Opinion
S280820
05-29-2024
WASHINGTON (RODERICK) ON H.C.
The petition for writ of habeas corpus has been read and considered. Petitioner contends, among other claims, that he is entitled to relief under the Racial Justice Act of 2020 (Pen. Code,§ 745) and requests the disclosure of discovery and the appointment of counsel. Petitioner alleges that he “was subjected to racial discrimination, bias, and an unfair opportunity . . . to litigate his Fourth Amendment issue of illegal search and seizure and fabricated search warrants and affidavits . . . in violation of Racial Justice Act . . . .” He also alleges that he was charged and sentenced more harshly than other defendants due to his race, ethnicity, or national origin.
The Attorney General asserts that these claims have been forfeited. It is unnecessary to resolve that issue because petitioner has not established that he is entitled to discovery, appointment of counsel, or relief.
The petition does not satisfy the statutory requirements for the disclosure of discovery or for the appointment of counsel under the Racial Justice Act. (Pen. Code, §§ 745, subd. (d) [providing for disclosure of evidence relevant to violations of the Racial Justice Act; motion requesting such disclosure shall describe the types of records or information sought]; 1473, subd. (e) [providing for the appointment of counsel for an indigent petitioner who alleges facts constituting a violation of the Racial Justice Act].)
The petition also fails to make a prima facie showing of entitlement to relief under the Racial Justice Act. (Pen. Code, § 1473, subd. (e).) The petition fails to allege particularized facts that adequately describe the alleged actions and how they reflected racial bias or animus, or to support the claim that defendant was charged, convicted, or sentenced in a more severe manner than similarly situated individuals of other races, ethnicities, or national origins. Nor does petitioner describe or attach supporting documentary evidence concerning racial bias or animus or the use of racially discriminatory language. (Pen. Code, § 745, subd. (a)(1)-(4); cf. In re Swain (1949) 34 Cal.2d 300, 304 [a petition for writ of habeas corpus must allege sufficient facts with particularity]; cf. also People v. Duvall (1995) 9 Cal.4th 464, 474 [a petition for writ of habeas corpus must include copies of reasonably available documentary evidence].)
The requests for discovery and counsel are denied. The petition for writ of habeas corpus is denied.