People v. Vilas CA3

BACKGROUND

In the early morning hours of April 18, 2024, a California Highway Patrol officer observed a black truck pulling a trailer that had no license plate or lights. The truck was traveling approximately 15 miles per hour over the speed limit and weaving between

1 lanes. The officer pulled the truck over. Vilas was alone, appeared nervous, and failed to provide his license, registration, or proof of insurance. The officer asked Vilas to exit the truck. When Vilas did so, the officer noticed a handgun holster on the driver’s side floorboard next to a wallet. Vilas then disclosed that he had “dope” in the truck. The officer searched the truck and, in the area behind the driver’s seat, found a loaded handgun that fit into the holster. The search also yielded an automotive key cutting machine, shaved keys, small hand tools, and 6.2 grams of methamphetamine. In May 2024, an information charged Vilas with being a felon in possession of a firearm (Pen. Code, § 29800, subd. (a); count one), possession of a controlled substance with a firearm (Health & Saf. Code, § 11370.1, subd. (a); count two), and possession of burglary tools (§ 466; count three).1 The information further alleged…