The People v. Carlsen CA5

INTRODUCTION

Appellant asks this court to independently review the materials considered by the trial court during a Pitchess hearing (Pitchess v. Superior Court (1974) 11 Cal.3d 531 (Pitchess)). We have conducted the requested review and discerned neither procedural error nor abuse of discretion. The judgment will be affirmed.

FACTS

On January 9, 2012, a California Highway Patrol Officer conducted a traffic stop of a car driven by appellant Trisha Carlsen. The officer conducted field sobriety tests, which appellant failed to perform satisfactorily. The officer searched appellant and found a baggie containing .53 grams of methamphetamine. Appellant’s blood tested positive for amphetamines and marijuana. On January 30, 2012, an information was filed in Kern County Superior Court charging appellant with possession of methamphetamine (count 1), misdemeanor driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or a drug (count 2) and being under the influence of a controlled substance (count 3). On April 20, 2012, appellant pled no contest to counts 1 and 2; count 3 was dismissed by the People in the interests of justice. On May 29, 2012, the court suspended imposition of…