People v. Watson CA4/1

INTRODUCTION

David Jack Watson appeals the trial court’s order setting the amount of restitution he owed to his victims. He asserts the trial court lacked jurisdiction to issue the order because his probationary period had expired. On the record before us, we disagree the trial court lacked jurisdiction and affirm.

BACKGROUND

Watson stole a Porsche race car that was loaded on a vehicle hauler trailer. He damaged both and hit another car in the process. The Porsche and the other car belonged to T.G. and the vehicle trailer to D.Q. The damaged Porsche and vehicle trailer were eventually recovered and returned to the victims. On May 22, 2023, Watson pled guilty to one count of unlawful taking and driving of a vehicle valued greater than $950 (Veh. Code, § 10851, subd. (a)). As part of the plea deal, the District Attorney dismissed the second Vehicle Code section 10851, subdivision (a) count, and allegations of nine prior felony convictions which made Watson ineligible for probation

(Pen. Code,1 § 1203, subd. (e)(4)), and one of which qualified as a strike prior (§§ 667, subds. (b)–(i), 1170.12, and 668). At the sentencing hearing on July 5, 2023, Watson was placed on formal…