People v. Robinson CA5

INTRODUCTION

Defendant Trammell Glenn Robinson II was convicted in November 2023 of stealing a car and driving under the influence of methamphetamines, as well as two drug possession-related charges, all stemming from an incident occurring in January 2023. Defendant’s appellate counsel raises no claims of error in briefing here, and requests that we independently review the record pursuant to People v. Wende (1979) 25 Cal.3d 436. Defendant did not file a supplemental brief, but submitted a letter to the court, which was taken into consideration in this decision.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

In January 2023, J.H., the victim in this case, was staying at a motel in Ridgecrest, California, following his discharge from the military and while awaiting more permanent housing from the Department of Veterans Affairs. He had recently purchased an older SUV, for which he paid $2,000, as well as a flatbed car trailer, for which he paid $7,000, to allow him to transport vehicles as a means of earning money following his discharge. J.H. had encountered defendant, who he described as looking “down-and-out,” in Ridgecrest on a few occasions, and volunteered to let defendant come and stay…