People v. Charles CA4/2

BACKGROUND

In December 2024, defendant was charged with four felonies: evading a peace

officer while driving with willful or wanton disregard of the safety of persons and

property (Veh. Code, § 2800.2, subd. (a); count 1), evading a peace officer against traffic

(Veh. Code, § 2800.4; count 2), driving or taking a vehicle without consent (Veh. Code,

§ 10851, subd. (a); count 4), and receiving a stolen vehicle (Pen. Code, § 496, subd. (d);

count 3). He was also charged with driving without a valid driver’s license (Veh. Code,

§ 12500, subd. (a); count 5). The complaint also alleged defendant had suffered a serious

or violent prior felony conviction (Pen. Code, §§ 667, subd. (b), 1170.12 subd. (a)-(d), a

strike prior).

On December 9, 2024, defendant entered into a plea agreement in which he pled

guilty to count 1 and admitted the strike prior. His agreement included a waiver of his

right to appeal. The trial court sentenced defendant to a prison term of 32 months (the

low term doubled on account of the strike prior).

Eleven days later, on December 20, 2024, defendant moved to withdraw his plea.

The trial court denied the motion, and defendant timely noticed this…