People v. Williams CA4/3

DISCUSSION

The sole issue before us is whether section 1172.75 precludes relief to defendants whose judgments include a former section 667.5, subdivision (b), prison prior enhancement that was imposed but not executed. We review this issue of statutory interpretation de novo. (People v. Lewis (2021) 11 Cal.5th 952, 961.) When interpreting a statute, ‘“[o]ur fundamental task . . . is to determine the Legislature’s intent so as to effectuate the law’s purpose. We first examine the statutory language, giving it a plain and commonsense meaning. . . . If the language is clear, courts must generally follow its plain meaning unless a literal interpretation would result in absurd consequences the Legislature did not intend. If the statutory language permits more than one reasonable interpretation, courts may consider other aids, such as the statute’s purpose, legislative history, and public policy.’ [Citation.]” (Sierra Club v. Superior Court (2013) 57 Cal.4th 157, 165–166.) “We must look to the statute’s words and give them their usual and ordinary meaning.” (People v. Gonzalez (2008) 43 Cal.4th 1118, 1126.) Section 1172.75, subdivision (a), provides that “[a]ny sentence enhancement…