People v. Walker CA1/4

DISCUSSION

In August 2024, Walker was charged by complaint with one felony count of receiving stolen property (a motor vehicle), in violation of section 496d, subdivision (a), and one felony count of unlawful taking or driving of a motor vehicle, in violation of Vehicle Code section 10851, subdivision (a). Shortly after arraignment, Walker’s counsel expressed a doubt as to Walker’s competency and the court appointed two doctors to assess Walker and provide reports pursuant to section 1369. Based on those reports and the parties’ stipulation that the court could decide the question of competency, the court found Walker IST. On November 5, 2024, the court ordered him committed to the Department of State Hospitals (DSH) for a maximum period of two years. On the same day, Walker’s counsel filed a notice of appeal from the commitment order. On December 11, 2024, DSH certified that Walker had regained competency and criminal proceedings were thereafter reinstated. Walker ultimately entered a guilty plea to the Vehicle Code section 10851, subdivision (a) count and admitted a prior conviction pursuant to section 666.5, and the court sentenced him to two years, with credit for 208 actual…