People v. Dimas CA2/2

BACKGROUND

In January 2023, defendant was charged with driving or taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent in violation of Vehicle Code section 10851, subdivision (a). On August 6, 2024, a jury found defendant guilty as charged. The trial court suspended imposition of sentence and placed defendant on two years felony probation. Conditions included serving 210 days in county jail with 32 days presentence custody credit. Defendant was ordered to pay fines and fees in the amount of $371, restitution, and to abide by the terms of probation. Defendant filed a timely notice of appeal from the judgment. Prior to defendant’s jury trial, several motions were filed on his behalf. We have reviewed the motions, including a “Pitchess motion”1 for discovery of police officer Jesus Carillo’s confidential personnel records. The motion was granted as to evidence of dishonesty only. After an in camera review of the officer’s file, the trial court denied discovery. At trial the prosecution’s first witness was Officer Carrillo. He testified that late at night on May 22, 2021, he observed a Chevy Cruze automobile that had been reported stolen. He followed the car as it sped up to 60 miles per…