People v. Sanchez CA2/7

INTRODUCTION

Steven Rangel Sanchez appeals from the restitution order entered by the trial court after he pleaded no contest to felony possession of a firearm by a felon. Sanchez argues the trial court’s imposition of a $300 statutory minimum restitution fine and $70 in ancillary costs after a hearing on his inability to pay was a violation of due process and an abuse of discretion because he had no realistic ability to pay the amounts imposed. We affirm the imposition of the ancillary costs. We stay the imposition of the restitution fine and remand to give Sanchez the opportunity to assert an excessive fines challenge to the restitution fine, pursuant to People v. Kopp (2025) 19 Cal.5th 1 (Kopp).

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

A. Sanchez’s No Contest Plea and Sentencing In November 2024, after responding to a report of gunshots, Los Angeles Police Department officers saw Sanchez holding a firearm and retrieved a gun, a magazine, and spent casings from Sanchez’s vicinity. He spontaneously told the officers he took his uncle’s gun and shot into the air. Sanchez was charged with negligent discharge of a firearm (Pen. Code, § 246.3, subd. (a)) and possession of a firearm by…