before "because he was having too many problems with his siblings." The report also disclosed that Eduardo was enrolled in school where "[h]is attendance is fair, and his grades are satisfactory. However, he was instructed several time[s] about gang behavior in school." Eduardo currently had four C minus, one C plus, and one B minus grades. The report noted that Eduardo was in violation of probation in his 2003 case because he participated in a gang shooting in this case. The probation officer recommended a Youth Authority placement because Eduardo's "behavior indicates that supervision in the community is no longer effective. The current allegation reflects that the minor shows no effort to comply with the conditions of probation. He has refused repeated demand[s] from the mother to stop hanging with gang members, and the gang life style. [¶] Due to the severity of the alleged offences, . . . a more structured and secure environment, the . . . Youth Authority, would be the idea[l] place for his progressive criminal behavior. While in the . . . Youth Authority, [Eduardo] would have an opportunity to participate in a structured environment, trade programs, and benefit from intensive counseling programs that may redirect the negative behavior that he is presently displaying." The court also considered a report prepared by psychologist Douglas Allen after he interviewed Eduardo, who then was 15 years old. Allen reviewed the police and probation reports from Eduardo's case. Allen reported that Eduardo's primary language was Spanish, but that he conducted the interview in English and found Eduardo's comprehension and expressiveness adequate. Allen opined, however, that Eduardo's more limited English ability may affect his school performance, and Eduardo reported that his performance was better in Spanish than in English. Allen administered a series of tests designed to measure Eduardo's psycho-educational levels, which disclosed that he had a low-average nonverbal I.Q. of 87, a fourth grade reading-recognition level, a first grade spelling level, and a second grade mathematics level. Allen concluded that these results showed that Eduardo's "abilities in all academic areas measured exhibited severe deficiencies" despite Eduardo's reported superior capabilities in Spanish over English. Allen diagnosed Eduardo with an unspecified learning disorder and recommended that instead of a Youth Authority placement, the court consider a probation camp program or the Violence Alternative Program (VAP). The trial court found that all three counts were felonies and qualified as offenses listed under section 707, subdivision (b). The court calculated Eduardo's maximum confinement time as 13 years and 8 months on both the current case and on the December 2003 case by adding the maximum possible sentences for each count: a 9-year upper term plus a 1-year "principal armed" enhancement for the count 1 assault; a 2-year term (one-third of the 6-year middle term) plus a 4-month (one-third) "principal armed" enhancement for the count 2 assault; an 8-month term (one-third of the 2-year middle term) for the count 4 accessory finding; and an 8-month term (one-third of the 2-year middle term) for the probation violation. The court did not address whether Eduardo had any exceptional educational needs. The court awarded Eduardo 88 days of pre-adjudication custody credits based on his counsel's representation and committed him to the Youth Authority. In mitigation and in favor of rehabilitation, the court considered Eduardo's age and remorse shown by his returning to the scene of the crime. In aggravation, however, the court considered that Eduardo was on probation yet "blatant[ly]" disregarded the condition that he not engage in gang activity and that the crime involved violence and "happened exactly as intended by [Eduardo] and his companions." The court found that the aggravating factors "outweigh any consideration the court has in terms of looking, first, to rehabilitation, and so I don't think that a camp commitment, even in the VAP [Program] is appropriate. . . ." The court concluded by stating it would "follow the recommendation of the probation officer . . ., and it does find that it is satisfied that the mental and physical condition and qualifications of [Eduardo] [are] such as to render it probable that he will be benefited by the reformatory, education, discipline or other treatment provided by the Youth Authority. . . ."
See ante fn. 2.
II. The "Principal Armed" Findings on the Assaults Must be Stricken. We agree with the parties that the findings that a principal was armed with a firearm during both assaults with firearms (counts 1 and 2) must be stricken because enhanced punishment when a principal is armed with a firearm cannot be imposed if "the arming is an element of th[e] offense." (Pen. Code, § 12022, subd. (a)(1); 3 Witkin Epstein, Cal. Criminal Law, supra, Punishment, § 320, p. 414; see People v. McGee (1993) 15 Cal.App.4th 107, 110, 112-116.) We modify the adjudication and dispositional orders to strike the "principal armed" findings on counts 1 and 2 and the related additional confinement time imposed therefore.
III. The Disposition Hearing. A. The Juvenile Court Erred by Failing to Address Whether Eduardo had Exceptional Educational Needs. Eduardo contends that the court erred by failing to address whether he had exceptional educational needs. He points to the findings in Allen's report suggesting that he had severe learning disabilities negatively affecting his academic performance. Eduardo argues that because the court was required to determine whether the Youth Authority could meet any exceptional educational needs, the determination could have affected the court's decision to commit him to the Youth Authority. We agree. California Rules of Court, rule 1494.5(e) provides: "The court must provide to the [Youth Authority] information regarding the youth's educational needs, including the youth's current individualized education program if one exists. To facilitate this process, the court must ensure that the probation officer communicates with appropriate educational staff." In re Angela M. (2003) 111 Cal.App.4th 1392, 1397-1399 held that where, as here, there were indications in an examining psychologist's report that the minor has learning disorders that may require an individualized educational program under Education Code section 56026, the juvenile court's responsibility to ensure that delinquent wards receive an appropriate education tailored to their individual needs required that the court "determine whether an evaluation of [the minor's] special educational needs should be conducted[.]" ( Id. at p. 1399.) Because the juvenile court failed to consider that issue, In re Angela M. remanded the matter for the juvenile court to make that determination. We conclude that the juvenile court erred in failing to determine whether Eduardo had special educational needs. Allen's report disclosed that Eduardo had learning disabilities that resulted in "severe deficiencies" in his tested academic performance. Those findings put the court on notice that Eduardo may have special educational needs. We reject the Attorney General's argument that Eduardo's barely passing current grades conclusively negate Allen's findings. Such grades hardly rule out the possibility that Eduardo's learning disabilities that resulted in "severe deficiencies" in his academic performance required a special educational program. Until the court examined the issue, it could not rationally determine the nature and extent of Eduardo's learning disorders and whether he required a special program to succeed. Likewise, we reject the Attorney General's argument that, because Education Code section 56026, subdivision (e) excludes from the definition of learning disorder poor school performance based on limited English proficiency, Eduardo's somewhat limited English proficiency conclusively negates Allen's findings. Allen explained that Eduardo's relatively poor performance may be caused by the learning disabilities independent of any English proficiency. Again, until the court examined the issue, it could not rationally resolve this conflict in the reports. We remand the matter for the court to conduct a hearing to determine whether Eduardo has special educational needs, and if so, whether that conclusion affects his suitability for placement in the Youth Authority.
B. The Juvenile Court Erred by Failing to Exercise its Discretion in Calculating Eduardo's Maximum Confinement Time. Section 731, subdivision (b) states: "A minor committed to the . . . Youth Authority may not be held in physical confinement for a period of time in excess of the maximum period of imprisonment which could be imposed upon an adult convicted of the offense or offenses which brought or continued the minor under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court." Before its 2003 amendment (effective January 1, 2004), section 731, subdivision (b) required that in computing the maximum confinement time, the court "determine the upper term of imprisonment for the most serious offense . . . then add any consecutive time imposed for other counts." ( In re Manzy W. (1997) 14 Cal.4th 1199, 1202, fn. 1.) The 2003 amendment added language requiring the court to exercise the same general sentencing discretion that it would in sentencing an adult offender "based upon the facts and circumstances of the matter or matters which brought or continued the minor under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court. . . ." ( In re Alex N. (2005) 132 Cal.App.4th 18, 25-27; In re Carlos E. (2005) 127 Cal.App.4th 1529, 15331-543; In re Sean W. (2005) 127 Cal.App.4th 1177, 1181-1189.) This discretion includes decisions whether an upper, middle, or lower confinement term is appropriate, whether subordinate terms should be concurrent or consecutive, and whether section 654 applies to subordinate terms. When the court fails to exercise its discretion in calculating the maximum confinement time, the case should be remanded for it to do so. ( Ibid.) The parties correctly agree that the juvenile court failed to exercise its discretion under section 731, subdivision (b). We reverse that portion of the order setting the maximum confinement time at 13 years and 8 months and remand for the court to hold a new dispositional hearing at which it should exercise its discretion and calculate the maximum confinement time.
C. We Need Not Address Whether the Juvenile Court Erred in Finding that Eduardo's Being an Accessory (Pen. Code, § 32, Count 4) Qualified as a Section 707, subdivision (b) Offense Because We Have Reversed Count 4 with Prejudice.
Section 707 defines circumstances under which a juvenile offender may be tried in adult court.
We note, however, that the parties correctly agree that Penal Code section 32 is not a qualifying offense under section 707, subdivision (b).
D. The Court Erred in Calculating Eduardo's Predisposition Custody Credits. Eduardo was in custody from December 11, 2004, through the March 9, 2005, disposition hearing, a period of 89 days. The trial court awarded Eduardo 88 days of predisposition credits. We agree with Eduardo that he is entitled to an additional day of credit. (§ 726, subd. (c); In re Randy J. (1994) 22 Cal.App.4th 1497, 1500-1504.) The Attorney General disputes neither the calculation nor the principle that Eduardo is entitled to credit for every day of actual custody, but argues that Eduardo waived the claim by not asking for the additional day below, and that the governing case does not mandate that we consider the issue, but leaves it to our discretion. ( People v. Mendez (1999) 19 Cal.4th 1084, 1100-1101.) Particularly because we are remanding the case for the court to hold hearings at which it must exercise discretion, we conclude it is appropriate for us to award Eduardo the additional day of credit and, on remand, order the juvenile court to modify the commitment order accordingly. ( Ibid.)
E. The Commitment Order Must be Corrected. As the parties correctly agree, the Youth Authority Commitment Order incorrectly stated that the juvenile court found Eduardo committed three assaults with firearms rather than two, and omitted the finding that he was an accessory. Whatever disposition the court orders upon remand, that order should show two findings of assault with firearms (counts 1 and 2) and omit any finding of being an accessory (count 4). The amended disposition order also should state that the "principal armed" findings on counts 1 and 2 are stricken for all purposes and that Eduardo is awarded 89 days of predisposition credit.
F. Whether the Juvenile Court Erred in Committing Eduardo to the Youth Authority. Eduardo contends the court abused its discretion in committing him to the Youth Authority. He argues that the court failed to consider relevant factors, and that substantial evidence does not support the order. "The appellate court reviews a commitment decision for abuse of discretion, indulging all reasonable inferences to support the juvenile court's decision. [Citations.] Nonetheless, there must be evidence in the record demonstrating both a probable benefit to the minor by a CYA commitment and the inappropriateness of less restrictive alternatives. [Citations.] A CYA commitment may be considered, however, without previous resort to less restrictive placements. [Citations.]" ( In re Angela M., supra, 111 Cal.App.4th at p. 1396.) Because we have reversed the accessory finding with prejudice, stricken the "principal armed" enhancements, and remanded the case for the court to exercise its discretion and determine whether Eduardo has special educational needs and his maximum confinement time, all of which may effect the appropriateness of a Youth Authority commitment, we vacate the commitment order. On remand, the court should exercise its discretion regarding Eduardo's educational needs and maximum confinement time, reexamine the appropriate placement for Eduardo in light of those decisions, and make a new commitment order. Although on this record the court had discretion to impose either a Youth Authority or camp placement, because the facts on remand will be different, we express no opinion regarding the most appropriate placement, which we leave to the juvenile court to determine.
IV. DISPOSITION
The judgment of conviction for violating section 12021.1, subdivision (a) is reversed. Upon issuance of the remittitur, the charge of a violation of section 12021.1, subdivision (a) is to be ordered dismissed. The judgment is affirmed in all other respects.Armstrong, J., and Mosk, J., concurred.
Appellant's petition for review by the Supreme Court was denied September 27, 2006, S144775.